Mozambique

Perhaps lesser known on the luxury holiday circuit than some of its African contemporaries, Mozambique is nevertheless home to a wondrous coastline. With their palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs, the beautiful islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the south or the Quirimbas Archipelago in the north make the perfect luxury holiday destination.

But there's more than spectacular beachfront lodges to a luxury holiday in Mozambique. Many of the towns on the mainland and on the islands have attractive Portuguese colonial-era architecture, and a colourful local culture. A case in point is Ibo Island, whose strategic position has meant it's been conquered by everyone from the Omanis to the Chinese and eventually the Portuguese. The atmospheric, if dilapidated, town is a fascinating place to potter around if you can drag yourself away from the sunlounger.

Another major reason for leaving the lounger is the spectacular snorkelling and diving available along the coastline and around the islands. The water is crystal clear and the marine life on offer something truly special. Mozambique has several marine national parks in the Indian Ocean and several of the Original Travel team have dived here and are in general agreement that this is one of the best dive spots anywhere on the planet.

Best of all, the country aims to take on its neighbours (South Africa and Tanzania) at the 'bush and beach' game. Gorongosa game reserve has all the potential to be a genuine alternative to the Kruger and Serengeti national parks, and when the luxury lodges open, we think this might be a perfect 'bush and beach' combination.

More 'bush' options are also in development, but for the time being, the prime attraction remains the 'beach' element, and particularly the immaculate beach lodges on the islands off the Mozambique coast, all of which we have visited and can strongly recommend for a luxury holiday.