Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique

This might not be the best time to launch a hotel in Africa – although Mozambique has escaped the dreaded Red List – but this month sees the eagerly-awaited opening of Kisawa, a Robinson Crusoe fantasy of a resort, set on Benguerra island, 14 kms off the coast of Mozambique. Kisawa’s 22 bungalows are ranged along 5kms of the finest white sand, with elements created using sand and seaweed mortar in 3D sand technology, instead of more environmentally damaging construction methods. The workforce was made up of 80% islanders, 50% of them women, with local artisans contributing much of the handiwork, from textiles to thatching to furniture making, in keeping with Kisawa’s ethos of combining  innovation and tradition. The interiors are all warm sandy tones, earthy textures, and vibrant textiles, the vision of NJF Design, the company belonging to owner, entrepreneur and philanthropist Nina Flohr. She is also the founder of the neighbouring island’s Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies (BCSS), Africa’s first permanent Marine Observatory, which Kisawa’s profits support. The seas here are home to the rare dugong, as well as whales, turtles, rays and sharks, and guests can see the conservation work in action, diving with marine scientists, or tagging sharks from the research vessel.