Quilálea Island

Quilálea Island

Quilálea marine sanctuary provides a haven of luxury and beauty on an entirely private and uninhabited tropical island. The island’s name originates from the Swahili word to sleep or ‘lala’, as the dhows laden with produce would take refuge there overnight. This is the ideal destination for that exclusive and romantic getaway or for honeymooners.

Nine stylish, private en-suite villas are built from natural stone with makuti (coconut palm leaves) thatch roofing to keep the cool air in. Each one, a stone’s throw away from the lapping waves on the beach is individually decorated with local Makonde carvings and has an uninterrupted ocean vista from the private teak veranda. All villas boast a super King-size bed (convertible to twins), spacious mosquito net, comfortable furnishings, double ceiling fans and air conditioning. The en-suite bathrooms with luxurious twin vanities have an entrance to the shower directly from your private stretch of beach.

The open-sided dining area and lounge, framed by fragrant frangipanis and other colourful flowers both overlook the magnificent Indian Ocean. Imaginative menus are based on succulent fresh fish and seafood prepared in traditional Mozambican style complemented with Portuguese and South African wines.

Overlooking the pool is the bar, a short walk away, which houses a small library with board games, and a satellite TV to keep up with global events. It is the perfect place to watch the dramatic sun sets between the branches of the great trees lining the pool. The Marine pavilion is the dive and sport fishing centre with a full range of Mares equipment and Shimano fishing tackle for you to experience the fabulous wonders of the ocean, both underwater and on the top!

The ‘Karma Salaama’ massage room is built around the natural curves in the rock face. At high tide, lie face down on the massage bed and let the waves lull you to total relaxation as you enjoy one of a full range of treatments.

Transfers: from Pemba, either by helicopter directly to Quilalea, or by small plane to neighbouring Quirimba Island airstrip, followed by a short car journey and a boat ride. Transfers from $140 per person each way. Guests are restricted to 15 kilograms of luggage per person including hand luggage, which needs to be packed in soft bags.