Set a few meters back from this peroxide blond stretch of Vilanculos beach, South African-owned Casa Cabana has a calm, wild feel, with mid-range lodgings. On weekends, a menagerie of well-mannered dogs and tiny monkeys gathers around the picnic tables; the restaurant is a hit with local regulars as well as out of town tourists. Guests are greeted with a welcome cocktail and are made to feel at home.

There are four cabanas here (from $70 per night) set in green grounds and reached via wide cobbled steps. Each has its own terrace, furnished with daybeds, hammocks, sofas, and traditional southern African board games. Ours was perfect for a spot of early morning yoga. There’s a small pool in the garden that’s great for cooling off after a hot day, but not really big enough for lap swimming.

Wi-Fi is available, but note that it’s usually switched off at night to save on the generator power. Bobo the manager is also a carpenter, and most of the wooden creations at Casa Cabana were carved by his hands. He’ll gladly organize snorkelling and diving trips to the islands, as well as arranging airport transfers and taxi or tuk-tuk trips into Vilanculos.

The beach bar restaurant features cute wooden tables, a mosaic and stone bar, and low hanging chain lamps. Our homemade tuna fishcakes were served with spicy peri-peri sauce; other dishes include thai shrimp pasta (350 Mets), steak, peri-peri half chicken, and various catches of the day. Come morning, you can tuck into iced fruit juice, fruit salad, and traditional English breakfasts.