Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, the andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge fuses spectacular design with the ultimate in conservation principles. 16 handcrafted, minimalist, glass-encased suites, including one two-bedroom family suite that sleeps four, are all built on stilts among the trees and boast luxurious en-suite bathrooms and viewing decks where guests can take in the sight of graceful nyala and duiker in the shade of the forest. The lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, gym and spa looks out onto panoramic views of an open vlei where animals frequently graze. A traditional African boma is enclosed with a wooden fence and offers lantern-lit open-air dining beneath a canvas of stars. Overlooking the vlei, are two large guest areas with a lounge, gallery, dining area with an interactive kitchen, and set right in the middle, a perfectly located firepit for pre-dinner cocktails.