In the remote north of far-flung Mozambique lies Azura Quilalea, an 86-acre private, uninhabited island. The resort is surrounded by the Quirimbas Archipelago marine sanctuary, guided by Azura Retreats' sweeping vision to provide exceptional luxury experiences in the stunning undiscovered destination of Mozambique.
With whale watching season quickly approaching in the Quirimbas (from July to October), Mozambique is a hotspot for nature lovers and Azura Quilalea offers every luxury under the African sun. Covered in age-old baobab groves and beautifully unique flora and fauna, Azura Quilalea is a secluded paradise with only 9 seafront villas, a spa, and decadent cuisine best enjoyed by candlelight. An unpolluted night sky meets sea views that are a kaleidoscope of color; these undiscovered waters are home to migrating humpback whales, elusive dugong, endangered turtles and all manner of shocking corals.
Must-dos include diving Quilalea's untouched dive sites and a visit to Ibo Island, circa 600 A.D., a near-deserted site with a rich history on the spice route. Beyond sailing on traditional dhows, deep sea fishing, and kayaking through mangroves, visitors can sometimes even catch a glimpse of rare turtle species that hatch seasonally.
Dedicated to helping to preserve this pristine environment, Azura Quilalea is a leader in ethical sustainable tourism, with staff sourced locally and heavy participation in local community projects. Even dining at Azura keeps sustainability in mind, as many dishes include an abundance of locally-caught fresh seafood, much to the delight of all who dine.
To get to this private paradise, travelers can first fly to Johannesburg, South Africa then to Mozambique's port city of Pemba. The resort then arranges a 25 minute helicopter transfer to the island's private helipad. Quilalea Island has the only deep-water mooring in the area, where the Portuguese and Arab traders traditionally found sanctuary for their dhows. Along with its sister island Sencar, it is one of the few properties in the entire Archipelago to lie within a fully protected marine reserve, ensuring an abundance of marine life.
