Quilalea Island Resort, Quirimbas holiday accommodation, Mozambique

Island Villas Quilálea is an idyllic Mozambique island resort nestling in a forgotten corner of Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago in the tropical Indian Ocean. Completely uninhabited, this Indian Ocean island offers complete exclusivity and unparalleled natural beauty. Nine private villas each offer magnificent sea views, providing a haven of luxury island accommodation. Surrounded by the sparkling, azure waters of the warm Indian Ocean, Quilálea is the ideal honeymoon destination for those in search of the perfect romantic island getaway, or the ultimate holiday for those in need of relaxation, adventure and rediscovery.

LOCATION

Quilálea Island rests in a marine sanctuary with Sencar Island. Quilálea is 12 kms from the mainland town of Quissanga and 55 kms north of Pemba City by sea and 120 km by road. The island is 34 hectares in area and lies alongside a deep 70-meter channel with direct access to the Indian Ocean. The island forms part of the Quirimbas Archipelago, a group of 32 coral islands that stretches from Pemba Bay to the Rovuma River, the natural frontier with Tanzania. The area has never been developed and remains an unexplored tourist paradise.

The southernmost 11 of these islands and a vast expanse of mainland forest are included in the Quirimbas National Park - a conservation effort to preserve and protect the area.

RESORT ACCOMMODATION

Quilálea Island Resort accommodates 18 guests in 9 luxury "island villas". Each villa is constructed entirely with indigenous materials and handcrafted timber, opening onto a private veranda with panoramic sea views. A comfortable 45 square metres in size, every villa is complete with an antique stylised shower, vanity and fittings. Large windows afford magnificent views and allow the sea breeze to waft through the entire villa. Natural rock walls, makuti thatch, air-conditioning as well as colonial ceiling fans keep you cool by day. The island-style furniture is crafted from indigenous teak and mahogany by local carpenters in the Creole Muani style. A king-size bed or twin beds draped in netting completes the romantic African/Arabian luxury. Every villa has the pleasure of overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean.

FACILITIES

The restaurant and lounge is no more than a two-minute walk from the most distant villa. Set on a peninsula at the north end of the island, the restaurant offers beautiful ocean views to both the west and the east. Indulge in the flavours and spices of Mozambican cuisine influenced by Portugal and Goa, prepared by our gourmet chef. Also enjoy five-star dining on the beach. We will prepare a romantic meal right on the water’s edge for those special occasions.

Spend your days simply soaking up the sun by the swimming pool or on the pristine, white beaches or choose from our many adventure activities on offer on the island. Diving, snorkelling, fly fishing, sport fishing, canoeing, island exploration, swimming, historical tours, dhow sailing trips and bird watching are all available on the island.

The island has its own marine pavilion, which is a fully equipped fishing and PADI dive centre. Sport fishing and deep-sea angling are offered outside the sanctuary where game fish are plentiful.

ACTIVITIES (see rates below)

Snorkeling and scuba diving, canoeing and dhow sailing along the mangrove channels, with bird and whale watching in season. For an additional charge deep-sea sport fishing and diving instruction is available. All equipment is provided. Day visits to historic Ibo Island and cultural tours can be arranged. Unusually the island offers diving from the beach in water temperatures ranging between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius

For more onfo on the activities offered please click on the link below or at the top of the page.

ACCESS

There are flights from Johannesburg to Pemba twice a week, as well as flights from Maputo and from Dar es Salaam. Transfers from Pemba can be a 2-hour road trip by air-conditioned 4 x 4 or 15 minute air charter to neighboring Quirimba Island’s private air field; both followed by a 20 minute boat transfer.

GENERAL

Visa card is accepted subject to a 5% surcharge, telephone & fax are available. Generator power 16 hours per day, 220v with euro plugs.
Water is by desalination, and is safe to drink.

Quilálea is malaria-free. There is no open water on the island and hence, nowhere for mosquitoes to breed. However, malaria is prevalent in Mozambique and it is recommended that visitors travelling through the country take anti-malarial prophylactics. The best precaution is to avoid being bitten by using mosquito nets and repellent spray, and wearing protective clothing.

Embark on a voyage of rediscovery

QUILáLEA ISLAND RESORT - EXCLUSIVE MARINE SANCTUARY, QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO, NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE

RESORT ACCOMMODATION