Go wild next to the Indian Ocean
Best For: An on-water, multi-sport marathon.
In the middle of an under explored marine sanctuary in the Indian Ocean, this 86-acre island is thick with baobab trees and is a hot zone for wildlife—from Olive Ridley and Green Hawksbill Turtles to humpback whales and dolphins. There’s a PADI-certified dive center on site. Sign up and swim with 375 species of fish, including schools of potato bass and hunting jacks, or stay above it all by sailing in a traditional dhow or rowing a kayak. Deep-sea fishing is also an option. The ways to commune with the water are endless. After a $2.5 million renovation, the nine-bungalow resort is state-of-the-art, but still low energy—the owners designed the coral stone villas to have two options: Eco or Luxe. With the flip of a switch, you decide how much power you want to burn. Our suggestion: Go Eco, which provides only basic lighting and a fan. The alternative: Air conditioning and a minibar. Eight villas are spread out over two white sand beaches that are plenty long enough for privacy.
Best Time to Go: April through October is hot and dry.
How To Get There: Fly to the closest major airport, Pemba, Mozambique, then take a puddle jumper to the Quirimba Island, followed by a 20-minute boat ride to Quirea Private Island; from $595 per person, per night.
