Fancy a little escape that’s less roughing it and more rolling in it? I’m talking about a week that’s frankly ridiculous in the best possible way: the Sanbona Big Five safari followed by a LUX* Mauritius beach bonanza. If your idea of camping involves a four-poster bed and your ‘roughing it’ means deciding between champagne or a perfectly chilled rosé, then pull up a designer deckchair. Seven days at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Now, this isn't your dusty old jeep rattling over potholes. Oh no. This is exclusive luxury safari. Think open top vehicles, yes, but driven by guides who know their stuff backwards and forwards, and probably have an uncanny ability to sense a lion’s breakfast preferences. We’re talking about spotting those majestic Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – from the comfort of your plush seat, with a flask of something warming in hand. The accommodation? Let’s just say ‘rustic chic’ doesn’t quite cut it. We’re talking private lodges that make your home look like a garden shed. Think plunge pools overlooking the savannah, attentive staff who anticipate your every whim before you’ve even thought of it, and meals that are nothing short of culinary masterpieces. I spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to work out if I could somehow smuggle my private chef home. Spoiler alert: I couldn't. But I did manage to develop a serious appreciation for perfectly cooked game. Mornings begin with coffee delivered to your suite as the sun paints the sky in fiery hues. Then, it’s out for game drives. You’ll see things that make David Attenborough look like he’s narrating a particularly dull documentary. Lions lounging like they own the place (which, to be fair, they do), elephants lumbering past, their wisdom etched onto their ancient faces. And if you're lucky enough to see a leopard, well, that’s a moment that’ll stick with you. It’s humbling, really, to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, knowing you’re doing it in style. I confess, I might have shed a tear or two. More from the sheer magnificence than the early start, I promise. After a week of thrilling wildlife encounters and indulging in a level of pampering that could make a queen blush, it’s time for a change of scenery. We jet off to Mauritius for a spell at LUX* Le Morne. From the wild plains to the turquoise embrace of the Indian Ocean, this is the perfect counterbalance. Again, it’s all about that exclusive, laid-back luxury. Imagine stepping onto soft, powdery sand, the scent of frangipani in the air, and a cocktail appearing in your hand as if by magic. LUX* knows how to do relaxation. We’re talking infinity pools that melt into the horizon, beachfront villas with private gardens, and a spa that’s designed to iron out every last wrinkle of stress that Sanbona might have accidentally introduced (unlikely, but still). Days here are a blissful blur of sunbathing, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, and generally forgetting what day of the week it is. I’m pretty sure I spent most of my time contemplating the merits of different shades of blue. The food is, as expected, phenomenal. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and that undeniable Mauritian flair. This trip is more than just a holiday; it’s an experience. It’s about connecting with nature in its rawest form, and then surrendering to pure indulgence. It’s a reminder that life’s too short for mediocre. So, if you’re looking for an escape that’s big on adventure and even bigger on luxury, this Sanbona and LUX* Mauritius combo might just be your ticket to a ridiculously good time. Just be warned, you might come back a little spoiled. And honestly, who’s going to complain about that?