High on a green dune is a space of bliss and calm, built around circles of soothing water. No surprise that Colina Verde is ‘green hill’ in Portuguese, which reflects the tropical Machangulo peninsula of southern Mozambique. Surrounded by dune forest, with the Indian Ocean lapping down below, it’s a magnificent year-round holiday hideaway.
Wake up with the sun, throw open the doors and feel a lust for life. There may be dolphins surfing the waves below or humpback whales flicking their tales in the distance, while you sip your coffee on the deck. Maybe head down to the deserted golden beach for a walk and an ocean dip before breakfast – served by your personal chef, using fresh local and garden ingredients. It’s a magical way to start the day.
Set in 10 000ha of the Machangulo Reserve with 20 km of coastline, this is a special spot for friends and families to reconnect in idyllic surroundings. Under one roof, each of the seven en-suite bedrooms of the lodge is individually decorated in washed, calm colours and built to hug a central circular pool and hot tub. But for a complete escape, there’s a tower deck alongside where you can read, nap and
dream all day.
Oh there’s plenty to do too, if you’re inclined. Go deep-sea fishing for Giant Trevally and more – or saltwater flyfishing. Try sandboarding, snorkelling, fat-biking or kayaking. Or enjoy a picnic on a sandbar and sundowners aboard a traditional sailing dhow. Maybe visit the local village or nearby Maputo Special Reserve where, if you’re lucky, you can see whales and elephants at the same time. Another luck is seeing loggerhead and leatherback turtles lumber up the beach on summer nights to lay their eggs. It’s an awe-inspiring highlight to this quintessential African beach holiday.
What we love!
- The on-site chef prepares all your meals, with a focus on freshest seafood and veggies from their garden.
- The ritual of a freshly baked cake served with tea each afternoon.
- A tiny décor detail reflects each room’s name.
- Bedrooms all have ocean views.
- The pool is heated in winter.
- There’s active involvement in marine conservation in the area.
What you need to know…
- The house is for exclusive use of up to 18 guests.
- Colina Verde is not wheelchair friendly.
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Malaria risk is low.
- There is accommodation for pilots and nannies.
- Getting there: fly to Maputo, then a boat or helicopter transfer to the lodge.
- Alternatively self-drive or self-fly to the lodge, which has a grass airstrip.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey