Best hotels in Madagascar

Le Maki Lodge is a pretty little hotel near Ampangorina, a small village on the north shore of Nosy Komba. It's the perfect location if you're looking for a relaxed ambience, simple but comfortable accommodation, the freshest of foods and a creative chef. The daytime views from the lodge's rocky promontory setting embraces the entire palette of blues and, at night, the domed sky is alive with stars.

This family-friendly, pet-friendly - actually just friendly-full-stop - establishment has been the dream-project of owner and manager, Maurizio, since 2005. After overcoming more than a few tricky logistics, it eventually opened in 2011. You'll find it on the little island of Sainte-Marie, or Nosy Boraha, as the locals call it - just off the north-east coast of Madagascar. The resort has 18 kilometers of white sand beach on its doorstep for you to wander, as well as access to pristine reefs. Inland, there are forests and waterfalls and rivers, offering some great hikes and even the chance to see a lemur. The on-site restaurant serves up some tasty dishes too, but truthfully, it’s the authentic hospitality of the staff that will make your time here so extremely cool. If you're flying in, you'll need to organize a pick-up from the hotel, since it's a considerable drive on a bad dirt road.

Don't be dismayed by Hotel Sakamanga's unprepossessing entrance. Once inside, you'll discover an intriguing maze of cobbled-together buildings and annexes that manage, despite their haphazard layout, to create a calm, restful haven. Hotel Sakamanga (blue cat) is a consistently popular stopover with visitors to Antananarivo (called Tana locally) as it offers a wide range of accommodation and a couple of great restaurants. The decor is unlike any we've seen, with a combination of modern local crafts and pieces that look museum-worthy, such as old Malagasy guitars, slave chains, pottery, carvings and tools. It's charming, centrally located and always a winner.

Unlike many other Indian Ocean islands, Madagascar has escaped the thrum of mass tourism. As a result, it is today one of the wildest and most unique islands to visit on earth. Those who venture to Madagascar tend to head to the northern coast, but the true magic lies in its southern territories. Satrana Lodge, situated on the border of the world-famous Isalo National Park in the southwest, offers the ideal base from which to explore the deep canyons, sandstone formations and palm-lined oases of the park. The lodge itself overlooks a sandstone escarpment and offers all the creature comforts for a five-star Madacascar adventure.

Situated on Madagascar's Nosy-Be Island, the spectacular Manga Soa Lodge is an oasis of natural beauty, surrounded by fragrant tropical gardens and panoramic views of the crashing Indian Ocean. There's never a dull moment here either, with helicopter flights, quad biking tours, walking and hiking excursions, snorkelling, diving, fishing and countless tropical islands to explore, right on the doorstep. But if a quiet moment is what you're looking for, relax by the swimming pool or head to the private beach, before falling asleep to the sound of the rolling waves and waking up to do it all again...

The island of Madagascar is one of Africa's best-loved biodiversity and adventure hotspots. And scattered around it are a number of smaller, astonishingly beautiful islets. Here we're visiting Nosy Boraha, or Île Sainte Marie, a sliver of land eight kilometres off Madagascar's east coast. With its lush tropical vegetation, palm-lined beaches and front-row views of humpback whales migrating (June–Sept), Nosy Boraha is not just a quirky terminus for travel mavericks, it's a legitimate destination. At the tail end of the island's west coast is the ocean-front Ecolodge Ravoraha, surrounded by a fishing village with whom the lodge is closely aligned.

Hotel Floralies is situated on a dazzling crescent of beach on the exquisite, tiny island of Nosy Kombe (close to Nosy Be), off the north coast of Madagascar. This small, resort-style hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a setting that’s nothing short of spectacular. Eight traditional Malagasy driftwood and thatch bungalows, plus a larger family bungalow, are nestled in lush tropical gardens along the edge of the sand, under a fringe of palm trees. This sheltered cove has a romantic Robinson Crusoe feel, and is a wonderful choice for those seeking a tranquil, budget-friendly beach holiday in a beautiful natural setting.

Hotel Libertalia is situated on a small island off the east coast of Madagascar that was once known as the 'Island of Pirates'. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel and brings you as close to the beach as possible. Each bungalow offers panoramic views of the ocean and in season you may wake up to the sight of a breaching whale. Known for offering excellent service, Hotel Libertalia is the perfect base from which to go shopping at the nearby town, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, trekking and whale-watching. End your day with a massage offered at the hotel.

Anjiamarango Beach Resort is located on Befotaka Bay, a peaceful cove on Nosy Be, the island of perfumes. Just 25 minutes from the airport (en route, breathe in the ylang-ylang, vanilla, coffee and cacao), the resort has its own 500-metre beach. Nosy Be is a popular destination for visitors, but Anjiamarango's remote setting creates a real feeling of isolation. There are 35 bungalows in all, and both honeymooners and families are welcome. If you and yours love holidaying on the beach some distance from local civilisation, Anjiamarango is where you should be heading.

It's easy to see why an island-hopping cruise off the coast of Madagascar is on most people's bucket list. Blue Maki, a luxury 4-cabin catamaran, offers a dream-come-true sailing experience along the northwest coast of Madagascar. The highly experienced crew on-board will ensure that your every need - from meals to excursions - is seamlessly met. All you have to do is arrive and step aboard for a voyage that will take you past some of the world's most beautiful islands. This is an all-inclusive holiday for those who enjoy adventure, unrivaled natural beauty and detailed luxury.

