Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mock. Half- and full-board plans are available. Simpler bungalows (no air-con) are also
available for €30 a night.
Le Grand Bleu offers all sorts of excursions and activities (Guillaume, the owner, is a
seasoned fisherman), including sailing, scuba diving (they work with diving club Plongée
Toukoul), canoeing and quad bike outings. The hotel is about 3km from Andilana.
Le Belvédère
GUESTHOUSE €€€
( 032 76 751 99;
www.hotel-nord-madagascar.com
;
Andilana; d Ar125,000) Perched on
a bluff overlooking the wonderful Andilana beach (a mere five minutes' walk away), this
is a small and simple hotel - there are no TVs, minibars or fridges. But it's the lack of
modern amenities that makes Belvédère so charming: you won't get enough of the sunsets
and tranquillity. The decent-size rooms each come with a front porch - complete with sun
chairs and tables - overlooking the ocean. Rates include breakfast.
Vanila Hôtel
RESORT €€€
( 86 921 01;
www.vanila-hotel.com
;
Ambaro; d/ste €109/295; ) The pick of the
top-end beach hotels on this bit of the coast, it caters more to couples and families than
tour groups, and its design - small buildings with thatched roofs, and lots of local art such
as batiks and baobab sculptures - gives the Vanila a boutique feel. Rooms are charming,
with salmon-colour walls and wooden furniture. As well as the pools and beach, there is
a sensational (but pricey) spa. Vanila also organises a range of excursions in Nosy Be and
nearby islands, and excellent talks on whales during the whale migration season (July to
September).
Sambatra
GUESTHOUSE €€€
( 86 921 90;
www.sambatra.com
;
Ambaro; d €50) With a handful of simple but cheerful
rooms right on the beach, Sambatra is overpriced by Malagasy standards but not bad for
Nosy Be. The sunsets and views of Sakatia are gorgeous and the restaurant serves excellent
food (breakfast is included in the rates). The hotel also runs quad company Tsanga Tsanga
Tour, which organises excellent excursions in the island's hinterland.
Domaine de Manga Be
APARTMENT €€€
( 86 060 88;
www.domainemangabe.com
;
Ambondrona; d/tr/q €40/50/60) A rather styl-
ish and original self-catering complex aimed predominantly at families. The beautifully
decorated studio apartments, villas, rooms and bungalows come in all shapes and price
ranges, but all have kitchens or kitchenettes, nets and fans. If you pay a supplement you
can hire an apartment with a cook to prepare your meals.
