Tongabezi Lodge doesn’t simply sit beside the Zambezi—it seems to breathe with it, each element of the space in quiet dialogue with the river’s steady flow. The lodge’s design doesn’t aim to impress with opulence or flash, but rather to complement its surroundings, respecting the natural rhythms of Zambia and the lives of the people who call it home. From the moment you step onto its grounds, there’s a sense of calm that wraps around you—a sense that here, time stretches to accommodate the gentle pace of discovery.

The layout of the lodge reveals itself gradually as if encouraging guests to explore at their own speed. Stone paths meander through gardens and trees, leading to spaces that feel both open and private, with 11 different villas, cottages and houses tucked away, yet somehow perfectly placed. Tongabezi isn’t about showy displays or grandeur; it’s about those smaller, intimate moments of connection that happen when you’re least expecting them. Whether it’s a hidden dining spot by the water or a quiet bench with a view of the river, the lodge offers a quiet invitation to pause, to notice, to be still.

The Dog House Family Villa embodies this ethos beautifully. It’s not just a space to stay but a space to live—designed with an eye for both comfort and connection. The spacious living area opens directly onto a deck and private pool, offering an unobstructed view of the Zambezi. This view becomes the heartbeat of the home, ever-present, whether you’re gathering with family around the dining table or relaxing in the pool. The villa’s thoughtful design strikes a delicate balance between togetherness and privacy, with two separate sleeping quarters flanking the shared living space. It’s the kind of place where families can enjoy time together but also retreat to their respective corners when they need it—a true home away from home, but with the added magic of the African bush just beyond the doorstep.

The experience at Tongabezi is woven together by moments of quiet discovery. Every path seems to lead to something unexpected—whether it’s a secluded spot by the river or a meal served in a hidden outdoor dining room beneath the stars. Meandering from one part of the property to another feels less like a walk and more like an unfolding narrative, where each turn offers a new chapter. It is this sense of organic exploration that makes the lodge feel so immersive. While the design of Tongabezi is understated, it never feels lacking; instead, it amplifies the natural beauty of the landscape, framing the river, the wildlife, and the horizon in ways that feel effortless and profound.

And then there’s the river itself. A private cruise along the Zambezi at sunset is one of the lodge’s most cherished offerings, and for good reason. The gentle pace of the boat, the sounds of hippos and birdsong, and the sight of elephants grazing along the riverbank all create an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and awe-inspiring. The bush is at its most tranquil during these twilight hours, and the experience is heightened by the silence—broken only by the soft hum of the river and the occasional call of wildlife.

Back at the lodge, dining becomes an exploration of its own. Every evening, the setting shifts—one night it might be a candlelit dinner on the deck, the next, a communal meal under the thatched roof of the main lodge. What remains constant is the quality and thoughtfulness of the meals themselves, crafted from ingredients sourced from the Mukuni Organic Farm. The connection between the lodge and its community is most evident here, where the produce is grown sustainably, by locals, and served with care, reflecting a genuine respect for the land and its people.

This respect extends far beyond the kitchen. Tongabezi’s commitment to the local community is perhaps its most defining feature. The Tujatane School, founded by Ben and Vanessa Parker, serves nearly 300 students from the nearby village of Simonga. What began as a small initiative has grown into a vital part of the region, funded in part by guest donations and sustainable programs like the lodge’s reusable water bottle scheme. Tongabezi isn’t just a retreat for travellers; it’s a lifeline for the community, providing education, employment, and opportunity where it’s most needed. This sense of purpose sets the lodge apart from more conventional luxury destinations, giving it a depth and authenticity that can’t be manufactured.

The staff are integral to this experience, not just as service providers but as storytellers, guides, and caretakers. Many have been with Tongabezi for years, drawn from nearby villages and deeply invested in the lodge’s mission. Their warmth is palpable, whether they’re preparing a meal, leading a safari, or simply sharing a conversation at the end of the day. There’s a sense that, to them, Tongabezi is more than just a job—it’s a place of pride and belonging, and they extend that sense of welcome to every guest.

For families, Tongabezi offers a rare kind of luxury—one that’s found in the spaces between adventure and relaxation. The Dog House is the perfect home base for those looking to explore the Zambezi with their loved ones, but the lodge offers far more than just a place to stay. It’s a place where families can reconnect with each other and with nature, whether they’re setting off on a river safari, dining under the stars, or simply lounging by the pool with the sound of the river in the background. The memories made here feel organic and unforced, born out of shared experiences that unfold naturally over the course of the stay.