Palm trees and lush vegetation surround Ravintsara Wellness Hotel, a stylish resort and spa on the western edge of Nosy Be, a small island just off the northern tip of mainland Madagascar. It's a beautiful retreat, with all the luxurious trimmings your heart desires, from large, gorgeously decorated bungalows and villas scattered across the hotel's five-hectare property to the picture-perfect crescent of beach skirting its front. Expect sunsets to gasp at, an underwater world bright with corals and fish, great accommodation, good food, and a really good spa – bring your family, your partner, your friends. You won't be disappointed...

This double-storey palm-thatch boutique hotel radiates good vibes from the western shores of Nosy Be Island, just adrift of Madagascar. Nosy be actually means "big island" in Malagasy, and although the island may be a mere 320-square kilometres, every inch distills a potent mix of flavour, fragrance, colour and, being Madagascar, rich biodiversity. Hotel Arc en Ciel is an ideal island retreat and with its brand of laid back elegance, intimate atmosphere and proximity to the sea, it won't be hard to adopt a new rhythm: wake, dine, walk on the beach, swim, relax, repeat.

Off the coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be plays host to some of the finest beaches in the country. Sitting along the golden sands of the Bay of Ambondrona, Palm Beach resort has all the trademarks of an island getaway, complete with indulgent spa, thatched loungers and a bevy of on-the-water activities to partake in. If you can part with the infinity pool for a while, there is kayaking down the coast, surfing, island-hopping and snorkelling with the incredible marine life. And when you return, there are cocktails at the aptly-named Escape Bar as the sun sets in a blaze of colour.

The perfect blend of comfort & nature, Le Relais de Mantadia is an excellent hotel for nature lovers. Immersed in a eucalyptus forest, the rooms offers relaxing, soothing view accompanied by the music of birdsong. Only 5 minutes from the National Park Analamazaotra and some private parks, the region is rich in flora and fauna biodiversity with many endemic species.

Located in the heart of the green forest in the East, Andasibe Cyperus Hotel is a 3 star hotel. Guests are offered a comfortable stay in the heart of the areas endemic nature and can enjoy a variety of activities in Hotel, the most popular being kayaking or taking a dip in the swimming pool. Enjoy the delicious food cooked by the chef. Relax on the private terrace or enjoy a massage session.

Sahatandra is ideally positioned near the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of Madagascar's most splendid wildlife spots. After waking to the sounds of chattering birds in the pretty gardens, a day of adventure awaits, where you'll follow the calls of lemurs (there are 13 species in the park!) and watch their antics in the trees. Set beside the tranquil Sahatandra River, the lodge feels worlds away from reality and you'll be more than comfortable with the selection of amenities. Although you'll probably find that in this location all you really need is a cosy place to plop down and take in the views.

In the heart of a cocoa plantation in Ambanja, enjoy the unique experience of staying at the Planter’s home! Houses here remain in the good family tradition of the Millot, creator of this extraordinary plantation that made the worldwide reputation of the Cocoa of Madagascar. Three spacious and air-conditioned rooms await you. The reception there is friendly and straightforward.

Experience the serenity of a sprawling 10-hectare property graced by a meandering river that gently merges with the azure beauty of the Mozambique Channel, weaving through lush landscapes. Indulge in the comfort of a luxurious villa, where you can relish the hospitality of a 4-star hotel.

Said to be the pioneers of crewed yacht charter in Madagascar. From Lakandava to Majunga, discover the Mitsio and Radama archipelago, Nosy Iranja, Nosy Tanikely and deserted islands and rivers ... Head towards an untouched natural paradise. Board one of the crewed catamarans and enjoy sailing along the coast, for a diving cruise, a fishing cruise or just a relaxing cruise.

The lodge is situated in the small village of Ambatomitsangana on the sun-kissed island of Nosy Komba. In a cove next to a beautiful beach, far from the beaten path, you will find your inner balance, whether you are athletic, adventurous, an avid reader, or simply a lover of sunbathing. Enjoy traditional cuisine in the open-air seaside restaurant, with views of the sunset over Nosy Tanikely. The main restaurant has a relaxing reading area, a television corner, and of course, a beautiful terrace for enjoying an aperitif.

Set just 2.5 km from Manta Diving, MADIROKELY HOUSE Nosy Be offers accommodation in Ambondrona with access to a garden, a shared lounge, as well as a shared kitchen. This beachfront property offers access to a patio. The holiday home consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer. Guests at the holiday home can enjoy a continental breakfast. A children's playground can be found at MADIROKELY HOUSE Nosy Be, along with a sun terrace.

Nestled in Nosy Be, the jewel of the Indian Ocean, Loharano Lodge is a haven of peace embodying Malagasy hospitality. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, this lodge will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Loharano Lodge features 20 spacious bungalows, each with a private terrace and garden or pool views. Amenities include air conditioning, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable stay. With its serene environment and attentive staff, Loharano Lodge provides a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

Your dream vacation in Madagascar: comfort and high quality service, extraordinary experiences, exquisite cuisine, great fun, relax and well-being. Live in harmony with nature and with yourself. The two beaches offer you the luxury of choosing how to enjoy your holiday: the rooms in blocks 100-200 benefit from being close to all of the hotel services and the swimming pool, whereas the rooms in blocks 300-400 ensure peace and tranquility. All located just a few metres from the Andilana shore, the rooms are split across four, two-storey buildings and all include a balcony or a spacious veranda, complete with small table and chairs.