Quilalea Island Hotel Reviews, Pemba Mozambique Accommodation Snorkelling Sailing Scuba Diving Deep Sea Fishing Holiday
HOTELS REVIEW - PEMBA MOZAMBIQUE ACCOMMODATION DIVING FISHING
Quilalea Island is an exclusive luxury 5-star hotel on a private, uninhabited marine sanctuary, nestling in the Quirimbas Archipelago in the northern-most province of Mozambique, opposite the Comores islands in the warm Indian Ocean. The hotel has 9 secluded private villas constructed of natural rock with Makuti thatch, each with spectacular views. Facilities include a restaurant. Activities include sunset dhow cruises, first-class scuba diving and snorkelling, excursions to private coves and islands, canoeing, birdwatching, body massages.
What did you think?
Quilalea Island is an exclusive luxury 5-star hotel on a private, uninhabited marine sanctuary, nestling in the Quirimbas Archipelago in the northern-most province of Mozambique, opposite the Comores islands in the warm Indian Ocean. The hotel has 9 secluded private villas constructed of natural rock with Makuti thatch, each with spectacular views. Facilities include a restaurant. Activities include sunset dhow cruises, first-class scuba diving and snorkelling, excursions to private coves and islands, canoeing, birdwatching, body massages.
What did you think?
2 comments:
Nothing can take away from the natural beauty of Quilalea. That said, if it is unadulterated luxury you are looking for you may be disappointed.
Arriving by helicopter was amazing and a real plus and we were greated with smiles by the staff. Management was changing hands which may account for the lack of a clear identity to the staffing.
The resort felt more like a business than the romantic refuge we had been dreaming of for our honeymoon, particulary as we signed a disclaimer only minutes after arrival and were then presented with a (breath-taking) price list for the extras (including all drinks).
The villas were very pretty and our bed was scattered with rose petals the first night we spent there, although this decreased to just a flower after that. The facilities were basic which is understandable given the very remote location. There is no excuse for the lack of cleanliness though; the shower had green mould growing up the wall and the mirrors had not been polished in some time.
Snorkelling on the house reef was stunning and a highlight, although do not expect too much help from the staff. Snorkelling off a boat was also an experience but beware the strong currents.
Excursions we undertook were a kayaking trip through the mangroves of Sencar and a visit to the coconut plantation in Quirimbas, both of which were lovely and we felt we got more of a taste of the real Mozambique. Both excursions were extremely well guided and Ines in particular was a great help throughout.
Food and drink were tasty but there is limited stock coming into the island. Nathan the chef was very helpful and made special meals for my husband who was unwell.
A beach picnic is to be recommended as this is stunning but again this is due largely to the natural surroundings more than anything the lodge has to offer.
Quilalea, whilst idyllic, did feel like a slight disappointment after our safari in Beho Beho and I would not go back again.
We have just spent our honeymoon in Quilalea and we fell in love with this little heaven on earth. Everything was impeccable. Both the senior and junior staff, composed of lovely and passionate individuals and lead by the super efficient Ernst, are very friendly and professional and were always keen to meet our needs.
The rooms are in typical African style, made with attention to every detail, with a spacious patio at the front, breath-taking sea-view and massive bed. A nice touch were the vanilla flavour complimentary shower gel and sun lotion.
Even if the island is very small, there are plenty of activities for the more sporty guests; diving (we saw turtles, rays, eels), snorkelling, fishing, kayaking in the mangroves, sunset on the native dhow boats, sailing on the catamaran. All perfectly organised. What we really liked was the wake-up call with tea or coffee and homemade biscuits and the time spent at the bar just before dinner. The guests (mainly honeymooners) and the staff gather there for a drink (or 2) while tasting the delicious tapas.
Last but ot least a comment on the food. It was simply amazing. We were there for 11 nights and never had a bad meal or even the same meal. The chef, Mark, and his staff made any effort to meet guests' tastes and spoiled us with amazing chocolate-based desserts. The experience of Por do Sol is very special....
Elisa&Neil
Post a Comment