Situated in the southern region 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 in extent, 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 1500s when Portuguese and Arab traders arrived in Quissanga, 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. Quilálea Island forms part of the Quilálea Marine Sanctuary, the first protected area to be created in the archipelago. Sea turtles nesting on the beach, humpback whales sheltering their young in the channel and the occasional dugong spotted in the seagrass meadows are just some of the marine animals that benefit from the creation of this sanctuary. It is one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world. Diving, snorkeling, canoeing, island exploration, sailing, swimming, and bird watching are all highly rated and great fun. Excursions to Ibo island and tours and cultural visits to the mainland (when not lazing in privacy or having a restorative massage) complete a visit to the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Quilálea sanctuary nestles in a forgotten corner of Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago, providing a malaria free haven of luxury and beauty with the highest degree of seclusion on a private island.
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