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    The Whale Coast, South Africa

    Marine Hermanus

    Smart Cliffside Hotel overlooking Walker Bay with Great Food

    You need only look up from your table, bed or book when staying at the smart cliffside hotel of Marine Hermanus to see whales breaching the Atlantic surf of Walker Bay.

    The 42 suites, that surround a pretty internal courtyard and lovely groomed gardens, are decorated in a light palette of colours which feels smart, comfortable and clean. Built in 1902, the use of traditional furniture, heavy fabrics, antiques and chintz wallpaper really enhances the classic, early 20th-century seaside character here too. However the main feature at the hotel is its position on the Hermanus headland which gives it 360? views of the bays, the Overburg mountains and quite frankly one of the most magnificent seascapes in the southern hemisphere.

    The in-house restaurant usually employs a very reputable chef making the food at the hotel consistently excellent. Hermanus is well known as the one of the planet’s best places to spot whales from the shoreline, its local town also carries a tangible European feel with its many cafés and arts culture.

    Highlights

    Whale and Dolphin Watching

    Golf

    Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

    Beaches (walks and relaxation)

    Local Arts and Craft Tours

    Shark Viewing and Charters

    Scenic Flights and Air Charters

    Bird Watching

    Wine Tours

    Hiking

    42 suites

    Spa

    Boutique

    Swimming Pool

    WiFi

    Bar, Lounge

    Restaurant

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    Places to combine Marine Hermanus with

    Azura Marlin Beach

    Mozambique

    Azura Marlin Beach

    Azura Marlin Beach is located on the shores of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. The resort’s ten beautifully designed villas blend local craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a seamless harmony between nature and comfort. Choose from beach villas and beach villa grandes or indulge in the exclusivity of villa vista, a spacious private sanctuary featuring two separate suites, a large pool and an expansive entertainment area, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Each villa is curated for both seclusion and connection, with open-air living spaces. The soft ocean breeze drifts through private terraces, while personal plunge pools offer a secluded oasis to bask in the sun. 

    Thoughtfully designed public areas maximise sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, providing tranquil spaces to relax, dine and take in the beauty of the island. Mornings begin with freshly prepared breakfasts overlooking the water, followed by leisurely afternoons spent poolside, where the sun-drenched deck invites deep relaxation. Evenings unfold with elegant candlelit dinners beneath the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the beachfront setting. For a taste of Mozambican tradition, the lively weekly beach bbq is a guest favourite, offering an immersive experience of grilled seafood, local specialties and storytelling under the open sky.

    Two Mile Reef, one of the region’s most pristine snorkelling and diving sites, reveals an underwater world of breathtaking colour and movement, where manta rays sweep gracefully through the depths and rare marine species make their home among the corals. PADI 5-Star certified scuba diving excursions, led by expert instructors, offer a deeper glimpse into this extraordinary ecosystem, while deep-sea fishing expeditions provide the thrilling opportunity to seek out the legendary black marlin that the Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for.

    The resort’s open-air treehouse spa provides a haven of rejuvenation, where skilled therapists use traditional African oils and balms to melt away tension.

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

    Rwanda

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.

    The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.

    Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.

    As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.

    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline