Located between Tetouan and Tangier on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bayis a stunning retreat designed for those seeking serenity and sophistication. With its private beach, world-class spa, and elegant villas, this resort offers the ultimate Mediterranean experience.
Relaxation Redefined in Tamuda Bay
Set on a 10-hectare estate, the resort is a haven of calm where time feels suspended. The sound of gentle waves, the aroma of sea air, and the sight of lush gardens create an inviting atmosphere of relaxation. Stretching across a 700-metre private beach, guests can enjoy turquoise waters and sunlit shores, making every moment feel like a getaway from the ordinary.
For families, couples, or solo travellers, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay offers a range of activities to recharge and reconnect. Whether lounging on the beach or strolling through fragrant gardens, this is where life’s pace slows to an enjoyable rhythm.
Elegant Accommodation with Unmatched Views
The resort features 55 luxurious villas and suites, each designed to reflect the natural beauty of its surroundings. Positioned to maximise views of either the Mediterranean shoreline or the dramatic mountains, these accommodations provide a light-filled sanctuary of comfort and style.
From beachfront suites to garden-facing villas, every space is thoughtfully designed with a blend of modern elegance and Moroccan charm. Spacious layouts, private terraces, and tranquil interiors create a connection with nature, ensuring every guest feels at home in this Mediterranean paradise.
A Culinary Celebration of the Mediterranean
Dining at Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay is an experience in itself. Each restaurant celebrates the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, serving dishes crafted from the finest local and seasonal ingredients.
Guests can indulge in beachfront dining with stunning sea views or savour gourmet creations under the stars. With a focus on fresh, regional cuisine, the resort’s culinary offerings cater to every palate. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed family meal or a romantic dinner for two, every bite promises a memorable journey through Mediterranean flavours.
A Spa Experience Like No Other
At the heart of the resort lies the Medi-Spa Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, a serene sanctuary dedicated to well-being. Spanning 4,300 square metres, the spa offers personalised treatments that blend traditional Moroccan rituals with advanced wellness techniques.
Enjoy a range of therapies designed to restore balance and vitality, from signature massages to cutting-edge facials. The spa’s calming design, inspired by the natural surroundings, enhances every experience, making it a place where relaxation feels effortless.
Explore Andalusian Morocco
Beyond the resort, guests can discover the unique culture and history of the surrounding region, often referred to as “Andalusian Morocco.” Explore the charming streets of Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or visit Tangier, a city where history and modernity converge. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Rif Mountains offer hiking trails and breathtaking vistas.
A Seaside Palace
Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay is a celebration of waterside living at its finest. With its idyllic beachfront setting, exquisite design, and world-class amenities, the resort offers a timeless escape for those who appreciate the beauty of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo retreat, this resort is the perfect destination to relax, recharge, and explore the beauty of Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.
Tucked away in Sandhurst’s leafy embrace, the Saxon Hotel offers an air of refined exclusivity, a world apart from the hum of Johannesburg. Here, luxury is neither loud nor ostentatious but expressed through immaculate attention to detail and a quiet sense of serenity. The lush, expansive gardens envelop the property, creating a haven of calm where time seems to slow.
The suites strike a perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, with understated African influences woven into a contemporary design. Whether in the main hotel or the secluded villas, each space feels thoughtfully crafted, from the fine linens to the beautifully curated décor. Service is effortlessly intuitive—always attentive but never intrusive, anticipating your needs before you’re even aware of them.
Dining is a highlight of the Saxon experience. Qunu’s menu combines bold, locally sourced flavours with an inventive touch, while the Olive Bar’s relaxed yet polished atmosphere makes it ideal for an evening drink overlooking the gardens. Breakfast in the Piano Lounge is an indulgence of its own, featuring freshly brewed coffee, seasonal ingredients, and a setting as inviting as the meal itself.
The spa, a jewel in the Saxon’s crown, offers a tranquil escape where award-winning treatments are delivered with an unrivalled focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by calming design and soothing gardens, every visit feels like an immersive reset for the senses.
Morocco is a land where your senses go into overdrive, from the heady scent of spices to the vivid colours that light up every souk (market). This is a country that takes you by the hand and pulls you deep into its ancient rhythms, where modern-day life and ancient traditions swirl together.
