About
Quilalea Island, also known as Ilha Quilaluia, is a stunning private island located in the Quirimbas Archipelago of Northern Mozambique, approximately 35 minutes by flight from Pemba. This rugged island, largely formed from coral, is nestled within a protected marine sanctuary, making it a haven of natural beauty. Covering an area of about 34 hectares (or 86 acres), it takes approximately 45 minutes to walk around the island, which is otherwise uninhabited except for the Azura Quilalea Private Island resort.The island boasts indigenous vegetation, including ancient baobab groves, and features four large sandy beaches and several small coral bays. Its underwater world is equally impressive, with near-pristine inshore and offshore coral reefs and sea-grass beds. This rich marine environment supports diverse wildlife, including Olive Ridley, Green, and Hawksbill Turtles, which breed from August, nest from October to January, and hatch until April. Humpback whales can be spotted from July to October, and dolphins are present year-round. The waters are home to large potato bass and schools of hunting jacks, while the island's flora and fauna include a fascinating array of butterflies.Azura Quilalea Private Island, the sole resort on the island, offers nine seafront villas constructed from natural coral stone and makuti thatch. These villas provide luxurious accommodation with private plunge pools, sundecks, and indoor/outdoor showers. The resort operates as an eco-boutique retreat, utilizing solar power, wind generation, and rainwater harvesting, and guests can even control their energy consumption within their villas. Activities abound, ranging from spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving (with a PADI dive center and a house reef) to kayaking, dhow sailing, bird and whale watching, and deep-sea sport fishing. Guests can also enjoy day trips to the historic Ibo Island, island baobab nature walks, mangrove kayaking on nearby Sencar Island, and cultural visits. The clifftop African Spa offers treatments using natural ingredients. Historically, the island's safe deepwater moorings were a sanctuary for Portuguese and Arab traders.The resort, Azura Quilalea, was recently re-opened by the Southern Mozambique's 'Azura' company, though some sources indicate the island resort was previously closed.
