Where to even begin? What a glorious, exceptional place this was. I initially booked my stay at Bahia Mar for just a week but a month later I was still there, soaking up the beautiful sunrises, watching the tides come in and out and sipping on the occasional coconut by the magnificent views offered right next to the pool. It so effortlessly became home.

"Home" was an exquisite beach suite which was approximately 5 metres from the beach. It was large enough and spacious enough to never feel claustrophobic (given how long I stayed), with its separate lounge and kitchen area and wrap around porch, while never once losing that touch of luxury. It offered complete privacy and private access to the beach. The suite even has its own plunge pool for you to cool off at the end of yet another hot day, or sipping on a cocktail that the bar will happily send down to your suite while you relax and take in the ocean views. There is also a gym to keep you busy, which comes with a trainer and a full set of classes you can pick and choose from. Right behind it is the heavenly spa, where the ladies work their magic on you when your body also craves the revival your spirit and mind will no doubt already be feeling after a few days in this beautiful place.

I tried food from all over Vilanculos, but I kept coming back to the Bahia Mar restaurant because the (sea)food is just amazing. Some days I'd show up and just ask the chef to "surprise me", and it was always an orgasmic trip for my tastebuds.

More than anything, it is the people I met there that made it a truly memorable experience. All of the staff at Bahia Mar are incredibly friendly, warm and welcoming, and it truly felt like I was embedded in a small community of wonderful people while I was there. Not only the staff, but even the locals, who would frequent the restaurant for a coffee or lunch, or come in for a yoga class and share a laugh and some stories before heading off to their homes.

I would (and very likely will) come back to this place time and time again.