quilálea island, mozambique
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 every accolade and award it has had bestowed upon it.In November this year, Quilálea took a little time out for a
reviving facelift and when the island reopened on 22 November 2007, two new silent generators ensured the island’s
tranquility will remain undisturbed. In addition, thick new makuti thatch will keep rooms permanently cool, private
sundecks from the villas will encourage further relaxation from sun-drenched loungers or under shady parasols, and a
stylish new bar will provide the perfect place for seductive sundowners. Quilálea will face the New Year with renewed
style and even greater levels of guest comfort.The island forms part of the Quirimbas Archipelago, 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 guests welcomed
in August 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 (approved officially on 25 April 2001). In June 2002, after tremendous
hard work from the Quilálea 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 nest on the island’s beaches and Humpback Whales shelter in the deep channels on their 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 island'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, while 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, while the large windows and
private verandas afford panoramic views across the Indian Ocean.
Above the main beach area, the open-sided bar, lounge and dining area are perfectly positioned 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 offer
wonderfully romantic, alfresco dining 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 crumbling Portuguese fort. Quilálea is a PADI Dive Resort and is fully equipped for fishing, with
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.For a sense of true tropical
island living, dedicated to the continued development of the Mozambican community and the preservation of its natural
beauty, you will do no better than a stay at Quilálea.