Fodor's Expert Review Prana Lodge

With seven luxury suites tucked away inside a thick, lush indigenous dune forest (plus one on a dune with magnificent views), this exclusive hideaway was Cintsa's first and best luxury offering—you'll find few better spots in which to unwind anywhere on the Wild Coast. The enormous suites have fine Persian rugs and high ceilings with beams and the bathrooms have large open showers and baths that overlook the private garden. Apart from the Forest Suite, all suites have fully retractable French windows that open onto private sundecks and plunge pools. The spectacularly located Diamond Villa has a great vantage from its raised position—it's the only suite with sea views, and definitely worth the extra splurge. The main reception areas include an extensive, beautifully decorated library, and the restaurant serves sophisticated meals; many of the vegetables and greens come fresh from the lodge's own on-site garden. The spa is reason enough to check in, with soothing treatments by therapists who've been through an empowerment program bringing skills to people from local communities. Although it's tucked away in the forest, the lodge has direct access to Cintsa's gorgeous beach and lagoon via a boardwalk and some steps—there's also a magnificent ocean-facing viewpoint from the top of the dune, lovely for a sunset drink.