Frégate Island, Seychelles
Privacy is an art form at Frégate – the paparazzi pursuing Sir Paul and Heather McCartney on their honeymoon didn’t get so much as a snap. Evensome beaches sport “vacant” or “occupied” signs; there are seven of the latter, plus a pool. And, with no more than 40 guests staying at a time, your chances of getting a beach to yourself are high. Hidden among the trees, the 16 luxury suites are seriously stylish. Glass walls open up on three sides so you can lie in your hibiscus-strewn four-poster with the waves crashing and the winds sighing below you as if you were in heaven…Across the sundeck is a separate glass-walled living room with huge white sofas, antique and artefacts. Steps lead down to your own canopied day bed and jacuzzi overlooking the Indian Ocean. Each suite has its own electric buggy to take you to the bar, the library or the marina – where you can hire a boat and drift at will on the clear blue waters.
Shompole Lodge, Kenya
Seclusion, comfort, relaxation and time and space to experience the bush is the mantra at eco-friendly Shompole Lodge. The latest of Kenya’s game ranches sits on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, a joint venture between the local Masai community and a private safari company. Activities can be scheduled to suit your mood. Led by a skilled Masai tracker, you can set off in search of lion, leopard, cheetah or elephant, admire the flamingo display at Lake Natron or marvel at the artefacts in the prehistoric site at the nearby Olorgesailie lake basin. Whatever you choose to do, leave plenty of time for chilling out in your own oasis. Each of the six tented suites is a masterpiece of pale thatch and white quartz stone with a cool pool, sitting area and even a bathroom with a view. Gaze out over the woodlands and plains, watch, wait and listen – and you’ll soon feel the rhythm of Africa.
REPORT: JILL CRAWSHAW
