Best hotels in Isalo

Madagascar is an extraordinarily picturesque country with tropical forests, white sandy beaches, giant baobabs, sandstone canyons. The forth largest island in the world possesses a habitat with truly idiosyncratic biodiversity - ninety percent of its wildlife occurs nowhere else on Earth. Le Relais De La Reine is a comfortable stop-over on your Madagascar adventure. From here it's a short trek to Isalo National Park, where you can see lemurs, reptiles, a dizzying array of birds, and of course its iconic sandstone formations. The giant blanched rock faces (massifs) can be scaled in a harness if you're keen to climb - or simply appreciated from afar. The hotel itself is constructed with the beautiful local stone that makes this mineral-rich region so unique.

These private grounds on the edge of southwestern Madagascar's Isalo National Park are a surprisingly cultivated slice of Malagasy life. At the base of the beautiful sandstone cliffs, the trimmed green grasses of Le Jardin sprawl extensively, sprinkled with many-a noble accoutrement: a pool, a tennis court, horse stables and a spa. Here you can take an easy canter on the lawns or explore the rugged park with a guide. With something for every palate, this small hotel is especially ideal for families, though honeymooners will also enjoy the luxury and the menu of optional activities. The bordering wilderness also offers a variety of fascinating terrain, like sandstone formations, deep canyons, grasslands and palm tree oases. The ring-tailed lemur is an especially curious and affable inhabitant of the park, though if you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot all six species of these cuddly creatures.

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.

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...

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.

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.

Located on the South Westerncoast of the Red island,right on the Ifaty lagoon,in the Mozambican channel, a mere 40 kms from Tulear, you will find a haven of peace, nestled between the turquoise waters of the lagoon and the dry spiny forest vegetation with its impressive baobabs. Hotel de La Plage, offers Bungalows inspired by local tradition, that melts into the landscape, separated from the beach by a narrow strip of white sandy beach.

Located within 5 min of Isalo National Park in Ranohira, HOTEL H1 ISALO features views of the surrounding mountains. Some of Isalo's natural pools are within 3.7 mi of the property. Each room at HOTEL H1 ISALO is equipped with a fan and a desk, and the private bathrooms are fitted with a shower. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant or relax on the sun terrace.