Situated within the Marine Reserve, Ponta Mamoli in southern Mozambique, only a 40-minute drive from the Kosi Bay border along sandy roads you will find the Aloha Estate.  There is nothing quite like arriving at your holiday destination after a long, possibly hot, journey and being greeted by the breathtaking ocean views Aloha 18 offers.  You immediately know that here you can immerse yourself in the blissful essence of a restful Mozambican beach holiday. Positioned in such a way to afford all rooms a sea view, this  privately situated comfortable beachfront house is on one level. The 'lodge-type' design consists of four separate sea facing buildings, all opening onto a large wooden deck around the swimming pool and gazebo area.   From here you can sip a cool drink while watching dolphins frolicking in the waves and during season whales breaching and blowing – a magical experience.  The open plan kitchen dining and living area, whilst simply and minimalistically furnished definitely does not skimp on comfort.  The lounge has a TV no DSTV, however you can stream DSTV via WIFI using your own login details. The kitchen is well equipped with a 4 plate gas hob, oven, with crockery and cutlery for 16 people, 1 chest freezer, 1 double-door fridge/freezer, 1 single-door standing fridge, washing machine and all the equipment that you would require in a kitchen for self-catering. The large sturdy dining room table makes the ideal place for fun times of bonding, laughing and chatting, eating together and it also affords the perfect place to play board games - so do bring them along. There is a wind protected built-in braai facility on the property. Charcoal and wood can be arranged with the staff they will indicate cost. A water filter at the prep bowl is provided in the kitchen. Only this water is drinkable. Teeth can be brushed with water in the bedrooms but is not to be consumed. If you prefer bottled water then please bring that along. The bedroom units consist of 5 en-suite bedrooms; each bedroom is comfortably furnished with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, bedside tables, bedside lamps, an en-suite bathrooms with shower, basin, and toilet. Units 1 and 2 contain  1 x 1 queen bed each  Units 3 & 4 also have 1 x queen bed and 2 single beds each.  Unit 5 - a family unit has 1 queen bed and 1 bunk bed. The rooms are separated by a partition wall with a doorway between the 2 rooms.  The house comfortably sleeps,16 people – this is the maximum number of guests allowed. Your party is bigger than 16? Do check the availability of the adjoining house, Aloha 22 which sleeps 10 and is the ‘sister’ house to Aloha 18. All linen, bath and pool towels are provided – no beach towels are provided. Please take note that the swimming pool is not fenced and does not have a child safety net. Cleaning materials are provided as well as refuse bags. The washing machine is to be operated by the staff only. Laundry can be done @ R150.00 per load. Whilst warm and friendly the housekeepers perform their duties as unobtrusively and professionally as possible. Be assured they will do their best to look after you. Duties include cleaning, washing dishes, making beds, and general cleaning.  The staff doesn't do any cooking. The long pristine beaches offer the fit and maybe the not so fit many activities such as cycling, running, long peaceful walks where you can simply exhale and breathe in all that clean regenerative fresh ocean air. For the more adventurous the beach provides the ideal kite surfing platform – kiters have reported up close encounters with turtles, dolphins and a large variety of fish. A 5-minute walk south brings you to the famous Frederico's snorkelling spot.  Do ensure you take along all your toys and gear. A soul stirring experience is witnessing the turtles laying their eggs between November and February.  Guests are urged to be mindful when strolling on the beach especially after dark; should you come across turtles laying or making their way up the beach, stop, keep your distance, speak in hushed tones and only if they seem relaxed could you consider slowly approaching, remain sensitive by maintaining a respectful distance.  The hatchlings make their way to the ocean from January to March, again enjoy and please be considerate – you are urged you not to touch or pick up any turtles.  During these times it is not allowed to use lights on the beach, Maritime Police patrol regularly and a hefty fine can be imposed.  Humpback and Southern Right Whale sightings are a regular occurrence from July to November. Pods of dolphins can be seen all year round. These sightings will leave you awed and humbled. For the nature enthusiast be it botanicals, butterflies, insects and more the Elephant Reserve, where you can enjoy a day-picnic around one of the lakes, is a 30-minute drive north. Elephant sightings have become a more regular occurrence, some have even visited Aloha. Into birding?  The coastal forest provides auditory rather than visual delight, exercise patience – blending in  so well with their environment elusive species may well leave the canopy and show themselves albeit for a fleeting  moment. The local currency is the metical though everyone welcomes Rands. Missing the hustle and bustle? Aloha 18’s location certainly makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.  Ponta Malongane Village, where you can support local artists and craftsmen is a mere 15-minute drive away, it boasts a curio market and a variety of rustic restaurants where you can set your taste buds tingling with a local Portuguese culinary experience while watching the sun set over Lake Sugi. Ponta do Ouro is a 40-minute drive from Aloha; there you will find a liquor store, BCI  the local Mozambican Bank, surf shops, fishing tackle shop, pharmacy, internet cafe, fuel station, a colourful food market where you will find locally grown fruits and vegetables, cigarettes, prawns, cashews, bread and the like. Quad bikes, surfboards, and kite surfing equipment can be hired and lessons are available in Ponta do Ouro. The housekeepers are mindful of stocking up with ice, if you require additional bags these are available at the market as well as at Zitundu on the White Pearl Road. There is now a small shop just outside the Aloha gate which carries the basics such as beer, a limited variety of in season fresh produce such as tomatoes, onions and potatoes.  A small selection of canned goods is also available. If you don't have a 4x4 vehicle, you can leave your car on the South African side of the border, there is a daily charge, to date cars have been safe. We can put you in contact with the shuttle service which provides border transfers for guests. Once you are at the house everything you require is there. There is a public launch site available at Baleia Azul.   Fishing licences are obtainable at Ponta do Ouro, do not fish without a licence.  Please also note no alcohol and the beach is allowed by Mozambican law Providing the perfect place for balance between action, rest and transformative reflection and of course just chilling and reading your book! There is nothing more therapeutic than taking time out away from modern technology.