Orchidée du Bemaraha

At Orchidée de Bemaraha, nothing is over-embellished, and everything stays true to the low-key, rustic roots. Decorated with baobab motifs, the spacious restaurant spills onto a large terrace, where a menu of French, Creole and Chinese cuisine is on offer. During your down time, recline beside the secluded pool, get in a game of billiards, or peruse the locally-made handicrafts. In the evenings, grab a drink from the bar, breathe in the air and watch the sky change colour. This is the kind of place for escaping the real world for a while...

Across the 5-hectare gardens, there are 72 rooms, ranging from standard to stand-alone bungalows. Each is equipped with a TV (not that you'll need it), a double bed draped in mosquito netting, and a wardrobe, and all open onto a terrace. The rooms are decorated in a homely style with polished wooden furnishings and neutral colours. There are also larger options for families or groups, which offer connecting rooms.

Set out to discover the wonders of Tsingy de Bemaraha with a guide who will take you on a route across hanging bridges that connect the peaks, canyons and outcrops. Marvel at the stark and striking scenery, and always keep your eyes peeled for its impressive birdlife and a dozen lemur species - you never know where they might be hiding... For an entirely different perspective, cruise along the river on a pirogue, the sheer limestone walls rising from the water beside you.