As my car pulls up to Rickshaws Pousada e Café or Casa de Vermelha (The Red House) as some of the locals affectionately call it, the staff is out front waiting to receive me with smiles. The welcome committee greets me by name and makes themselves available to help with my luggage. While I am ushered to my room, my eyes are drawn to an immaculately decorated interior. The entry way is lined with jaw-dropping black and white photographs from around the island. The hallways are adorned with colorful paintings depicting traditional Makua culture, all done by local artists. Beautifully restored antique furniture from the time of the Portuguese are situated throughout the hotel. The staff informs me that the building is over 200 years old and has been completely restored. Before and after pictures are proudly displayed in the lobby; a testament to the labor of love this place obviously is to the staff.
Rickshaws offers six different types of room accommodations but I splurged a little and booked their Deluxe Suite. Entering the room, the scent of Jasmine hangs in the air. Just like the rest of the facility the room is beautifully decorated. From floor to ceiling the paintings and furniture in the room evoke the Mukua, Arab, Hindi and Portuguese cultures that have long been a part of Mozambique Island’s history. Rickshaws absolutely delivers on their ethos of providing guests an old world feel with modern day comforts. The icing on the cake, from the living room of my suite I have a gorgeous view of the crystal blue water that is the Indian Ocean.
While a typical hotel hands you a key and points you to your room, Rickshaws sets themselves apart. The staff truly welcomed me like I was family. Before leaving the staff makes sure I know about the complimentary breakfast, Wi-fi, hot water (not always a guarantee in Mozambique), and access to their two sea kayaks. In addition, the staff lets me know that they would be happy to help arrange a boat ride for the day or bicycle tour of the island should my heart desire.
Just when I thought my trip couldn’t get any better one of the other staff members brings me a complimentary welcome beverage; a sparkling mango juice, a delicious concoction of their own design. Welcome to paradise!
With tourism on the rise in Mozambique, visitors have a growing number of options when choosing to stay overnight on Mozambique island. However, I have to say that few hotels rival the stellar service and unique ambiance of Rickshaws Pousada e Café.
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