Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
other strong options. In addition, there are two islands,
Nosy Ve
and tiny
Nosy Satrana
, to
explore. Running water can be a problem, however, depending on the resort, and there are
no ATMs.
Activities
Activities here are arranged through the hotels. One of the more robust centres is the
Anakao Club
( 9492177),attheAnakaoOceanLodge,whicharrangesboatexcursions
to the islands, mangroves, and whales (in season), diving, kite-surfing, windsurfing, and
extensive quad excursions, the latter being a great way to see the area.
Longo Vezo
( 94
901 27;
www.longovezo.org
), which has a CMAS-certified dive centre, also does much of
the above, while adding 4WD trips that go as far south as Parc National de Tsimanampet-
sotse.
Sleeping & Eating
Anakao Ocean Lodge
LODGE €€€
( 94 921 76;
www.anakaooceanlodge.com
; d bungalow €130) This is the premier resort
on the Great Reef. It's not that any of the elements are unique, but that each one is car-
ried off to perfection. The bungalows are beautiful, with enormous cosmopolitan baths; the
smilinguniformedstaffarealwaystherewhenyouneedthem;thefood(setmenus€16)isa
work of art. From the moment you step off the boat (transfers from Tuléar are €35), greeted
with a drink, you descend into an ambiance of effortless laidback refinement, where atten-
tion to detail is of the highest calibre. Neither commerce nor mechanics are to be seen: just
stone walkways, a light surf, a serene half-moon bay, and the sight of the pirogues sailing
past.
Auberge Peter Pan
BOUTIQUE HOTEL €
( 94 921 40;
www.peterpanhotel.com
; r Ar15,000, d bungalows Ar25,000-40,000) This
creative burst of liberal personality is the best budget hotel south of Tana. The young Itali-
an owners, who have made this place their life's work, have crafted a funky selection of
warmly eclectic bungalows, set in a playful yard of political art contained by a fence of
enormous crayons. The dynamic bar within is a fusion of revolutionary and hip, with Che
Guevara looking on while you sip a deadly rum drink from an enormous green coconut.
And all of this on a beautiful beach. But apart from understanding the science of cool, these
boys know how to cook. The spectacular ever-changing menu (mains from Ar13,000), a
