NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE Quilalea

Highlights

General information

In Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, Quilálea Island truly is a coral-rock island idyll. Set within the tropical marine sanctuary it fought to create and protect, fringed with secluded beaches, sparkling ocean and superb dive sites, and offering the very best in regional service and laid-back beach style, Quilálea is thoroughly deserving of every accolade and award it has been bestowed.

The island forms part of the Quirimbas Arquipelago, which stretches from Pemba to the Rovuma River, the natural frontier with Tanzania, and has long been considered a safe harbour and place of rest. From the arrival of the Portuguese and Arab traders in the 1500s to Quilálea’s first lodge guests at the end of 2002, this tranquil haven has provided an opportunity for relaxation and discovery.

Quilálea island is uninhabited apart from the nine spacious villas and in keeping with the lodge’s firm environmental policies, each one has been built using entirely indigenous materials and locally handcrafted indigenous teak and mahogany. Natural rock walls, makuti palm thatch and efficient ceiling fans keep you cool by day, whilst the malaria-free nature of the island allows for open widows by night and bedtime sea-breezes. The exquisite creole Muani style timber furniture, fresh pastel linens and whitewashed walls give the interiors a cool, chic feel, whilst the large windows and private veranda afford panoramic views across the Indian Ocean.