Location: Namibe, Angola

Summary: On January 25th, I woke up in an incredible place right on the beach, surrounded by cliffs with the ocean just steps from my room. The lodge is built on the remains of an old fishing site, and I learned from the owners, Rui and Monica, how they developed it over the years into a unique and remote retreat with about 17 guest rooms and a full team of staff working in rotations.I found it fascinating how everything operates there—from the legal setup of land use in Angola to the logistics of running such a remote place. They include all meals since there are no nearby alternatives, source food and supplies from distant towns, and even catch their own fish. Water has to be trucked in, equipment constantly maintained due to the harsh coastal environment, and power is generated on-site, yet everything runs smoothly and comfortably.I spent time exploring, enjoying the pool, and taking in the scenery, while learning about the challenges and creativity behind keeping the place running. Despite the effort it takes to get there, I found it absolutely worth it—a beautiful, peaceful spot that left a strong impression on me.