This medium-sized resort lies on the island of Nosy Be, the most important beach destination in Madagascar. The property is near Hellville (which, despite its name, is actually quite a pleasant small town studded with interesting colonial architecture) and 40 minutes from Nosy Be International Airport. The hotel consists of several whitewashed stone two-story buildings scattered around large, flowering grounds with a memorable location on a wide sandy beach facing a small forested island.
The reception area is a large, open-sided thatched building reached via an arched entrance and serviced by a couple of sofas and tables. From here, stone footpaths lead through the lush green gardens to the rooms. The beachfront bar and dining area are also open-sided and covered with thatch, and are separated by a large pool ringed by deck chairs and tables with umbrellas. The restaurant
has a pleasant outdoor ambience and is practically lapped by the Indian Ocean at high tide, but the menu is limited and overpriced by comparison to equally good standalone eateries in Hellville and elsewhere on the island.
In addition to its good swimming and sunbathing, this hotel is a great base for exploring Nosy Be. Worthwhile excursions include the rugged drive to the highest point on the volcanic island, which affords superb views across a series of forest-fringed crater lakes to the Indian Ocean coastline, and the short boat trip to Nosy Manka, with its tame black lemurs. Snorkeling, diving, quad-biking and various other water-based sporting activities are also offered at the excursions desk next to the bar, and there's an on-site masseuse and good gift shop.
Spacious, airy guest rooms have blue tiled floors, pastel washed walls, wooden ceiling beams and earthy decor, creating a stylishly contemporary feel. Twin or double beds are protected by walk-in mosquito nets, and facilities include air-conditioning, minibars, bedside tables and lamps, and large balconies with sofas and wood-and-glass tables. The baths are also spacious, with tiled floors, unusual blackboardlike walls, chic glass sinks and walk-in showers (but no tubs).
This reliable and long-serving beach hotel will appeal to a broad spectrum of tourists who want to end their holiday in Madagascar with a few days on the beach. It has a great location and offers enough activities to keep most people busy for several days.
