Ibo Island Lodge is the first sophisticated place to stay on this historically significant island in northern Mozambique. In the 1800s Ibo was a thriving trading centre and capital of the Portuguese-ruled Cabo Delgado region, but the settlement's decline began in 1902 when the capital moved to the mainland, and by the 1950s the wide avenues stood silent and deserted. Guided tours of the old town are included in your room rate at the lodge, which helps finance a school, a market-garden scheme and a silversmiths' programme on the island. There are nine bedrooms in two villas overlooking the waterfront; five more will open in a third house later this year. Both houses have beautiful, walled gardens with pretty plunge pools. The high-ceilinged rooms are elegantly furnished with a mix of Indian and European antiques and locally made items such as the enormous four-poster beds; verandahs overlook the sea or gardens and there is a lovely roof terrace for sundowners and excellent seafood dinners. Because the island has been nominated for World Heritage status, owners Kevin and Fiona Record have been careful to use only traditional methods in the restoration, and they have retained or repaired as many original features as possible. The beach is under water at high tide, so guests are taken for breakfast or lunch to a pristine sandbank 15 minutes' boat ride away. This lodge is a magical addition to the emerging destination of the Quirimbas Archipelago.
WHEN TO GO
May to October.
ROOM TO BOOK
Ibo Island, Quirimbas Archipelago (00 27 21 702 0285; www.iboisland.com). Doubles from US$590, full-board
Find out more about Mozambique in our country guide |
