iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – For the second consecutive year, Thonga Beach Lodge has been named South Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel at the esteemed 32nd annual World Travel Awards. With a perfect blend of unforgettable experiences, conservation leadership, and eco-elevated luxury, Thonga once again triumphed over a field of outstanding coastal properties.
Tucked away on the remote shores of Mabibi within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Thonga Beach Lodge is accessible by 4×4 only, offering one of life’s rarest luxuries: true escape. Just a short drive from Lake Sibaya, South Africa’s largest freshwater lake, the lodge’s twelve thatched, eco-chic suites are elevated above a coastal dune forest, with wooden walkways and sandy pathways leading through the trees to the unspoilt shores of the Indian Ocean.
What makes Thonga Beach Lodge truly award-worthy:
• Marine immersion: Guests enjoy daily guided snorkelling and scuba diving on some of South Africa’s most pristine coral reefs, seasonal turtle tracking drives and beach walks, and the rare chance to witness both nesting turtles and hatchlings. Marine conservation is woven into the experience, with guests learning about ocean protection through community education initiatives.
• Community empowerment: Most of the lodge’s staff come from the surrounding Mabibi community, with many having worked at Thonga since it opened – a testament to the lodge’s commitment to long-term local employment, skills development, and mentorship. Through the Isibindi Foundation, Thonga supports projects like Mabibi Primary School, youth education, and small business development, helping to uplift the broader Thonga community in meaningful and lasting ways.
• Environmental stewardship: Conservation levies fund vital turtle monitoring programs in collaboration with the Oceanographic Research Institute and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority. These efforts are complemented by ongoing marine education, local awareness campaigns, and beach cleanups that empower both guests and community members to actively protect this unique coastline.
• Eco-luxury: Free of single-use plastics, and designed to blend seamlessly into its dune forest surroundings, the lodge offers low-impact adventures via its “Beach Life Hub”, from kayaking on Lake Sibaya, to forest walks and guided reef snorkels.
• Location and exclusivity: Set above Mabibi Beach in a coastal dune forest, the lodge offers front-row access to one of South Africa’s most untouched and biodiverse stretches of coastline, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Authentic connections: Nature-based experiences led by knowledgeable local guides foster deep connections with the marine and forest ecosystems, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the region.
“Winning South Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel for a second-year running is incredibly rewarding. It reflects not only the unmatched beauty of our coastline, but the dedication of our team, and the power of sustainable tourism to uplift community and environment in equal measure”, says Marketing Manager Lucy Cooke. “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Thonga Beach Lodge – a true remote paradise – and we’re grateful to our guests for joining us in conserving this extraordinary piece of paradise.”
The 2025 World Travel Awards shortlist for the Leading Beach Hotel category included:
Birkenhead House
Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa
Last Word Long Beach
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Morukuru Beach Lodge
Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
The Bay Hotel
The Oyster Box
The Plettenberg Hotel
About The World Travel Awards:
Often referred to as the “Oscars of travel,” the World Travel Awards were founded in 1993 to celebrate excellence in tourism, hospitality, and travel globally.
About Thonga Beach Lodge
Operated by Isibindi Africa Lodges, Thonga Beach Lodge comprises twelve luxurious oceanfront eco-suites nestled within a coastal dune forest. Guests enjoy personalised service, sustainably sourced seafood and produce, and daily experiences – including snorkelling, diving, turtle-watching, forest walks, and cultural engagement with the local Thonga community. A purpose-driven property, Thonga is deeply committed to conservation and community upliftment through the Isibindi Foundation.
