Mozambique / Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira

Debuting in July 2023, Banyan Tree’s first flagship to grace the Southern African continent is set to be the most luxurious belle of the ball.

The Maldives better watch out with this one, with aspirations to go above and beyond the high standards and swanky resorts so often associated with the ritzy-glitzy region, Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira is getting ready to elevate its own corner of the Indian Ocean. Resting on its own private island that imitates a volcanic caldera, post safari-goers look forward to idling around on its circle of sand after a heavy few days of game drives, and the rapturous beach-buffs who emerge onto their private-pool-accented decks confirm that shoulders will loosen and cares will float away with the tide. They can usually be followed in their blissed-out states to either the infinity pool or the spa – where the best Asian treatments that have been passed down for generations have been introduced using natural and indigenous ingredients.

100% solar-powered and residing in Africa’s largest Marine Reserve, the island is, of course, very much dedicated to its surroundings. Rooms are accented by native materials, freshly caught seafood is presented on a backdrop of 270 degree ocean views in the Fish & Seafood Market restaurant, and activities in the big blue are heavily encouraged. Whale, dolphin and turtle watching comes with ease on the shore and the amount of protected species that live here are precisely why the founder built the Marine Conservation centre, with an environmental programme headed by a full-time conservationist. Meanwhile, below the waves lies 20 percent of the area’s intact living coral and, just a stone’s throw away, the diveable shipwreck of the Dutch MS Berastagi that sank in 1947. 

Travel notes:

• 40 villas with private pools
• As well as the seafood option, there’s regional and international dishes at an all-day dining restaurant, and customised menus for in-villa meals or destination dining
• Other ocean activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, subaquatic eco-safaris and more
• To compliment the sea-based fun, there’s also star gazing, a master chef culinary class and yoga classes in the pavilion
• There’s a few steps to get here, but it’s worth every one, including either a transfer by helicopter or via light aircraft and a speedboat