Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MARCO TARQUINIO
Marco founded La Terrasse du Voyageur after being inspired by the work of his
brother Flavio, who runs the sustainable tourism agency Tany Mena Tours in
Antananarivo (
Click here
)
. He wanted to build a hotel that would bring travel-
lers and Malagasies closer together.
THE ZEGNY'ZO FESTIVAL
This is the highlight of the year in our neighbourhood:
Zegny'Zo
(
www.zolobe.com/festival-zegnyzo
) is an international street arts festival that
takes place every year during the last two weeks of May, and Diego's inhabit-
ants have really made it their own: as well as clowns, musicians, mural painters,
giant puppets etc, there was a parade of Renault 4L's (the main car used by taxis
in Diego), for instance, in 2011 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the car.
Artists stay with us, and the energy and creativity are incredible.
DIEGO'S MARKET DISTRICT
Much of the tourism infrastructure in Diego is around Rue Colbert, but I would
encourage travellers to venture further out and explore the market district (the
tourism office has self-guided walks). It is a vibrant place, with small restaur-
ants and bars opening up.
FAVOURITE PLACE AROUND DIEGO
I love the Trois Baies and the Mer d'Emeraude, they are very unspoilt.
SLEEPING
There are few budget hotels in Diego, but the midrange category has a couple of great op-
tions.
Le Jardin Exotique
BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€
( 82 219 33;
http://jardinexotique.hotel-diegosuarez.com
;
Rue Louis Brunet; r
Ar65,000-75,000; )Rooms at this quirky boutique place all come with parquet floors,
four-poster beds, mosquito nets, bold and creative paint jobs and Italian showers in the
bathrooms. The cheapest just have fans, but no less character. The rooftop terrace has pic-
nic tables, and the views over the bay of Diego Suarez are awesome (bring a few cold beers
up with you - there's a fridge in all the rooms). The garden area, with its marble statues
and tumbling bougainvilleas, is wonderful.