In the end, Tongabezi Lodge is a place where the lines between guest and host, luxury and simplicity, nature and humanity, blur. Every element of the lodge, from its design to its community-driven initiatives, is crafted with a sense of purpose and connection. It’s a place where you can feel the pulse of Zambia in the air, in the water, in the people. Tongabezi doesn’t just offer a stay—it offers a story, one that you carry with you long after you’ve left the river behind.

https://greensafaris.com/destination/victoria-falls

With one of the finest positions in Langebaan, a coastal town in the Western Cape of South Africa, Frailann isn’t just a luxurious home by the water; it’s a vessel of stories, anchored in the traditions of a seafaring past and set against the vibrant backdrop of Langebaan’s glorious lagoon. The name itself is a nod to legacy — borrowed from a French fishing boat that once belonged to the owner’s grandfather, a symbol of resilience slicing through the tumult of the Atlantic’s deep blue. Step inside, and you are met with subtle tributes to that seafaring history: a weathered compass, a log rotator, and life rings — artefacts with sea-salt stories, now marking the entrance like guardians of a shared past.

The roots of Frailann’s story trace back to the late 1960s when Langebaan was a raw, wind-swept outpost. The village was far from what it is today; white gravel roads crunched underfoot, the yacht club was a lively shellfish factory, and Donkergat operated as a whaling station. It was a place defined by fishermen and their weathered boats, where the sky seemed boundless and the sea dictated the rhythm of life. When the owner’s grandparents first set foot here, it was not just the panoramic views but the very soul of the place — steeped in salt and history — that called to them. Building a house right on the beach, where the land kissed the open blue, was an inevitable choice, an intuitive grasp at permanence amid shifting sands and tides.

Designing Frailann, however, came with its share of challenges. The steep drop from the garage entrance to the beach level posed more than just a practical difficulty; it demanded a vision that was both creative and grounded. The solution was found in connecting spaces with thoughtful transitions — courtyards that act as breathers between living areas, and big stacking doors that blur the line between inside and out. The shape of the property, irregular and demanding, dictated a design that felt almost sculpted by the environment itself. The result is a home that breathes in sync with its surroundings, where each room flows seamlessly into the next, guided by the contours of the land.

The interiors are imbued with nautical cues and clever craftsmanship that transport you without ever feeling forced. American Spruce lines the internal walls, its texture and subtle grain recalling the hulls of old ships, while solid American Oak flooring underfoot speaks of stability and warmth. These details aren’t just decorative; they’re foundational to the house’s character, echoing materials long used in shipbuilding, reimagined here to ground the living spaces in both luxury and history. It’s a home where you might feel, for a moment, as if you’re standing on the deck of a ship, your gaze carried across the lagoon’s azure plateau.

The architectural heartbeat of Frailann is undeniably coastal, borrowing from the crisp, white-washed aesthetics of Nantucket-style homes but with a South African twist that roots it firmly in Langebaan’s landscape. The master en-suite, expansive and touched with a hint of opulence, might be a nod to the comforts one might find on a luxury yacht — an intentional reminder that while the house pays homage to its maritime influences, it remains steadfastly grounded in the idea of modernity and comfort. It’s this duality that gives the home its magic: the illusion of being at sea, anchored in the security of land.

Beyond its walls, Frailann opens to the rugged, windswept beauty of Langebaan. The local environment isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an active participant in the home’s story. Shiplap cladding, chosen for its resilience, stands up to winter storms and summer’s unyielding sun, while the timber decking takes on the elements with the hardiness of a seasoned sailor. This practical durability doesn’t come at the cost of aesthetics. Instead, it enhances them, allowing the home to embody the essence of its surroundings — raw, enduring, and beautiful.

The boathouse and slipway, seamlessly leading to the beach, capture the spirit of community and adventure. They invite guests and family alike to gather, sharing stories under the late afternoon sun with the scent of sea air and the faint hiss of waves lapping against the shore. This space has been a hive of activity when the wind picks up, a signal to harness the gusts and children to paddleboard across the expanse.

Frailann is not just a place of rest; it’s a springboard for adventure. The lagoon, calm and inviting, calls for walks to Shark Bay, where the water is shallow and clear. Drives into the nearby nature reserve bring sights of wildflowers blooming in exuberant defiance of the elements, and fishing trips return with stories of the one that got away. Afternoons stretch into lazy lunches in the shaded courtyard, punctuated by laughter and the sound of the sea.

What does the owner hope guests take away? A feeling, more than anything — the sensation of having been part of something timeless. To feel sunkissed, relaxed, and touched by the essence of Langebaan: wind in the hair, salt on the skin, memories that taste of freedom and adventure. To have lived, even briefly, in a space where comfort, history, and the sea intertwine. And to leave with a little of that lingering spirit, a reminder that life, like the tides, is best savoured when you’re willing to let go and float.

Frailann

Discovering the Magic of Abraça

Scarborough, just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, is ironically distanced from Cape Town’s city centre’s somewhat flashy and trendy pace. Privacy and calm are central to the community, with a close-knit group of residents and a few local shops creating an environment that feels both inviting and low-key. If you live here, it’s a place you want to visit when you need something that delivers all the beauty Cape Town has to offer, but way more earthy.

