Mozambique

Pemba

Arriving at Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa is to enter a modern oasis in a largely undeveloped land. Outside the temperature may hover between 30 and 40 degrees, but inside your air-conditioned room you can relax in your private habitat and dream of adventures past, and still to come. The Indian Ocean glitters beyond manicured lawns, dominating the vista from first floor rooms, whilst in the new Courtyard wing you are cosseted in a haven of rich furnishings, Persian rugs and marble clad bathrooms – a truly sumptuous rendition of African east coast living.

At night, you will enjoy the tropical heat as you drift from the Niassa Bar, with its wildlife trophies evoking past hunting days, to the Quirimbas Restaurant where leading chefs have sculpted the blend of international and local cuisine, with local seafood in abundance. By day, you may laze around the infinity pool which seems to tumble into the ocean, or take a short walk to the buzzing Clube Naval and adjacent yacht marina.

Here, the immaculately organized activity centre tempts you with all the sporting action your heart desires – deep-sea fishing for Kingfish, Sailfish, Marlin or Barracuda, diving off coral reefs, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking or water-skiing. Fitness enthusiasts can sweat it out in the well- equipped gym or on the flood-lit tennis courts.