Ibo Island Lodge is a stylish beach retreat located on Ibo Island, just north of Pemba in the beautiful Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique.
Not your typical beach resort, Ibo Island Lodge consists of three stunning mansions, all of which date back to the mid-19th century! Though the mansions have been extensively renovated, they retain many of their original features, with thick stone walls and lofty ceilings. In places the lodge has been expanded, but as the island is now being considered as a potential World Heritage Site, the additional structures have been designed in such a way so as to sit easily with the architectural style of the old buildings.
Ibo Island Lodge is a small but charming retreat, and one of our favourite places to stay in Mozambique. It offers lovely rooms and a good range of amenities, including two swimming pools, an open-air lounge, indoor dining room, and roof terrace with bar and restaurant. The central mansion at Ibo Island Lodge is known as Bela Vista, and it certainly lives up to the name - the view of the ocean, which is just a few steps away from the lodge, is indeed beautiful.
Located on a prime waterfront site, Ibo Island Lodge offers a classic, relaxed island experience. It's won numerous awards, and with good reason. It's a beautiful lodge, and offers great value too.
NB. Do note that the beach in front of Ibo Island Lodge is public. It is, however, possible to take a 15 minute boat journey from the lodge to a sand spit tidal beach which sees very few visitors. The mansions at Ibo Island Lodge are located on one of the oldest streets in Ibo, which also contains private homes and other resorts, as well as an old silversmiths. It's a peaceful area, and not overly busy, but those looking for a totally isolated island retreat may want to consider other options.
Accommodation
The rooms at Ibo Island Lodge are divided between two of the mansions, Paridiso and Niassa, while the public areas are contained in the main mansion, Bela Vista. There are just 14 rooms, all of which are individually decorated with local handcrafted furniture and fabrics. The size and layout of the rooms vary, but all are spacious and attractively furnished. A small number look out onto the sea, others onto the gardens and pool. All are air-conditioned and en-suite. Amenities include safe, tea/coffee facilities, and hairdryer are provided. No TV.
Dining
There's a lovely rooftop terrace for dining under the stars, and a more formal interior dining room. Lunch is typically served al fresco in the garden. The food, not always a highlight in Mozambique, is great—lots of fresh local produce, and of course a big emphasis on seafood. Vegetarian options, too.
Facilities
- Two swimming pools
- Bar and restaurant
- Public beach access
Activities
- Scuba diving and snorkelling
- Guided historic tours of Ibo Island
- Fishing
- Dhow sailing trips and sunset cruises
- Island walks
- Kayaking
Child Policy
Ibo Island Lodge doesn't generally accept children under 12 years, but may on special request. Older children sharing with parents (maximum 2 children) are charged 50% of the adult rate.
Environmental Policy
The owners of Ibo support a number of local community projects. Gane and Marshall staff have not had the chance to visit any of these projects, but you can read a bit more about them on the Ibo website.