Whether you’re sipping mint tea on a riad rooftop (traditional house) or watching the sun dip behind the Sahara dunes, Morocco leaves its mark long after you’ve said goodbye.
Ready to lose yourself in the magic? Here’s where to go, stay and eat in this enchanting land.
Picture this: a private helicopter sweeps you across the turquoise waters of Tanzania’s coast, and below, the remote paradise of Thanda Island comes into view—a secret escape nestled in the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve. Voted the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island, this isn’t just a luxurious retreat; it’s your very own slice of heaven. With only one villa on the island, it’s a place of total privacy and indulgence, designed exclusively for you, your family, and friends. The five air-conditioned suites are moments from the soft, white sands, with two traditional Tanzanian bandas adding even more space for those looking to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.
Inside the villa, coastal whites and calming blues mirror the Indian Ocean outside, with a glass-edged infinity pool wrapping around the property. Whether you’re relaxing in the air-conditioned library, working out in the private gym, or simply enjoying a glass from the impressive wine collection, every detail is in place to make your stay effortless. It’s a setting where even the sound of the waves seems curated for tranquillity.
Dining on Thanda Island is anything but ordinary. Before you arrive, the Executive Chef reaches out to craft a menu that perfectly matches your preferences—whether it’s a seafood banquet under the stars or a wood-fired pizza fresh from the outdoor oven. Every meal is prepared with the freshest local ingredients, served wherever you wish: on the beach, by the pool, or in the villa’s expansive dining area. Cocktails are poured as the sun dips below the horizon, and every bite feels like part of the island’s rhythm.
Adventure is always on the horizon here. With exclusive access to the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, you’ll find a stunning underwater world waiting for you. Snorkel through vibrant coral reefs, or dive deeper to discover the treasures hidden beneath the surface. Thanda’s private yacht, Sazi, is ready to take you on a deep-sea fishing adventure, while the 28-foot Real Magic catamaran offers a day of excitement on the open water. If your idea of adventure leans towards relaxation, the beachside spa treatments, delivered by expert therapists, are an ideal way to unwind.
Privacy is the island’s most precious luxury. With no other guests, the island is yours to explore at your leisure. The staff, from the butlers to the spa therapists, are on hand to cater to your every need, whether it’s arranging a romantic dinner under the stars or preparing your boat for a day on the water. Despite the remote location, you’re never far from modern comforts: Wi-Fi and mobile reception are available, should you need to reconnect with the outside world.
At Thanda Island, every detail is designed for indulgence. Days flow from long, leisurely breakfasts to afternoons spent snorkelling or simply lounging by the pool. The moments are yours to savour. Whether you’re soaking in the copper beach baths or enjoying sunset cocktails, there’s an intimacy here that’s hard to find anywhere else. The world outside may continue, but here, on your own private island, it feels as though you’ve found something timeless.
Constance Lemuria, located on Praslin Island in the Seychelles, offers a balance of luxury and natural beauty. Surrounded by tropical landscapes and beaches, this five-star resort features a range of activities, including the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles and access to vibrant marine life at nearby diving sites. Guests visiting between October and February can even observe turtles nesting on the resort’s beaches.
For families, the Constance Kids Club provides engaging activities such as island excursions and cooking classes. Adults can unwind at the resort’s spa or relax by the beachside pools, designed to complement the natural surroundings.
Dining is a key highlight, with four restaurants catering to various tastes. Legend Restaurant offers extensive buffet choices, while Diva focuses on contemporary dishes. Seafood lovers will enjoy Creole-style dishes at The Nest, which overlooks the ocean. The resort also features several bars with scenic settings, perfect for evening drinks.
Accommodation options include junior and senior suites, along with private villas for those seeking more space and privacy. Each room is thoughtfully designed with modern amenities such as air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Constance Lemuria combines elegant facilities with its stunning location, making it ideal for travellers seeking relaxation, family-friendly activities, or a bit of both.
Another One&Only treasure, Gorilla’s Nest provides a front-row-seat to the Mountain Gorilla Sanctuary.
