Last Updated on July 22, 2020
Thanda Island
Thanda Island is a luxury private island resort, and the one that reigns supreme. The main villa on Thanda Island has 5 bedrooms with luxurious king-size beds all with their own en-suite bathrooms, and even better they have outdoor baths with showers and a kitchen – making it really feel like a home away from home. The lounge area is large and spacious with the elegant decor to match, some of the villas are even kitted with a magnificent fish tank that will keep you mesmerised for hours. There are also other options to choose such as the two bandas which are rustic and set further down the beach for a more standard, laid back experience. Whichever option you choose for your needs, it will be ideal the ideal stress reliever and ensure your stay on this exotic island is as comfy as can be. Whether you are going as a single person, a couple to celebrate or a group, this is the ideal holiday to just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The service is certainly five-star, as you can opt for a personal chef and housekeepers. The island also offers visitors extraordinary water-based experiences such as sailing and swimming with whale sharks.
Mauritius
There is a saying by Mark Twain which really captures what Mauritius is all about: ‘Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius. Mauritius is a honeymooner’s paradise with beautiful crystal-clear waters, sunshine, beautiful surroundings and it just keeps getting better. Mauritius is a tropical island with moderate temperatures and loads of sunshine with amazing waterfalls and calming tropical forests. There are so many activities to enjoy such as hiking in the jungle, snorkelling in the waters, swimming with dolphins, laying in the warm sun, or walking through the beautiful botanical gardens. The people are very friendly and welcoming and love to share their culture with tourists. You will find the culinary influences from the diverse cultures of Africa, Asia, and Europe, all of which help to create distinct flavours and textures home to Mauritius alone. You should try their traditional flatbread that they are so proud of that is filled with spices, split peas and a dollop of chutney together with a servicing of their famous babonne, which is a white fleshy fish, similar to a red snapper.
The Seychelles
Seychelles is an island that consists of a series of smaller islands in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. Seychelles is known for having some of the most beautiful, untouched beaches in the world with palm trees standing proudly against the beautiful clear skies. The beaches are so vast that they never seem to be crowded, even during peak season. Seychelles has the perfect climate, due to being near to the equator, making it the perfect holiday destination no matter the time of year. Since it’s a tropical climate, light showers should be expected over the summer months, but they typically last only a few short hours, before the sunshine makes its return. The best times to holiday in Seychelles are the months of April, May, October, and November but this being said, any time of year is beautiful. Seychelles are home to some stunning jungles, mountains that are made from granite which are like nothing you have seen before giving it a look that is very unique. Seychelles has delicious tasty food and known for its delicious Creole dishes.
Zanzibar
The name Zanzibar immediately spurs up images of beautiful crystal waters and a laid-back island lifestyle. But the Zanzibar Archipelago is so much more than romantic coastlines, blissful sunsets and seaside markets – these islands are incredibly diverse, offering tourists cultural sights, eclectic architecture and delicious cuisine in abundance. Zanzibar is without a doubt a tropical dream destination, ideal for rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul. It is also an interesting place with rich history and deep cultural influences, as well as adventure and exquisite natural sights. For a small island, it has so much to give. Most tourists, however, are drawn first and foremost to the clear blue waters, the coral reefs and exotic marine life – and the pictures you’ve seen don’t even do it justice. While the beaches are gorgeous, we’d highly recommend staying long enough to explore the town, with its cobbled alleyways filled with historic storytelling.
Robben Island
Robben Island is not an island you want to vacation on – in fact, tourists are not permitted to stay on this incredible historical landmark – but they can visit and visit they must. This is the island where Nelson Mandela served 18 years of his 27-year sentence, and the island is a testament to the hardships of the past, but also the freedom that came from it. Robben Island is located in Table Bay, and a short boat transfer will get you there from the V&A waterfront. The island is quite flat, and certainly not as exotic as the above-mentioned African islands, but it’s a place that will teach you much about South Africa, it’s past and its people.