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Our Opinion
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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 malaria-free 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.
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Summary
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Situated in the southern sector of the Quirimbas Archipelago, Quilálea Island (South 12.30'.00 East 40.35'.00) is a unique island marine sanctuary, fringed with pristine beaches and surrounded by the tropical Indian Ocean. Just 35 hectares, this Indian Ocean island offers the ultimate in seclusion and privacy, with the only residents being the hotel guests and staff.
The island has a deep channel on the landward side, allowing protected mooring all year long and at all points of the tide. In the 1500's when Portuguese and Arab traders arrived in Quissanga, 'The place of Sands', on the mainland of Mozambique on their way to Quirimba, ships took refuge in Quilálea's mooring. From this safe haven derived the Swahili word to sleep or 'Lala'. Hence, Quilálea was considered a secret place of choice to rest. This haven has now been rediscovered, and offers its guests the opportunity for complete relaxation, tranquility and self discovery.
Unlike the rest of the Quirimbas Archipelago, Quilálea is malaria-free. All the water on the island is provided via a de-salination plant and stored in subterranean tanks, hence there is no open water on the island and nowhere for mosquitos to breed, which allows for a relaxed, stress-free vacation.
Sencar, Quilalea's neighbouring island, remains untouched and uninhabited, although day excursions and picnics are encouraged. 75 hectares in extent, Sencar has a coral rag exterior and a mangrove swamp interior. Sencar offers only rudimentary beaches, but it is a bird lovers dream. A paradise for sea birds, the island has large areas of untouched coastal thicket. Samango monkeys have also made their homes here, though no one knows quite how they arrived there or how they survive in the absence of fresh water.
The word Quilálea originated from Swahili meaning to sleep. Its ambience has received accolades each year:
2004 Conde Nast Hot List of the 100 best new hotels.
2005 Tatler Travel 101 best destinations and one of 5 best island resorts.
2006 BBC.TV Travel – Number One best up and coming destination.
2007 Forbes Magazine June 2007
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| 1 |
Aerial View Of Quilalea Island |
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Undiscovered Island With 9 Villas |
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Swimming Pool |
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Lunch Overlooking Lagoon |
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Quilalea Sunset Villa |
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Restaurant & Terrace |
| 7 |
Cocktails At Sunset |
| 8 |
Spa Treatment |
| 9 |
Dive For All Experience Levels |
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Quiet Secluded Lagoon |
| 11 |
Access To Main Building |
| 12 |
Kiraku Catamaran |
| 13 |
Bertram Deep Sea Fishing Boat |
| 14 |
Canoeing Amongst Mangroves |
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