Whilst the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos further north have long boasted superb top-end island lodges, the opening back in 2011 of the extremely stylish White Pearl Resort in the far south of the country marked the introduction of something completely fresh and very, very different.

For one thing, the location is quite different in look and feel compared to those island lodges – here there are 21 stilted suits floating upon a hillside that looks down over a gorgeously pristine golden beach caressed by constant waves rolling in from the Indian Ocean, rather than the white sand and flat seas found in the islands. Similarly, the vegetation here in the far south is more thick coastal dune forest rather than the palm trees or baobabs found further north.

But it’s really in the stylish looks of White Pearl that the new lodge has blazed a completely new and very different trail. Rather than the more typical traditional African beach lodge stylings featuring thatched roofs, hand carved wooden furniture, dhow bars etc etc, here at White Pearl the style is unashamedly cutting edge contemporary with clean, minimalist lines and modern furnishings – you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve alighted at a very stylish and sophisticated Mediterranean beach club (or even a chic new Maldives resort!) rather than a (very) remote beach lodge hidden away on one of the more isolated spots on the Mozambique coastline! What matters though is that it all works – in fact it works very well indeed!

They often say in travel that getting there is half the adventure, and that’s certainly the case at White Pearl! Being located in the far south of Mozambique, the quickest option is to fly into Maputo and then enjoy a spectacular half-hour flip by helicopter over the Maputo Elephant Reserve! If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, especially if there are a group of you, you could take the much slower but cheaper option of a 4x4 transfer through the reserve which takes about 3 – 4 hours depending on road conditions (this road is being upgraded and so this could become a lot quicker in the future) South Africans often prefer to drive through to the Kosi Bay border post in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal and transfer the 25 kilometres from there to the lodge.

What you’ll find upon arrival is a setting that will literally take your breath away. With the rolling breakers of the warm Indian Ocean in front and the thick bush of the Maputo Elephant Reserve at your back, the 21 superbly luxurious suites stand on stilts on the hillside, each boasting their own private plunge pools overlooking the bay. The pick of the rooms in our view are the 6 front row rooms known as the Beach Pool Suites which offer direct access to the beach. That said the 15 Pool Suites further up the hillside are also a stunning option on account of the fantastic views they enjoy.

Whichever room type you opt for, the basic recipe is similar – the look is very sophisticated contemporary beach-house cool chic, with clean, minimalist lines and a restful white, sand and cobalt colour palette. Furnishings are classy and unfussy yet always interesting in terms of the impeccable detailing on show. Each suite is air-conditioned and seamlessly blends the blissfully serene interior with the inviting deck. You’ll no doubt spend hours out here soaking up the sunshine on the deck before sliding yourself into the sublimely refreshing coolness of the pool or dropping into the soft organic linens and cottons that adorn the living area and bedroom. A refreshing outdoor shower and stylish bath tub in the luxurious bathroom are other delights.

The lodge’s public areas are no less striking and attractive and exhibit the same clean contemporary styling and immaculate detailing. We particularly love the row of 4-poster day beds on the main pool deck where you can relax with a glass of something ice cold in your hand whilst admiring the view!

The dining experience is also superb and the service quite literally personal, as you are assigned your own personal butler who will go out of his way to make your stay an unforgettable experience, whether its arranging a romantic dinner by lamplight on your private deck or a private lunch set up on the beach! The food itself is similarly superb and memorable, with the fresh seafood a standout feature with those legendary spicy flavours of Mozambique prominent!

Whilst being a superb romantic option for couples and honeymooners in particular, White Pearl also prides itself on being family-friendly too - the Kids Skipper Club will keep the little ones occupied for hours with fun, educational activities that encourage children to explore the mysteries and wonders of the land and sea - from beach sports and sandcastle building to baking with the chef and treasure hunting, there will be no shortage of fun for the kids! The resort manages to strike the perfect balance though between keeping both couples and families happy – for example, they dedicate only certain areas for family dining to ensure that expectations of all guests are met.

Whilst it will no doubt be tempting to simply chill around the lodge and let the stresses of the 9 to 5 gently melt away, there are also loads of activities available if you fancy. You may find yourself snorkelling and even swimming with dolphins on an ocean safari, watching turtles lay their eggs on the pristine beach; perhaps head off to dive the reefs of the area with the PADI dive centre or enjoy the exhilaration of horse-riding along the beach. Afterwards, head back to enjoy a wonderfully relaxing massage to soothe both body and mind at the lodge’s Amani Spa!