
Oceanside Gems
I am sure you will agree that simply staring out to sea has some sort of healing power, luring one into a mild meditative state. Brain imaging research has also shown that being in close proximity to water is strongly linked to one’s brain releasing feel-good hormones. The colour blue is commonly associated with feelings of calm and peace …it is, therefore, no surprise that these oceanside gems are some of our most loved destinations

White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa is a family-owned property and a proud and only member of Relais & Chateaux in Tanzania. As such, White Sand makes for a wonderful combination with our Great Plains Kenyan properties with only 11 private exclusive-use luxury villas discreetly located in a quiet oasis on the pristine sands of Paje beach, on the East coast of Zanzibar.
Their intimate Spa is nestled in the island’s lush, natural landscape and includes a tropical seating area with a waterfall. One can indulge in a wide range of treatments or relax in the steam room or sauna. The therapists use locally sourced products produced by local communities and are based on seaweed, coconut and spices found in Zanzibar.
An experience at this luxury destination is as much about enjoying a cocktail on the rooftop of their Champagne bar, as it is about kitesurfing into the sunset or indulging in a massage at the relaxing spa. We encourage taking time out to just sit and enjoy the tropical environment and ocean breeze – it does wonders for the soul.
Over and above being the perfect escape for a romantic honeymoon or family holiday, we also appreciate their commitment to sustainability for both their local community and the environment.
Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira gets its name from its similarities to a volcanic “caldera”. It lies just 20km of the mainland and is scheduled to open its doors in late 2023. Although one of the bigger resorts in Mozambique, we believe that this island sanctuary will have a lot to offer embracing both nature and the culturally-rich heritage Mozambique is so well known for.
Did you know?
Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira is home to a magnificent marine conservation centre with a scuba pool and a qualified team that will take guests on underwater adventures at a selection of dive and snorkel sites throughout the archipelago, not forgetting exploration of a nearby shipwreck of the historical Dutch MS Brastagi that sank in 1947.
Tintswalo Atlantic is without a doubt one of the most romantic destinations along the dramatic coast of the Western Cape. Nestled at the base of the ocean-facing Table Mountain National Park guests can indulge in luxury and solitude at this unique seaside gem. It provides the perfect setting for intimate weddings, yoga retreats or to simply enjoy your own quiet corner of the Cape Peninsula with a candle-lit dinner as you listen to the sounds of the crashing waves.
Did you know?
Each of the Island Suites at Tintswalo Atlantic is themed in the style of a famous island around the world. Which one would you pick if you had to stay at this ocean gem?

Alex Walters, one of the Sales Managers at Great Plains, recently spent some time at Alfajiri in Diani, Kenya with his family. This is his story:
“There was a deep blue sky, an aquamarine blue pool and an azure ocean.
The Alfajiri Villas, where I was staying with my family for four days was beautifully handcrafted with African, Arabic and nautical influences, rattan furniture and lampshades akin to the other side of the Indian Ocean in Malaysia or Singapore. It was a place to relax, play games of Scrabble or chess, and have quality family time. Frangipani in bloom scented the elevated and exquisite gardens overlooking the ocean, which led down the white sand, coral beach below. From our elevated villa, we witnessed incredible sunrises and whiled away the days watching fishing outriggers motor or sail past, as we splashed in the giant pool to cool down.
We were nourished with incredible coastal and Italian cuisine. Pasta with seafood, beautifully presented crab, fresh oysters for sundowners, and even my fussy eating daughter – she’s a real chocolate lover – was surprised by a special procurement of Cadbury’s chocolate, served for dessert. Our butler Ephraim was exceptional, just in the shadows, not in your face, providing attention with extra sensory perception. Nothing was to want for at Alfajiri and it made a magical, complementary combination with our stay thereafter at Mara Plains Camp and ol Donyo Lodge” – Alex Waters
Please contact our Safari Designers for any information on our preferred partners in this Collective edition.
Keeping the dream alive,
Eluisa Di Benedetto | Product Manager