Best hotels in Madagascar

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.

Hotel Trecicogne is situated 100 m from the beach and its structure opens onto the Heliott channel between the port and the sea. The hotel has a restaurant overlooking the lagoon offering not only an international menu of seafood, salads and pasta dishes, but also traditional Malagasy cuisine. An interior garden offers you freshness and shade during the hottest hours of the day and glimpse into the flora of the region. Hotel Trecicogne comes with a selection of rooms all complete with a bathroom and handy mosquito net. The hotel has a modern design and was created with Sakalava traditional materials.

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.

The three-star Artisan Hotel is tucked away down a quiet side street in the heart of town. It is clean and comfortable with a great restaurant and friendly, hands-on staff. There is a spacious courtyard in the centre of the property with some covered areas where guests can relax, as well as tables for outside dining. The restaurant and bar are open for dinner serving European and Malagasy cuisine and there is usually nightly traditional folk music and entertainment.

Vezo Beach Morondava is a 3-star hotel ideally located by the sea. Enjoy a relaxing holiday in a beautiful setting with breathtaking ocean views. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation and quality services to make your stay unforgettable. Relax on the sandy beach, dive into the turquoise waters or explore the picturesque surroundings. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, outdoor adventures or just relaxation, Vezo Beach Morondava is the perfect place for you. Book now and discover the beauty of the Malagasy coast in our charming hotel.

Between sky and sea nestled in one of the beautiful bays of Madagascar, protected by a lagoon and facing the Island of Nosy Ve, lies Anakao Ocean Lodge Beach and sea view bungalows are located at a maximum distance of 100 m from the beach and the restaurant. The design favors natural ventilation and maintains a constant freshness and interior temperature. Those who wish, can always count on the individual air-conditioning system Externally, each bungalow has a small private terrace ideal for relaxing moments. All the bungalows are particularly bright thanks to the large windows which, in addition to providing excellent interior lighting, offer a magnificent panoramic view. The cuisine at the Anakao Ocean Lodge plays an important role, and this begins with the choice of the location of the restaurant, deliberately chosen in the middle of the 'central square', and as such is the heart of the Lodge. Among the activities, the lodges can organize daily excursions by boat or canoe to the neighbouring islands

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.

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.

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.

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.