Swathed in Eucalyptus trees, this modern haven features 21 lodges and suites. It’s the closest resort to Volcanoes National Park where 340 gorillas, golden mountain monkeys and 300 bird species make their home.
Styled meticulously with African artefacts and geometric patterns, each room pulls you right into the essence of Rwanda. At the Nest restaurant and bar, you’ll enjoy seasonal cuisine sourced from local farms and beautifully presented by passionate chefs. Mixologists will invite you to select from the lodge’s vast wine list or signature cocktails. And you can enjoy a guided taste tour of Rwandan coffee to learn what really sets it apart.
In the Swahili language, Mahali Mzuri means ‘beautiful place’. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, this beautiful safari camp boasts 12 luxury tents on the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is a globally-renowned game reserve. It’s also an incredible honeymoon destination or bucket-list experience with a front-row seat to The Great Migration.
At this safari camp, the main tent features a lounge, open fireplace, library, iPads for guest use and a dining area for breakfast and lunch. Connected by a walkaway, all 12 tents are easily accessible to the main lounge. Each luxury tent features an ensuite bathroom, authentic African decor, an abundance oflarge windows with scenic views and a private deck. Enjoy a sundowner picnic engulfed in lantern light
and the afterglow of an African sunset or sit around an open fire pit and watch the sun go down from the comfort of the camp deck.
Situated among Dakhla Bay’s awe-inspiring landscape, La Tour d’Eole luxury ecolodge harmonises with its surroundings, using the natural bounty of the desert dunes, turquoise waters and rugged cliffs as its building blocks.
Crafted primarily from Douglas wood, chosen for its sustainability and durability, the ecolodge blends into the sandy terrain, evoking a sense of unity with the environment. Stone, travertine and traditional Moroccan tiles adorn the interiors, further celebrating the local landscape.
With a range of rooms, suites and villas, including the four-bedroom villa for families or friends,
La Tour d’Eole offers a tailored experience for every guest. With all the makings of a legendary holiday experience, La Tour d’Eole is making a scene.
At Jack’s Camp, the only thing dry is the desert and even then, it quenches you in a way we can’t quite explain. Bedouin-style canvas tents blend into the bush yet burst with dramatic interiors and Persian flair that awakens everything artistic, unconventional and a bit wild within.
Located in the Great Kalahari Desert and a relic of what was once one of theworld’s largest lakes, this prehistoric setting provides an incredible experience.
The camp features ten luxury tents with electricity, ensuite bathrooms and all-inclusive meals and drinks, including traditional afternoon tea.
Jack’s Camp puts a high priority on conservation, community and sustainability, ensuring that tourism is both eco-friendly for the animals and local people.
Sundy Praia, Príncipe Island’s symbol of refinement and sustainability, stands in playful contrast to its natural surroundings, offering a combination of modern elegance and tropical charm.
Each of the 15 tented villas, blend locally crafted treasures with modern comforts and promises an enchanting retreat. Surrounded by majestic trees and the rolling Atlantic, these villas boast breathtaking views and private plunge pools, ensuring holiday snaps in every direction. At the wall-less restaurant, indulge in culinary delights sourced from the island’s organic produce. Sundy Praia invites guests to fall head over heels for its tranquil ambiance and conservation-minded ethos.
Framed by the majestic Moroccan desert, Dar Ahlam emerges like a mirage, a vision realised by Thierry Teyssier. Affectionately known to its guests as the Maison des Rêves or the House of Dreams, Dar Ahlam was born from a reverie, which, we suspect, is the only way such a place could come into being.
Located in the heart of the palm grove near Ouarzazate, it offers 14 suites each with its own tale to tell. Each moment here is staged to perfection, offering an experience where no day is the same. With interiors styled with plenty of Moroccan flair and a Garden of Eden with a swimming pool at your fingertips, this is where fantasies intertwine with reality.
For more info on Dar Ahlam, visit Small Luxury Hotels of the World at www.slh.com
La Maison Bleue
Experience the faultless blend of old-world sophistication and modern luxury at La Maison Bleue, a lavish 19th-century Mediterranean mansion in El Gouna. Embodying the grandeur of a splendid estate, this boutique hotel boasts ten charming suites, an exclusive beach, and a luxury spa that nods to timeless glamour.
