Fodor's Expert Review Oyster Bay Lodge

Set on a secluded coastal reserve that incorporates magnificent dunes, woods, river deltas, lagoons, a 3½-km (2-mile) expanse of beach, free-roaming horses, and a plethora of birdlife, Oyster Bay Lodge truly is a hidden gem that, once reached, feels like you've arrived at the ends of the earth. The beautifully furnished luxury suites are certainly a plus, but it's the location and the array of outdoor activities—exhilarating dune buggy jaunts and horseback riding on the beach—that really set this unique destination apart. The original old farm buildings have been carefully restored to retain their old-world charm, think exposed wooden beams, open fireplaces, and understated antique furniture. And if the bird-watching and fynbos guided tours aren't enough, you can ride fat bikes on the dunes, borrow skim boards and boogie boards, or join a township tour at nearby Oyster Bay—all fees goes directly to the creche you'll visit and to help fund community initiatives.