This newly opened hotel lies on the main road through Antsiranana, a substantial harbor town formerly called Diego Suarez and still often referred to as Diego. It is the smartest hotel in town, and though its posh mock-Tuscan sand-colored exterior would be unremarkable in most urban contexts, it stands out from the faded colonial architecture of Diego like the proverbial sore thumb, though it is difficult to say whether this is a good or bad thing.
The airy and well-organized reception area, centered on an extraordinarily modernist glass elevator, is flanked by a casino to the right and a chic bar/lounge (with Wi-Fi) and patisserie to the right.
It leads through to the main outdoor area, where a large pool is dotted with small wooden "islands" where guests can sunbathe or enjoy a drink at an umbrella-shaded table. The swimming area adjoins the spa and alfresco L'Oasis Restaurant, which has an excellent a la carte menu dominated by Continental and local fare. The more formal Ylang Ylang Restaurant specializes in seafood but lacks atmosphere, though it may be the better choice in stormy weather.
The main attraction of Diego is its fabulously scenic harbor, and most visitors take a day trip to the spectacular beach at Ramena, about 20 km to the south. Diego is also the main 
gateway for domestic and international flights to northern Madagascar and the Amber Mountain and Ankarana national parks, the former famous for its waterfalls, montane scenery and wildlife (it's the only protected area to support the word's smallest chameleon), the latter for its fantastic rock formations, semi-tame lemurs and bat caves.
The rooms would be nothing special in most Western cities, but they are very comfortable and chic by local standards, with king or twin beds, TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and large tiled baths with walk-in shower cubicles. The airy feel of the rooms is enhanced by the pale tiled floors and full-length windows, and some concession to local flavor is made by the old monochrome photos of Diego Suarez that line the walls.
This is quite simply the best city hotel in the far north of Madagascar, and should be the first choice for potentially fussy tourists who want to explore the likes of Amber Mountain and Ankarana. However, the more rustic but equally comfortable Nature Lodge 30 km to the southwest would be preferable to those who place a higher priority on natural location than on state-of-the-art hotel facilities.