Designed by antiques collector Amr Khalil, the opulent interiors feature antique European furniture from the 18th to 20th centuries. Stays here are guaranteed to be tasty with exquisite dining options, and you’re in good company, as celebrities and couples flock to this resort that strives to satisfy every wish and whim.
For more info on La Maison Bleue, visit Small Luxury Hotels of the World at www.slh.com
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel
If Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel was a moodboard, it would lean heavily towards a potent hit of tranquillity and luxury, where moments that lose track of time are interspersed with the interiors influenced by exotic traditions. But step inside and you’re in a realm where classical splendour meets contemporary chic, curated with an eagle eye for detail.
Part of the considerable charm of this adults-only sanctuary in Mauritius lies in its secluded love nests by the new swimming pool and on the picturesque peninsula,
offering intimate spaces for couples to relax amid coconut trees and bougainvillea framing stunning infinity views. The hotel also offers a Dine Around experience, allowing guests to savour culinary delights at three out of four restaurants and ensuring each stay is truly special.
Located in the western part of the Zambezi National Park and only an hour’s drive from the world-famous Victoria Falls, the Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge offers guests the chance to luxuriate in the glorious African bush where they can take in the exquisite waters of the mighty Zambezi or marvel at elephant, buffalo, lion, hippo and abundant birdlife.
In 2020, Batoka Africa acquired 100% ownership of the former Zambezi Sands River Camp and its sister attraction, the Gorges Lodge. The acquisition set the foundation for co-founder Vimbai Masiyiwa’s vision for developing a social impact model for their properties, which empower communities while providing a superior luxury experience. The 11 suites have been reconceptualised by contemporary furniture and décor firm The Private House Company, under the astute eye of South African interior designer Yvonne O’Brien.
Zuri means ‘beautiful’ in Swahili, and everything you encounter at this resort is beautiful. Whether you’re planning a celebration with close friends and relatives, you’ll have your pick of stunning bungalows, suites and villas filled with beautiful accents and lavish splurges.
The resort has started several long-term initiatives to promote sustainability, community upliftment and education, including a ‘pack to give’ initiative where guests
can save room in their suitcases to gift everything from laptops to educational toys to books, clothing and more to the neighbourhood communities. Here, you can travel with a purpose.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience everything from cultural excursions to culinary masterpieces and water adventures, offering memories that last a lifetime.
The sun has barely risen but Ngor village is already in motion and the fishermen have returned to the shore, buckets overflowing with fish. Surfboards in hand, we pause only for a traditional Senegalese ‘Touba’ coffee before heading out to Ibra Samb’s lookout spot. “If there’s a wave, we paddle out,” he confidently states.
The pulse of the Atlantic Ocean ripples through every aspect of life in Dakar. It is not just a backdrop; it is the lifeblood of the city.
Destination Dakar
Ibrahima ‘Ibra’ Samb is a prominent figure in Dakar’s surfing community and in pursuit of competing on the CT Championship Tour. He is also a Volcom ambassador – Volcom is one of the top brands that design board-sports products.
Growing up in the small village of Ngor, just a few hundred metres from one of Dakar’s prime surf spots, he quickly honed his skills and developed a deep connection with the waves. Known for his exceptional talent and infectious enthusiasm, Ibra has become a leading ambassador for Senegalese surfing, showcasing the rich potential of Dakar’s surf scene. He says, “When I surf, I feel free and at peace within myself. I try to take advantage of that when I’m in the water.”
Over the past few decades, Senegal has grown into a sought-after surfing destination, celebrated for its warm waters and diverse surf spots that cater to all skill levels. The country’s coastline offers a myriad of experiences, from the world-class right-handers at Île de N’Gor, (N’Gor Island), made famous by the iconic surf documentary film The Endless Summer, to the challenging breaks at Yoff and Ouakam.
Today, Senegalese surfing is a unique blend of local talent and international influence, with a tight-knit community that thrives on the shared love of the ocean and the thrilling pursuit of the perfect wave.
