‘Covid is probably the best thing that could have happened for our future journey.” The hopeful words of a luxury lodge owner may seem surprising, given they have been forced to close for 18 months, but this sentiment captures the philosophical optimism fueling southern Africa’s hospitality entrepreneurs, otherwise running on empty. For those relying on foreign currency travellers, travel bans have been a sledgehammer – and the more remote and luxurious, the harder the hit.

Into this wait-and-see world have stepped a few bright lights who are bucking the trend of closures with big-time investment. Natural Selection opened Kwessi Dunes, an exclusive lodge in southern Namibia, as soon as the borders opened. A brave decision, duly rewarded: the rains fell long and hard in January 2021, breaking the 10-year drought and drawing visitors eager to witness the surreal sight of Kwessi’s gravel plains pelted in golden grasses, flooding nearby Sossusvlei with an ephemeral lake tinged pink by the surrounding copper dunes. 

Another who decided not to wait for full travel recovery is Nina Flohr, ex-creative director of VistaJet. Despite a rather momentous year (she married Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark in December 2020), the newly minted princess completed 12 sumptuous one- to three-bedroom beach bungalows on her 300-ha property on Benguerra, an island off the coast of Mozambique. Kisawa officially opened in July; with each residence set within an acre, enjoying its own private beachfront/swimming pool/outdoor kitchen, dedicated chef and butler, it’s all set to satisfy the VistaJet-set.