FROM INLAND TO THE SANDY BEACHES

Glamping in the Midlands

The Midlands never ceases to amaze me with its gorgeous views, fresh air and country roads. Nirvana outpost is situated on Curry’s Post Road. It is right next door to the alpaca sanctuary, Endeavour Alpacas, run by the same owners, Wendy Canning and Terrence Watkins, who are the most welcoming and friendly hosts that love to make your stay extra special. We stayed in one of the four tepees; the extra-large tepee, which was super spacious and comfortable, with a double bed, a couch and bedside lamps. There is a lovely communal kitchen (two cooking areas to allow multiple guests to cook at once) and communal bathrooms with showers (separate for males and females, of course).

If you wanted to just relax in for the day or wind down in the afternoon, they had these awesome one-person chair hammocks that you could hang from the surrounding trees for you to sit, read and enjoy the outdoors. The place is also about getting to know new people; there is a big braai area for everyone to cook and socialise. I think the best part was that they don’t offer WiFi, which allowed me to be present in the moment.

Every morning at 7:30 am sharp, the male alpacas are strolling around their field behind the amenities buildings. If you get the feeling that something is watching you brush your teeth, just look out the window, and you’ll find a very curious alpaca. The first morning we got to say hello to the alpacas, and we snuck some treats from the trees nearby; they loved them! I, of course, had to get a picture and ended up with the best selfie ever with an alpaca named Rico!

At the sanctuary, all 63 alpacas are named, cared for and looked after really well, with open days for the public to come and learn about the alpaca and feed them too. Did you know that alpaca wool is equivalent and can cost more than cashmere! That’s one thing they do on the farm, they sheer and create a yarn that is sold to local knitters/crocheters to create beautiful beanies and other items that you can purchase at a very reasonable price.

Nirvana Outpost is everything and more when you think of glamping in a tepee. They sure do know how to create something unique in the Midlands. All in all, we had a lovely experience meeting alpacas and staying in a tepee; we truly got to relax and celebrate our one year anniversary. www.nirvanaoutpost.com

 

Luxury Beach Stay

The luxurious five-star Nuarro Lodge is located on the shores of the Baixo do Phinda peninsula in the Memba district of Nampula province in northern Mozambique. The lodge got its name from Nanatha bay that ends at a wonderful point known as Nuarro. They offer ten stunning beach-front chalets and two cottages peppered along the beachfront.

Chalets and Cottages

The chalets and cottages were all built by local people and from local and natural materials. They were constructed on the dunes and designed to blend in with the natural environment as much as possible. They all have a sea view and private access down to the beach, with generous mosquito-net-engulfed, king-sized beds.

Chalets are large and can accommodate up to two extra beds, making them perfect for families. The open-plan bathroom has a refreshing shower, separate eco-toilet and an outdoor shower (for rinsing off saltwater and possible moonlit showers for the more adventurous). Furnishings include some comfortable day loungers inside and a large veranda with an extremely comfortable hammock. Accommodation in one of the chalets includes three meals, coffee & tea, filtered water, village tours, unguided activities (snorkelling, kayaking, mountain bikes), and unlimited shore diving for advanced (experienced) diver buddies inclusive of the use of dive cylinder, weight belt and weights.

Cottages are smaller than the chalets but are otherwise identical in every way, and perfect for two people sharing. With your own private veranda and comfortable hammock, it’s a great place to relax. Accommodation in one of the cottages includes three meals, coffee & tea, filtered water, village tours and unlimited shore diving for advanced (experienced) diver buddies, inclusive of the use of a dive cylinder, weight belt and weights. Nuarro Lodge conserves and protects hundreds of hectares of forest, mangroves and sea. The marine reserve was created with the local community to protect and recover the coral reefs surrounding the lodge. Over the years, the coral reefs have recovered, turning into a perfect safe habitat for thousands of colourful fish and stunning sea creatures.

Activities

There is so much to do at Nuarro, with many water activities like; diving, snorkelling, whale watching (seasonal), sea kayaking, or picnic trips to isolated beaches and village trips. Guests can also participate in other activities such as mountain biking or even a trip to the lighthouse at Baixo do Phinda to enjoy the incredible views of the bay.

Food and Drinks

Their Beach Bar on the eastern side of the lodge has a large wooden deck giving a full sea view and beach access; it’s the best place to relax or chill out after an exhilarating activity. Their elegant restaurant and cocktail bar on the western end of the beach offers stunning vistas out over the bay and Nanatha Rock. All meals are served here, and it’s a popular place to hang out, relaxing amongst the enormous cushions in the sunken lounge and sipping some ice-cold beverages. Their menu changes constantly, but you can expect the freshest seafood delights available, prepared in local and international styles.

Beaches

Not only do they have a spectacular 2km long beach, but they also have many other private beaches that are accessible either by boat, mountain bike ride, car or a short walk. They can arrange a fantastic picnic for you to spend a romantic day alone with your loved one or a memory-filled day with your family. www.nuarro.com