Island Authenticity
After a while, all island resorts start to blend into one, but Karin Petersen still finds plenty of unique aspects about Mozambique’s Matemo Island to make it stand out from the crowd.
Call me spoilt if you will, but there is a certain island weariness that creeps in once you have sipped sunset cocktails at a selection of international beach bars, snorkelled among shoals of psychedelically dazzling fish in coral reefs from east to west, had the wave’s edge sea foam tickle your toes on sandy white beaches from Pangkor Laut to Byron Bay, and slept on luxurious linen along the way. What is it, then, that makes me about to launch into a list of glib answers to your question: “Why visit Mozambique’s Matemo Island?” Well, it’s all of the above, really.
Name the exotic cocktail, picture the sparkling fish, conjure up the willing waiter and create a vision of a tropical African sun kissing an azure ocean. Done? Okay. That’s a good start. Now picture your husband out deep sea fishing, your elder son’s canoe chasing his younger brother’s windsurfer and your daughter happily ensconced in a book beside a glittering pool. Then there is snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, volleyball and windsurfing to try out. The beauty of Matemo is that it skilfully blends island relaxation with lists of activities to sample, should the mood grab you.
Watch the family’s bronzed smiles light up when they realise that the activities on Matemo are seemingly endless, and that every physical exertion is replenished with sumptuous meals prepared by an innovative culinary team.
At many island destinations, one marvels constantly at the tropical fruit delights and interesting culinary experiences on offer. It is no different here, until you calculate the logistics of getting the basics (fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, wine, coffee, ice cream) to this remote destination.
Based in the heart of the Quirimbas Archipelago, off the shores of the northernmost reaches of Mozambique, Matemo Island is a short light aircraft hop from the nearby trading centre of Pemba. Reaching Pemba is relatively simple too, since a couple of international and domestic flights (from Maputo) land there daily.
Getting to Matemo is not complicated, but it does take a little time. However, this is not time begrudged, as each step of the journey offers new insights into Mozambican culture, art and traditions. And the beauty of these cultural offerings is, in effect, the fact that while tourists are warmly and freely offered exposure to these facets of Mozambican life, it is neither commercialised nor fake in its presentation.
Rani Resorts manages to bring a blend of Arabian magic to its Indian Ocean island resorts, and the décor, furnishings and staff subtly create an atmosphere of understated luxury wherever you turn. Locals will happily share their island stories with you and these go a long way towards explaining the island’s interesting mix of cultures. Matemo was once at the heart of the Arab and Portuguese slave trade. Its neighbouring island, Ibo, also carries a wealth of architectural and cultural history with unique silver jewellery as part of its ongoing trade. There is also a fascinating fort to explore. The locals here leave tourists pretty much to themselves, which is also a rare relief, but are always on hand to happily engage in banter, the exchanging of information and the odd practical joke.
Back on the island, accommodation is provided to a select group of visitors, with only 24 Makuti palm thatched villas scattered along the beach. The resort is small enough to ensure that you feel a sense of privilege, but big enough so that you don’t feel that you need to whisper wherever you go. Each room boasts ceiling fans, air conditioning, bar fridges, satellite TV, simple and stylish furnishings, and a private deck. The bathroom has all the bubbles and the wraps you could want, with a charming al fresco shower as an added bonus.
Matemo Island is a dose of realism in the tropics. You won’t find imitation Hawaiian print shirts, souvenir batiks or giant shells being foisted on you by local children sporting fake Ray Bans. What you will find, though, is a beautiful ocean (with an impressive number of dolphin pods), more than enough activities to keep the whole family entertained, plenty of local warmth, a deep sense of African history and international cuisine with local flair. All of this culminates in a desire to book your next Matemo experience the moment your return flight starts.
Contact Rani Resorts on +27 11 658 0633 or 0861 77RANI in South Africa, or +258 21 301 618 in Mozambique, email info@raniresorts.com or visit http://www.raniresorts.com/ for more information.
Story by Karin Panaino Petersen
