Azura Quilalea Island

In Mozambique’s paradisiacal 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 ever accolade and award it has been bestowed
Quilalea 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.
The Quilálea Sanctuary was the first marine protected area in the Quirimbas Archipelago, an area considered by the WWF to be of worldwide importance for conservation. In September 2002, after tremendous hard work form the Quilalea team and partners, the government declared the official opening of the National Park with a 500,000 hectare area around Quilálea. Today, a total of 375 different species of fish have been identified in the sanctuary, turtles next on the island’s beaches and humpback whales shelter in the deep channels on the migration south. For visitors, the chance to see the variety and density of the ocean’s inhabitants is magical.
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.
Above the main beach area, the open-sided bar, lounge and dining area are perfectly positions, with east and west orientations, to enjoy the rose-drenched skies at sunrise and sunset. Here truly delicious lunches and dinners are created from the freshest local, fair-trade produce. The aromatic spices and flavours of Goa and Portugal dominate the cuisine in testament to the country’s past. For special occasions, secluded spots on the beach and cliffs are wonderfully romantic alfresco options.
Days on the island are a whimsical mix: day-dreaming on hammocks, soaking up the sun by the sparkling pool, sport fishing along the deep drop offs (catch and release), diving with sharks and turtles on the home reef, kayaking the picturesque mangrove channels or sailing to historic Ibo island to explore the crumbing Portuguese fort.
Quilálea has a fully equipped fishing and PADI dive centre, immaculate boats – from traditional dhows to a 38 foot sailing yacht – and experienced crew, so both novice and practised anglers and divers are sure to enjoy the delights of the surrounding waters.

 

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