The Quirimibas Archipelago has rapidly become one of the premier jewels in Mozambique’s tourism crown – a string of gorgeous, unspoilt islands strung across the turquoise ocean. Of all the island lodges in this region, Matemo is perhaps the most reasonably priced and also offers families the chance to holiday together in paradise (Matemo’s sister lodge in the same area, Medjumbe, by way of contrast only takes guests older than 12 years old)

Situated in a marine sanctuary off the Northern Mozambican coast, Matemo has 24 thatched chalets, all in a row immediately next to the beach. The chalets are constructed primarily from wood with thatch roofs so perhaps not as substantial feeling as some of the other lodges with their solid walls. Inside there are lovely polished wood floors and painted wood walls and the feel is of a chic beach shack with Arabic overtones courtesy of the Persian carpets. The chalets are spacious and in common with all Rani lodges come equipped with some fairly “resorty” features compared with other lodges, such as satellite TV, mini-bar as well as air-con (a pleasure in the heat of high summer) One of the features we particularly like are the private outdoor showers and the hammocks slung on the decks are also a great option when it comes to chilling. Families will be attracted by the 2 units consisting of a double and twin villa with a linking hallway. the bar is a sociable place where you can compare notes on the day’s happenings with your fellow guests before heading off to an atmospheric dinner lit by romantic lantern and candlelight

The main lodge buildings also have subtle Arabian/Swahili style overtones, courtesy of the traditional furniture, wall hangings and Moroccan lamps. They’re perched on top of a low coral cliff overlooking the turquoise bay below dotted with various boats – dhows, yachts and deep sea fishing craft. Open to the cooling sea breezes it’s a great place to be – at night especially the bar is a sociable place where you can compare notes on the day’s happenings with your fellow guests before heading off to an atmospheric dinner lit by romantic lantern and candlelight. Many of the meals are in the form of buffets, terrific spreads with fresh fish and meat being grilled to order in front of you by the chef, and the lodge likes to mix things up – so apart from eating in the main dining area you can look forward to beach barbeques or perhaps even a romantic private beach dinner. Further good news is that the rates now include all drinks!

Matemo’s large swimming pool is a great place to chill and get some relief from the tropical heat. But if you’re the type of person who can’t just stare at the mesmerising ocean views for hours on end, then you’ll no doubt be relieved to find out that there are plenty of activities on offer including a watersports centre offering diving and a wide range of other activities including snorkelling, waterskiing and tubing, windsurfing, beach games (beach volleyball is a favourite) not to mention atmospheric sunset dhow cruises.

As one of the larger islands in the Quirimbas archipelago Matemo also houses a local village, giving guests the chance to get a glimpse of typical island life. Another popular excursion is to head off to nearby Ibo Island, a historical treasure studded with Portuguese colonial villas as well as a huge fort. Here guided tours give guests a peek back towards those long gone times and how some of the traditions continue to this day, such as the island’s famous silversmiths – why not get them to conjure up a beautiful piece of handmade silver jewellery which will serve as a tangible reminder once you’re back in the rat-race of your holiday to this magical place!

Plenty of activities on offer, including waterskiing which is not offered by many of the Mozambican beach lodge – add in a gorgeous beach, great deep-sea fishing and terrific diving and snorkelling and water-babies will be in their element!

Offers all the comforts of a luxury hotel despite being so remote and tranquil – things like satellite TV, air-conditioning and mini bars

With 24 chalets it’s a little larger than the average beach lodge, which translates into a fairly festive and sociable atmosphere especially when full

One of the few island lodges that accepts children, so a decent choice for families sick of Mauritius and wanting something less commercialised and more unspoiled

Not as romantic as say its sister lodge Medjumbe on account of its larger number of rooms

The chalets are fairly close together which compromises privacy a little – pity they didn’t use the abundant space and spread them out a little more

Perhaps has a less authentic look and feel compared to other island lodges in Mozambique – then again on the plus side it has those luxury features they don’t which will appeal to many people