Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge sits on the waterfront of Ibo Island, one of the Quirimbas islands strung along the coast of northern Mozambique, inside two mansions that are each more than one hundred years old. The walls are coral and lime, more than a metre thick, and the original dark teak ceiling beams are still in place overhead. Fourteen rooms are spread across the two buildings — the Niassa mansion holds the garden and historical rooms, while the sea-facing rooms look out over the water where dhows move on the high tide.

Each room has a carved four-poster or handcrafted twin bed made by local craftspeople on the island, dressed in cotton linen. The sea-facing rooms have en-suite bathrooms with twin basins, a bath, and a marble shower. Historical rooms have a small lounge area that takes extra beds for children. Garden rooms open onto wide verandas and a pool shaded by palms. All rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a veranda — the verandas here are wider than the originals, fitted with plantation chairs.

On the water, the lodge offers sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, and whale watching. On land, guides run cultural and historical tours of the island, which is under consideration for World Heritage status. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, and spa. Staff speak English and Portuguese.