Our 1.5 m thick walls come from the 17th Century. No much competition in Southern Africa. They are made of coral stone and lime, ironwood and other precious woods, some older than two centuries. Pavements are made of color-pigmented cement. All is strictly restored or made according to traditional century old techniques, very efficient in protecting from intensive heath and night colds. Roofs collect water into original cisterns, although now there is piped water from the continent. Furniture and cutlery/serving dishes match the walls and the history of the place, 50% being original of the island and restored on the house. Many guests comment that we are a living museum as all antiquities are in use and functional. Some are used quite differently from the original function as Judite, wife and decorator, likes finding unusual destination to the reborn objects that local antique sellers bring about. Some were actually found deeply buried in our own garden. However old, both the antiquities and the modernity ensure a very comfortable and pleasant setting for our guests... and ourselves. A huge Indian Almond creates an incredible shade and keeps the property cooler than anywhere else.

Husband Bruno is from Rome, has taught agricultural economics at the University of Dar es Salaam in the late seventies before embracing a career of international consultants and project manager, all over Eastern Africa, from Egypt to SA. He spent a lot of time in Mozambique. Cooking has always been his hobby and even worked in London Restaurants for more than one year in mid youth. Wife Judite, from Maputo, has always loved moving and arranging houses, looking for the perfect set up that a superb housewife always looks for. Decoration has always been her hobby with superb results as the house shows. With Bruno entered the art of food, developing her traditional cooking experience into something new... and better than the "teacher" can make. As Leonardo da Vinci said “Tristo è quel discepolo che non avanza il suo maestro” ("Sad is that disciple who does not advance his master") so now Bruno is hardly allowed to cook even spaghetti. Nevertheless, his bap breads... scones... and jams... Inhouse 5* Breakfast and Grand Style Dinner show the embodiment of all the above, old style, original services, slow food, good conversation, etiquette, etc. with all guests around the same table.

Mozambique Island is very small (2.5 k by 350 m) and all is concentrated. No need of a car to go around. Surrounding Jardim dos Aloés there are churches, museum, mosques, many historic buildings, the most famous unconquered Fortress, beaches, traditional housing areas and restaurants, cafes, hotels, fisherman harbours, dhow shelters, shipwrecks. The position is very central and at no more than 20 minutes’ walk from anything you want to see. If you want to sail to surrounding beaches and islets either with the Jardim dos Aloés 24" sail yacht Himalú III or with local dhows, it can be easily arranged for a full sea day.