4 Best Hotels in Northern Mozambique, Pemba and the Quirimbas, Mozambique

Your quintessential private-island resort doesn't get much better than this. The tiny island (just over half a mile long by a quarter mile wide) lies in the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean, just off the north coast of Mozambique in the Quirimbas Marine Reserve. You can amble around the white beaches of the whole island in about forty minutes. Unwind in one of thirteen enchanting beach chalets, each with a fringed palm leaf thatch roof, wooden deck, plunge pool, and a cool Arabian Nights interior that would have immediately seduced Scheharazade. Snorkeling and diving are superb among nearby breathtaking coral reefs and you also won't be able to stop yourself from diving into the spectacular delights of the seafood, from giant prawns and crayfish to squid and line fish.

Only two-and-a half miles (4 km) from Pemba Airport and five miles (8 km) from the city center, Avani Pemba has something of an Arabian Nights feel with high stone arches, domed ceilings, long corridors, and wrought-iron ceiling lamps. Choose a comfortable, elegantly furnished room with TV, tea-and-coffee making facilities, air-conditioning and a sea-facing veranda; or if you plan to stay longer, an apartment with small lounge, kitchen with fridge and microwave, and a washing machine. With its nice beach the hotel is fine for vacationers, but it's also become something of a business destination because of natural gas finds in the area. Diving, fishing, and snorkeling are all available plus a spa.

This award-winning lodge situated in the Quirimbas National Park has been a triumph of restoration. A decade ago the three lovely old mansions that form the lodge were shabby, dilapidated cocoons. Today they are reborn and returned to their historic glory with the aid and knowledge of the local community. Ibo Island, reminiscent of Zanzibar's Stone Town in some ways, is one of the oldest settlements in Africa (excluding San Bushman sites) and has been nominated for World Heritage Status. Fourteen individually designed rooms, with handmade king-sized four-poster beds face the sea or gardens, all with wide verandas. Although the beaches around the hotel tend to be muddy and not very attractive, the surrounding lush gardens are delightful and you can be whisked off daily to a private sandbar in the Indian Ocean by a local dhow to swim, snorkel, dive, or just relax. Watch the sun set from the Bela Vista roof deck restaurant, cocktail in hand, before sampling the Mozambique cuisine.

A guided tour of the island to learn about its fascinating past is a must as is a dhow safari.

Just a couple of minutes from the beach, this small unpretentious hotel is clean, comfortable, and has excellent friendly service with restaurants and bars nearby.