Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INFORMATION
BNI-CA
ATM accepting MasterCard and Visa.
Baobab Kafé
(per min Ar100; 10am-6pm; ) Internet.
Pharmacie Nourdine
( 8am-noon & 2-6pm Mon-Sat)
The West Coast
With its lovely beaches and postcard sunset views, it's no surprise most hotels on Nosy
Be have decided to set up shop on this bit of the island. It stretches from Madirokely to
Andilana in the north. The further north you go, the more isolated and quieter it gets, so
you'll need to eat where you sleep (or take a taxi to go out) if you stay up there. If you
yearn for company, you'll be happier in Ambatoloaka or Hell-Ville.
BEACHES
Andilana
BEACH
Far and away Nosy Be's best beach, Andilana, at the island's northwest tip, is a long stretch
of pearly white sand, with water that's true turquoise and clear as gin. It's ideal for swim-
ming and chilling for an afternoon, with gorgeous sunsets.
Andilana ignites on Sundays, when French expats and Malagasy from around Nosy Be
come for a lazy day in the sun. Families lay out picnics on a shaded bit of sand, tuck into a
crate of beers, bring their stereo, swim and dance until the sun goes down.
Ambondrona
BEACH
On a small bay just north of Madirokely, Ambondrona is more tranquil than its southern
neighbours, with lovely views of the mainland hills across the sea.
SLEEPING
Accommodation on this bit of the coast is almost exclusively top end.
Le Grand Bleu
GUESTHOUSE €€€
( 86 920 23;
www.legrandbleunosybe.com
;
Andilana; d €30-65; ) On a hill over-
looking the sea, Le Grand Bleu has spectacular views from its terrace restaurant, where you
can curl up on a pillowed chair and read a book or chow on wood-fired pizza. The star at-
traction is the dazzling infinity pool (with infinity views); the hotel is also three minutes'
walk from a lovely beach. The bungalows are very pretty, with blue-and-white walls, wood
floors and four-poster beds with mosquito net. Each also has its own little terrace and ham-
