Azura Quilalea Private Island
Azura Quilalea Private Island is a hidden gem. This award-winning private, wholly uninhabited island paradise is located off the coast of Mozambique, and surrounded by the pristine waters of a marine sanctuary. The island has statuesque age-old baobab groves and stunning flora and fauna, with turtles nesting each year on one of the beaches.
Azura Quilalea is an Eco-Boutique Retreat with only nine seafront villas, hewn from local materials, with coral stone walls, carved wooden beams, makuti thatch roofs, and timber wooden decks. With oversize beds, designer ‘beach-chic’ furnishings, air conditioning, plunge pools and spacious bathrooms with indoor /outdoor baobab tiled showers, they are the perfect island castaway home.
Villas consist of 4 Kaskazi villas, 4 Kusi Villas, as well as one Villa Quilalea. The latter is in a unique location and ideal for a couple wanting that something extra special. It has a romantically draped four poster bed, a feature bathroom, dining pavilion and a cliff-top plunge pool. The Jellyfish Dining Room is open on the sides to make best use of the trade winds that are wonderfully cooling on a summer night. There is also a wine cellar for private dining and to showcase the proprietor’s wines.
Why we like it here
It is the only island in Mozambique with a house reef, accessible directly from the main beach, making it a fabulous destination for snorkelling, scuba diving and all lovers of marine life.
All guests receive Azura’s trademark Mozambican Butler / Host service, who take great pride in their innovative dining set-ups, and little touches to make your stay special, like the cocktail of the day delivered to your villa, or the pop-up beach bar.
Enjoy time kayaking the mangroves on nearby Sencar Island.
Azura Quilalea recently received awards for the Best Marine Safari Experience and Most Romantic Safari Property, among others.
Blessed with a tropical climate, temperatures rarely fall below 24°C, even at night.
There is a fully-equipped PADI Dive and Water Sports Centre.
A boutique is available where you can purchase local crafts and designer beachwear.
For those in need of some pampering, there is the ultimate cliff-top African spa.
For those who love local culture, venture to nearby Ibo Island and discover the old fort and ruins.
There is a beautiful turtle beach which is home to dozens of nesting turtles.
Humpback whales can be seen from July to October, while dolphins can be spotted throughout the year.
Enjoy a sunset cruise in a Dhow.
Things to be aware of
The Kaskazi and Kusi Villas are ideal for 2 adults and 2 children aged 16 years and below.
The island is in a low-risk malaria area and guests are advised to make use of the insect repellent provided, as well as sleeping under the mosquito nets.