Let’s be clear, however, earthy doesn’t mean you can’t weekend in luxury.

The name Abraça, inspired by the word ’embrace’ or ‘hug’, hints at the sense of wonder that defines one of Scarborough’s sublime secrets — a  place where exceptional feels weirdly effortless, both inside and outside the property. Outside you feel the rhythm of life is guided by the tides and the fynbos rustling in the breeze, but inside Abraca holds an energy that is so homely and natural.

Originally the home of Boyd Ferguson, a notable figure in South African interior design, Abraça is now owned by Megan de Beyer. While I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Megan, spending a weekend in her home reveals much about her. The thoughtful details throughout the decor tell a story, setting a distinct tone for this remarkable property. Just in the passage from the front door to the kitchen, a sunlit Balinese console with an open book offers daily wisdom—a small ritual that draws you into the home’s rhythm.

The L-shaped design of the house is both innovative and functional. Spanning three levels, it offers multiple gathering spots, from the braai area and poolside lounge to the sundowner patio deck. A firepit and relaxation zone outside the bedrooms provide ideal spots for morning coffee or evening stargazing. The mix of Buddha statues, incense, a bar fridge, and a coffee station reflects the home’s unique charm, inviting you to explore and discover in your own way.

Every detail, from the smallest accessory to the thoughtful layout, is designed to deepen the experience of your stay. The home has such care and grace, with amenities that range from sun creams and firewood to an espresso maker and air fryer. The materials throughout — stone cladding, concrete flooring, and Balinese roll-down blinds—create a cohesive blend of textures that add warmth and comfort.

Scarborough’s allure is not just in its natural setting but also in its vibrant community. The Whole Earth Café is a popular spot for breakfast while The Village Hub, a local favourite, features a café, restaurant, and a deli. Every Saturday, both The Hub and Camel Rock host organic produce markets, and Camel Rock’s relaxed atmosphere and excellent pizzas make it a familiar gathering place.

The Hub also rents both handmade wooden bikes and electric bikes, perfect for exploring the area’s scenic routes. Several hiking trails in Baskloof Private Nature Reserve are nearby, with permits available. No visit to Scarborough is complete without exploring Cape Point’s stunning beaches, followed by tea and scones at The Scone Shack at the Lalapanzi Nursery.

Back at Abraça, the house caters effortlessly to its guests. The family quarters on the lower garden level accommodate four, sharing a spacious bathroom, while the loft suite on the upper level offers privacy for a couple or solo traveller. Two generous en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, close to the kitchen and indoor/outdoor living areas, ensure up to ten guests are comfortably accommodated.

Common areas are thoughtfully designed for both socialising and solitude. An open-plan kitchen, dining area, and fireplace lead to a covered outdoor BBQ, pool lounge, and a striking rectangular stone pool. Nearby, a communal firepit with classic safari chairs invites stargazing and storytelling. The expansive garden, linked to the living spaces by three large covered verandas, offers a series of outdoor rooms perfect for relaxation, conversation, and perhaps contemplation.

Upstairs, a double living room with a TV and a fireside area has a mini-bar and coffee station. The wraparound veranda off the living room is ideal for sundowners, offering an elevated view.

Megan has invested parts of herself, but it’s clearly something she is willing to share in how welcoming the home presents. Abraça encourages you to linger, discover its many layers, and connect with the beauty of its surroundings and the warmth of its hospitality.

Quite magical.

The house is available through Perfect Hideaways. Link: https://www.perfecthideaways.co.za/hideaway-scarborough/abraca/

As LUX* Belle Mare opened its welcoming arms once more, revealing an exquisite revival post its temporary closure, it is almost a serendipitous event that the charming property reopened its doors on 1st October 2023, echoing its initial debut on the very same day in 1999.

While many innovations popped out upon my return to the property, perhaps the most prominent was the depth of flavour across a re-energised food and beverage proposition.

Gerhard Hecker, the resort’s General Manager, has been extensively exposed to rich, authentic culinary and hospitality experiences, especially from the East. “Our CEO, Paul Jones, had a clear vision from the start – not to change for the sake of change. It was about building on the existing success formula and enhancing it, with a sharp focus on creating new, extraordinary experiences, especially within food management.”

This philosophy threads through the veins of LUX* Belle Mare. Though the aftermath of the unforeseen closure was met initially with a stilled pause, self-financing enabled a meticulous reconstruction, masterfully spearheaded by architects and designers, including Jean-Francois Adam and Jean-Marc Tang, who brought an international flair grounded in local availability.

 

Gerhard, sharing memories of the launch, commented, “It was poignant, opening again in October, just like when it first graced the world in 1999. Working with Jean-Francois, who was not only available but brought 30 years of international expertise from his time in the States, ensured a superlative product.”

