Best hotels in Madagascar

Rocky mountain ranges are not what you picture when you imagine Madagascar, however, the diversity of the world's fourth largest island is astonishingly vast. Isalo Rock Lodge is perfectly positioned - above the Sandstone Mountain escarpment - to view this lesser-known feature of the country's landscapes. The mid-sized hotel is tastefully conceived from the outside in, with a stone exterior that harmoniously fits into its rocky surrounds. Active adventurers will enjoy the proximity of Isalo National Park where several hiking and horse riding trails wend you through extraordinary vistas flecked with natural pools and waterfalls. Birds, reptiles and several species of lemurs can be seen along the way.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most astonishing locations in Madagascar, the Tsingy of Bemaraha is a surreal scape, where great limestone needles shoot from the ground and rope bridges lead across deep chasms once covered by the ocean. The Olympe de Bemaraha is just two miles away, so adventure is definitely on the cards... Tucked amongst the trees, the rustic hotel is a collection of wooden bungalows and boutique rooms with a homely touch. After days spent adventuring to the fullest, there's nothing better than returning to Olympe and sipping on something chilled as the sun sets on Madagascar.

Nosy Komba is a volcanic island off Madagascar's northwest coast. Holidaymakers visit the island's north, but on the southern shores is a quieter, more remote destination – Jardin Vanille. This idyllic hotel lies on a steep hillside overlooking a sheltered turquoise bay, with views across the blue to the mainland and Nosy Be. Friendly staff welcome your arrival, then lead you up a flight of steps and through rocks and lush vegetation to the hotel's handful of rooms. If you're looking for a quiet corner of paradise with good service, lovely food and clean, spacious accommodation, you've found it.

The stuff of holiday dreams, Hotel Soanambo lies on the southern end of Nosy Boraha (previously called Île Sainte-Marie), an island off the east coast of Madagascar. The hotel faces the Indian Ocean and the Madagascar landmass, and is both secluded and sumptuous. Watch humpback whales (mid-June to September) and chill on the undisturbed beaches. The accommodation is modern and plush (despite its rather severe exterior), the pool is splendid, the food is very good, the service is warm and obliging, and the vistas encompasses all shades of blue, from turquoise to ultramarine. One smitten, you'll be back!

As the name might suggest, the Grand Hotel Urban is right in the centre of Madagascar's capital city. With 45 rooms spread over seven floors, it's one of the grander hotels around, and its meticulous, neutral decor creates an elegant and stylish retreat amid the bustle of the streets and markets. Antananarivo, or 'Tana' as everyone knows it, is a chaotic sort of place, but if you're willing to take the time to explore it, there's plenty of charm around too, and the Urban is perfectly positioned for a walking tour - or a G&T on the roof where a view of the city might be all that's needed!

The Isalo Ranch is an excellent base from which to explore the wonders of Isalo National Park in Madagascar. The red clay and thatch bungalows and main area with restaurant, bar and swimming pool, are like a little village in the middle of the desert and views of the dramatic Isalo massif and surrounding savannah are stupendous. Friendly staff members are on hand to arrange a range of trekking, cycling and 4x4 trips in the nearby national park. And after a busy day of exploring, there's nothing better than coming back to the ranch for a home cooked meal and those views...

Sitting in a cloistered clearing amongst the forests and unique flora of Andasibe, Manjarano Lodge is simply beautiful. A collection of homely villas line the hillside, all overlooking a still lagoon, perfect for a morning canoe ride, and large decks offer a prime spot to see how many birds and butterflies you can spot fluttering amongst the foliage. Andasibe is known as one of the best places to see lemurs (we're talking 13 species) in the wild and you'll have plenty of opportunity to search for them. The haunting wails of the largest of them, an Indri, will often wake you in the morning.

Overlooking the sparkling Bay of Madirokely, L'Heure Bleue is the picture of Madagascar's Robinson Crusoe-esque beach goodness. Better yet, the resort has been noted for its eco-friendly ethos and the tropical gardens are home to many of Madagascar's endemic creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for chameleons amongst the leaves! L'Heure Bleue is poised for water-based adventures, and there are epic dives and boat trips to spot pods of dolphins and whales off the coast on offer. And actually, the ocean is never far away, especially from the waterfront bungalows where you could easily spend hours soaking up the sun on your private deck...

Dozing in the sun off off Africa's southeast coast is Madagascar, a mysterious island country of unfamiliar cultures, extreme scenery, and exotic species that draw adventurers and easy-going island-lovers alike. A world biodiversity hotspot, much of the island's plant and animal life occurs nowhere else on Earth. Set far off the tourist track in the remote southwest is Ankasy Lodge, an authentic beach retreat on a pretty white-sand inlet overlooking the Mozambique Channel. It's unpretentious and utterly charming, with 1.3 kilometres of beachfront, a great little restaurant and superb local staff. The luxuries here are all natural.

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.