Polana Serena

Built in 1922, the magnificent Polana Serena Hotel has long been considered one of Africa's finest hotels. A must see whilst in Maputo the hotel offers the 'Maisha' Mind Body and Spirit Health Club and Spa, a stunning swimming pool with tens of sun loungers and waiters on hand ready to take your order. Around the pool are landscaped gardens and the hotel also has an exclusive residents' lounge, a business centre, a beauty salon and three gift shops. The conference facilities are excellent too as is the social events suite, which features a majestic ballroom.
Exterior: A stunning historical building, painted white and just 4 storeys tall. The building looms large over the grounds and offers spectacular views of the sea and surrounding city.
Lobby: The entrance to the hotel is very stylish with its marble floor and 90 year old beautiful lift. The welcoming reception desk sits on the left, the ever helpful concierge desk to the right and the lounge and stunning path to the huge outdoor pool straight ahead.

The rooms reflect the old world charm of the hotel and have lavish furniture and artwork pointing to Mozambique's Indo-Portuguese heritage. The rooms in this historic colonial building feature carved furniture, luxurious fabrics in muted tones of cream and off-white. The bed-head is composed of delicate carved spindles, set against a silken backdrop, while the overhead canopy is framed by an exquisitely carved mahogany frieze. The en suite bathrooms are a generous size and all of the standard rooms are closer to the sea and its spectacular views than the main building with its Deluxe rooms. The standard rooms are set into the side and below the main swimming pool and garden area. All rooms have free Wifi, satellite TV and mini bar. Room service is also available.

The cuisine served incorporates the spices and traditions of Portugal, Mozambique and Africa. The Terrace Restaurant offers a daily à la carte menu and themed buffets on Friday and Saturday evenings with a live band. The Salão de Chá serves homemade pastries and light meals, while two bars welcome guests with cocktails, snacks, live entertainment and breathtaking views of the African coastline.

Guests can enjoy a stroll in the gardens or a dip in the pool, which comes complete with a children's paddling section, a poolside snack bar and sun loungers and parasols, a game of chess under the great rubber tree or an energetic work-out in the gymnasium. All the facilities are first class. Aqua aerobics classes are held in the pool, and aerobics is on offer in the gym. Guests can also play tennis, relax in the Jacuzzi, play beach volleyball or treat themselves to a massage. A programme of entertainment is organised for guests of all ages.

The hotel dress code is smart/ casual, guests are kindly requested not to wear shorts after 6 pm. Hotel check-in time is from 2 pm and check-out time is by 11 am.