Azura at Quilalea
Azura at Quilalea is the second luxury Indian Ocean retreat from Christopher and Stella Bettany. Just as the name suggests, it brings Azura's trademark African-chic style to Quilalea Island, a private, wholly uninhabited island paradise surrounded by the pristine waters of a marine sanctuary.
The vision is to provide the ultimate in private luxury hideaways in stunning undiscovered destinations.
Azura at Quilalea is a hidden gem, somewhere to retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with a relaxed and understated 'Robinson Crusoe' castaway style that belies the comforts and experiences on offer. Attention to detail, as ever with Azura, is paramount in the design, the finishes, and the overall wow factor of the island experience.
In keeping with the uninhabited nature of the island, the retreat consists of only nine seafront villas, accommodating eighteen guests. Guests can choose between three categories of villa: 4 Sunrise Villas, 4 Sunset Villas, and Villa Quilalea. The island may also be booked out in its entirety for a complete private island experience.
The main bar/pool area has been substantially reconfigured, including a chill zone with large cushions for lazing around. The kitchen has been completely re-designed and fitted with state of the art equipment, to provide the standard of cuisine that Azura is famous for, and the Dining Room has an all new Wine Cellar for private dining and to showcase the owner's wines. There is also an all new fully equipped Padi Dive and Watersports Centre, and TV and media room for those who want to stay in touch, and a Boutique with local crafts and designer beachwear.
Location
Closest major airport is Pemba. There is then a light aircraft flight to Quirimba Island, a short scenic drive across the coconut plantation, followed by a max 20 min boat ride to Azura at Quilalea private island.
Sunrise Villas & Sunset Villas
The villas are built from natural coral stone and makuti thatch, and have all been revamped to increase comfort and make better use of the interior space, with natural finishings, indoor/outdoor showers, private decks stretching out to the beach, daybeds and sun-loungers for relaxing.
Sunset Villas have the premium locations, with an additional outdoor shower and beach sala.
Villa Quilalea
The cliff-top Villa Quilalea offers the most astounding accommodation for a couple in the whole archipelago, with a private plunge pool, feature bathroom & dressing room, an outdoor shower, and its own separate sitting/dining area. Villa Quilalea additionally has a feature bathroom with free-standing bath and separate dressing room, a romantic draped Kingsize 4 poster bed, and enlarged sitting area. It also has a private infinity pool, sitting/dining area, extended decking and relaxation areas, and a stunningly private location, including ocean access from a clifftop stepladder.
FACILITIES
Main Restaurant
Other facilities include:
Beach picnics / private dining experiences, wine cellar.
ENTERTAINMENT
There is no set entertainment programme.
SPA
Azura at Quilalea´s uniquely African spa offers signature treatments based on local ingredients and traditions. These include being rubbed down with ground coconut shells, covered head to toe with tamarind and aloe, or gently massaged with warm marula oil. The Spa has a stunning location on the island´s headland where there is a natural rock alcove with rhythmical splashing of the water at high tide to aid in the relaxation process.
SPORTS & LEISURE
* Island Baobab nature walk
* Mangrove Kayaking on nearby Sencar Island
* Scuba Diving and scuba diving courses
* Snorkelling and guided snorkelling trips
* Deep sea fishing
* Sea kayaking
* Dhow sailing
* Dhow Sunset Cruise
* Island hopping and remote beach picnics
* Cultural visits including nearby historic Ibo Island
* Tours of the working coconut plantation on Quirimba Island and the local village
CHILDREN´S FACILITIES
Children are welcome in the Sunrise and Sunset Villas at Azura at Quilalea, and the marine paradise offers numerous possibilities for children and families.