One unique aspect that reveals Gerhard’s intimate connection with Asian philosophy is his emphasis on Fung Sui principles, especially noticeable in the thoughtful curvature of the entrance, avoiding a direct in-and-out and embracing the ideology of allowing prosperity to flow through spaces effortlessly.

“With 30 years in Asia, I witnessed how integral Fung Shui is in various aspects of life and construction. Be it in Hong Kong or Singapore, these ancient principles guide building designs to honour and facilitate the flow of positive energy, which subtly influenced even our refurbishments here.”

LUX* Belle Mare under Gerhard’s oversight hasn’t merely reopened; it’s been reborn with an intriguing culinary tapestry, woven with threads of authenticity from across the globe. Maintaining a high regard for genuine culinary experiences, Gerhard ensured that the resort’s various restaurants, including ‘Duck Laundry’, ‘Beach Rouge’, and ‘Amari by Chef Vineet Bhatia’, were helmed by chefs deeply rooted in the respective cuisines of their native lands.

 

“For me, the key has always been authenticity. Your memories from a country invariably tie back to the food you’ve experienced there. Thus, ensuring that our chefs hail from the respective regions of our restaurant’s cuisines was imperative,” he affirmed, reflecting his steadfast commitment to offering an unadulterated culinary experience to guests.

The dining experiences are resplendent in their variety yet unified in their authenticity. From dim sums that rival those in Hong Kong to pizzas that transport you to Napoli, every dish is a journey in itself.

 

Gerhard reminisced about his times in Asia, saying, “Being guided by my friends through the culinary landscape of regions like Thailand, Indonesia, China, and others, it was paramount to share the authentic flavours and stories embedded in each bite with our guests here at LUX* Belle Mare.”

Guests are bound to be entranced by the dedication to ensuring each dish, each wine, and every cocktail is not merely served but presented as a singular, authentic experience, reflecting its roots yet beautifully adapted to its Mauritian context, using produce farmed on land neighbouring the resort.

 

“What we wish to cultivate here is less about what I want, but about cherishing what is, especially our team members. Around 80% of our previous team, renowned for their excellence, have been retained. This element, the soul, the human interaction – it is something money cannot procure, and it is vital.”

 

LUX* Belle Mare, under Gerhard Hecker’s watchful management, has emerged not just as a holiday destination but as a connoisseur’s delight where the essence of various global cuisines converge amidst the luxurious, soulful embrace of Mauritian hospitality, ever-so-mindful of the authentic and rich experiences that linger in the memories of their esteemed guests.

To read about LUX* Resorts’ other properties, view our portfolio of ocean-related stories: https://www.luxurytraveleditor.com/category/ocean/

Patrick Mavros’ Pangolin Collection is helping to save the endangered mammal it portrays Tavonga.

The pangolin: a shy, scaly little critter that’s sadly believed to be the most heavily trafficked nonhuman mammal in the world. The Chinese use the animal’s ground-up scales as medication for arthritis, rheumatism and other ailments; while pangolins are eaten as bushmeat in western and central Africa, and by some indigenous groups in south and Southeast Asia who consider it a delicacy.

In certain areas of Zimbabwe, however, the pangolin is considered sacred. The country’s Tikki Hywood Foundation and Trust work closely with authorities to increase conviction rates for people caught killing and/ or smuggling pangolins.

At the Patrick Mavros headquarters in the hilly outskirts of Harare, Zimbabwe, wildlife and family are the central priorities. The family business operates out of a studio and wildlife sanctuary here, as well as an atelier in Mauritius. They’re passionate about bringing the beauty of Africa to the world through hand-crafted jewellery and sculptures in sterling silver and 18-carat gold—inspired by their home country’s extraordinary wildlife such as the hippo, elephant and crocodile. The Pangolin Collection was created by one of Patrick Mavros’ four sons, Patrick Jr, to help save this endangered creature, in association with the Tikki Hywood Trust; 10% of sales from this collection is donated to the foundation to continue its conservation efforts.

The jewellery epitomises the beauty of this rare African anteater, mirroring its beautiful overlapping body plates. The signature Pangolin Haka Cuff is a bold and remarkably detailed piece of jewellery in gold or silver: perfectly tapered at the ends, with each ‘scale’ polished by hand; hidden on its inside surface are tiny engraved ants marching in quirky formation. It’s a distinctive piece, like the animal it celebrates—making a statement that cannot be ignored. The stunning ladies’ collection also includes stacking cuffs, rings, necklaces and pendants, contemporary silver earrings, and yellow gold stud earrings.

Indeed, Patrick Mavros jewellery represents a safari of adventure, romance and, above all, unquestionable quality. It’s mystical. It’s magical. It’s conservation through jewellery. Visit www.patrickmavros.com for more information