A jewel in the crown that is Africa, the Quirimibas Archipelago is a unique string of 32 unspoiled, tropical islands that wallow lazily in the bright azure of the Indian Ocean. These tropical islands contain some of the richest coral reefs in the world and provide habitat for an abundant array of marine life… move over Great Barrier Reef.

It is here, off the northern coast of Mozambique, that Matemo Island exists — a place where time seems to have stood still. Of all the islands in the area, Matemo is the one of the largest and friendliest, and one of the only luxury islands in Mozambique that happily accepts children.

Perched on top of a low coral cliff, overlooking a bay studded with fishing boats and dhows, Matemo is as breathtaking inside as the view is outside. The décor is of a subtle Arabian/Swahili style and the handmade furniture, gorgeous wall hangings and traditional Moroccan lamps all add to the atmosphere. But it’s the cool sea breeze that wanders through the main area that make it the place to be in the evenings.

When the sun is well and truly down, the lodge bar is a hotspot for daily event updates and delicious coktails — which happily brings us to the next bit of good news. Rates now include all drinks!

Matemo’s swimming pool offers great relief from the tropical heat and is a place to literally “chill” all day, unless of course your love of the sea pulls you away from the fresh and to the salt.

There are many water activities to whet you appetite including snorkelling, waterskiing, tubing, windsurfing and sunset dhow cruises. But it’s the diving that is said to be some of the best in the world thanks largely to the area being a marine reserve.

And, as any diver, or lounger-lizard knows that the one great joy of being on an island is the joy of eating. There is fresh seafood in abundance and can be grilled to order right in front of you by top class chefs. Apart from eating in the main dining area you can also look forward to beach barbeques or even a romantic, candlelit meal for two on the beach.

Being one of the largest islands in the archipelago, Matemo also houses a local village, which is an amazing opportunity for visitors to get acquainted with the locals and their typical island life.

Ibo Island

Visit nearby Ibo Island, a historical treasure, which boasts Portuguese colonial villas as well as a huge fort. Here you can discover some of the old traditions still in existence, such as the island’s famous silversmiths.

Fishing and Diving

Fishermen here love the fact that deep water is so close to the island so they don’t have to travel for miles for the thrill of big game fishing. And big game fish are plentiful here.

Local Life

Holding company, Rani Resorts, has played an important role in stimulating the Matemo Island economy since 2001 when 180 local people were employed for the construction of the lodge. Today more than 100 islanders work on the island and their small businesses are supported, such as the local vegetable garden that supplies Matemo with fresh produce.

Accommodation

There are 24 thatched chalets, all of which stand side-by-side on the sand, right beside the ocean. The chalet interiors scream chic shack and combine polished wooden floors and Persian carpets with rustic hammocks and stoney outdoor showers. And just when you feel a little Robinsoe Crusoe, the satellite television, mini-bar and air conditioning remind you that you may be in the middle of the Indian Ocean but that you are also in the lap of luxury.