The background

In the mood for something a little different this summer? The southeast African country of Mozambique is still relatively under the tourism radar but offers adventurous souls a plethora of experiences with its 2,500km of unspoiled coastline, turquoise waters, remote archipelagos and spectacular wildlife. Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony, under its rule for more than four centuries, and Africa’s 16th largest country still bears the cultural and architectural influence of its past and the scars of its 15-year-long civil war following independence in 1975.

The north lacks infrastructure and is reserved for the most intrepid traveller, while the south is where you’ll find some of the world’s most beautiful and undiscovered beaches. Located around 170 km from the capital, Maputo, and close to the borders of Eswatini and South Africa, Machangulo Peninsula is a slice of paradise, sometimes referred to as Mozambique’s ‘best kept secret’. Part of the wider Machangulo Nature Reserve, it’s home to freshwater lagoons frequented by friendly dolphins, lush mangroves and subtropical forests.

The villa

If you decide to tick Mozambique off your bucket list this summer (the best months to visit are between May and October), then seek out Colina Verde, the epitome of secluded luxury. Built into the reserve’s lush hills (the name translates from Portuguese to ‘green hill’) in a remote coastal forest in the Machangulo Peninsula, the palatial seven-bedroom villa is ideal for large intergenerational stays, accommodating up to 18 guests.

Everything has been designed around pleasure and pure escapism, with spacious relaxation areas, an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis court, gym and spa facilities on request. Not to mention the excellent in-house staff, including housekeeping, a yoga instructor (on request) and Joy, your personal chef, who serves fresh dishes using homegrown veg from the organic garden. Each of the bedrooms overlooks the Indian Ocean and is individually and tastefully decorated in a traditional style. In fact, Colina Verde itself was built using local craftsmanship and materials.

Those who venture further afield than the infinity pool and terraces will be rewarded with exceptional excursions such as kayaking, snorkelling, sandboarding, lunch on nearby white sand dunes, sailing on a traditional dhow sailboat and visits to the neighbouring island of Inhaca. Guests can even take part in Colina Verde’s in-house fish tagging and monitoring programme, and animal lovers may be lucky enough to spot dugongs, humpback whales, turtles and great white pelicans flying overhead. Magical and unforgettable.

The details

Colina Verde is available for exclusive hire from SJ Villas. Prices available on request