Eastern Madagascar - Madagascar - page 349

( 0324023943;dinclbreakfastAr50,000)Asmallplacewithbasicbungalows,allwith
bathrooms and hot water. A bit pricey, but it has some very pleasant waterfront dining.
Chez Pierrot BUNGALOW €€
( 57 401 43, 034 01 060 91; [e-mail]; d/f Ar60,000/120,000) These spic-
and-span, mismatched bungalows with bright bedcovers and deckchairs are arranged in a
neat garden next to the sea, but there's no real beach, just an elevated artificial replacement.
Hôtel Lakana BUNGALOW €€€
( 032 07 090 22; www.sainte-marie-hotel.com ; d bungalow Ar110,000-120,000) This
hotel and restaurant is known for its bungalows on stilts over the sea, each with its own
bathroom back on land. Smarter rooms (with bathrooms) are clustered in a well-tended
garden.
Hôtel Soanambo HOTEL €€€
( 57 401 37; www.hsm.mg ; s/d €159/222; ) This large package-tour resort
has been newly renovated to nice effect, but there is nothing here unique to Sainte Marie
or Madagascar. If you want a generic high-end beach hotel with pool, tennis, and modern
architecture then here you are. Accepts credit cards.
La Baleine BUNGALOW €
( 032 40 257 18; [e-mail]; d/tr/f bungalow Ar30,000/40,000/60,000;
) Basic beachfront bungalows with the world's most rickety dock.
ENTERTAINMENT
The main night spot is Casa à Nono ( Thu & Sun), near the airport.
Ile aux Nattes (Nosy Nato)
What a lovely place this is. Ile aux Nattes is a classic tropical island, with curving white
beaches and overhanging palms, a turquoise sea with waves breaking over the reef, a gentle
breeze, and a lush green interior. While only a brief pirogue ride (Ar5000 return) from the
tip of Sainte Marie, or a mere walk at low tide, there's a palpable sense of isolation and
adventure. Numerous sand pathways (beware the crab holes!) open the way for exploration
without the possibility of getting too lost in an area only 2km across. Surprisingly, there is
also some great, wonderfully quirky accommodation. So if you are suffering from visions
of tropical paradise, here is your medicine.