Fodor's Expert Review Thonga Beach Lodge

Dramatically sited, this lovely beach lodge a stone's throw from the sea has air-conditioned, thatch suites decorated in chic Robinson Crusoe style with wooden floors, reed interior walls, cane and wooden furniture, gorgeous bathrooms with sea views, and personal decks looking out over rolling coastal dunes and the blue Indian Ocean. Opt for a deluxe ocean-view suite with a private plunge pool under the Milkwood trees, if you can. You'll dine outside on delicious creative food on wooden sea-facing decks or in the cozy restaurant, and you'll be amazed at just how hungry the sea air makes you. A guide will walk along the beach with you to Island Rock, where at low tide, you can float among the rock pools. If you've never snorkeled, then now is your chance. Go for sundowners to Lake Sibaya, South Africa's largest, freshwater lake, and spot slumbering hippos. Take a guided walk around the lodge, or go diving to the pristine reefs offshore.