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Off the coast of Mozambique in the Bazaruto Archipelago sits a small island, a mere two miles long and barely 1,600 feet wide, named Santa Carolina.

In Mozambique it is known as Xidzene; tourists sometimes speak of it as Paradise Island.

Roof top
Santa Carolina Hotel

The beauty of Santa Carolina is found on the white beaches and coral reefs that surround it.

Wallpainting
Bar Santa Carolina Hotel (2)

In the mid-twentieth century, a Portuguese entrepreneur named Joaquim Alves controlled the coast from Beira to Vilankulos. He married a Mozambican woman named Donna Ana, and as a token of his love gave her the first hotel in Vilankulos. The hotel bears her namesake even today.

Alves then focused his ambition on developing the small island of Santa Carolina, building a grand, 250 room hotel in 1952.

This art deco styled hotel boasted its own chapel, becoming an ideal place for newlyweds. Wealthy Rhodesians and international celebrities often celebrated decadently in this little paradise.

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Entrance Santa Carolina Hotel

Legend has it that Bob Dylan composed the song Mozambique on the hotel bar piano.

Wallpainting
Bar Santa Carolina Hotel (1)

Civil war and the quest for independence gripped Mozambique beginning in 1977, and Santa Carolina fell into disrepair, another victim of the conflict.

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Santa Carolina Hotel