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About Quilálea Island - Quirimbas Archipelago
Situated in the southern sector 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 1500's when Portuguese and Arab traders arrived in Quissanga, "The place of Sands", 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. This haven has now been rediscovered, and offers its guests the opportunity for complete relaxation, tranquility and self discovery.
Unlike the rest of the Quirimbas Archipelago, Quilálea is malarie-free. All the water on the island is provided via a de-salination plant and stored in subterranean tanks, hence there is no open water on the island and nowhere for mosquitos to breed, which allows for a relaxed, stress-free vacation.
Sencar Island
Sencar, Quilalea's neighbouring island, remains untouched and uninhabited,
although day excursions and picnics are encouraged. 75 hectares in
extent, Sencar has a coral rag exterior and a mangrove swamp interior.
Sencar offers only rudimentary beaches, but it is a bird lovers dream.
A paradise for sea birds, the island has large areas of untouched
coastal thicket. Samango monkeys have also made their homes here,
though no one knows quite how they arrived there or how they survive
in the absence of fresh water.
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