Top 6 hotels and lodges in Madagascar

Famed for its lemurs, pristine beaches, other-worldy dive sites, and of course, fragrant vanilla plants, Madagascar is quickly becoming a must-see on many peoples’ travel lists. As a result, the hotel trade has grown exponentially in recent years. But with so many to choose from, where do you start? Well, that’s where we come in…

1. Palmarium Hotel

In order to reach the Palmarium Hotel, you must take a short boat trip along the Canal des Pangalanes. However, you will be well rewarded for your efforts: the Palmarium boasts a stunning location on the banks of Lac Ampitabe, within its own 124-acre private reserve and its own white-sand beach. The reserve’s lemur population are friendly and well accustomed to being around people – see them for yourself on Insight Guides’ Dreaming of Madagascar trip.

Accommodation at the Palmarium consists of spacious, traditional bungalows that are spread over the site with charming but minimal whitewashed interiors. Each bungalow features a private bathroom and a terrace with hammocks. There is a main lodge, where you’ll find the bar and restaurant, which serves a fine selection of local and international dishes. We recommend the zebu (oxen) steak.

2. Hotel and Spa Palissandre 

An equally fantastic hotel, but with a completely different location, the Hotel and Spa Palissandre occupies a fantastic location on the slopes of Madagascar’s bustling capital, Antananarivo. As you might imagine, the views over the city are spectacular. The hotel is within walking distance of the Avenue de l'Indépendance and its many shops, restaurants and cafés. Ivato International Airport is just a 20-minute drive away, and the airport will arrange pickups.

As a city centre hotel with just 46 rooms, the Hotel and Spa Palissandre has a distinctly intimate feel to it. Rooms feature rosewood furniture and wooden floors, and come equipped with modern amenities such as satellite TV and Wi-Fi, along with air conditioning. The hotel restaurant and bar has a terrace overlooking the city, fitted out with sofas and comfy chairs. The restaurant specialises in French cuisine, and the bar makes its own rum, so grab a seat, get comfy and enjoy. Alternatively, a visit to the Hotel and Spa Palissandre is included with Insight Guides’ Dreaming of Madagascar trip. The hotel also has a gym, a heated outdoor swimming pool and of course a spa, which offers treatments ranging from hot stone massages to full-body seaweed wraps. 

Hot stone massage treatment at Palissandre. Photo: Shutterstock 

3. Andasibe Hotel

The Andasibe Hotel is the perfect place for nature lovers: on the doorstep of both the Andasibe and Mantadia reserves, the Andasibe also has its own private forest and lake to explore, and boasts spectacular views over several rice paddies. A stay at the Andasibe Hotel is included with Insight Guides’ Dreaming of Madagascar trip. 

The hotel has 20 traditional bungalows, which are split-level and spread over a terraced hillside. Each bungalow has its own private garden and en-suite bathroom. Inside, the bungalows are spacious and stylish, with bright colour accents. Upgrade to deluxe for a mezzanine floor. Hotel facilities include an excellent restaurant, serving Malagasy, oriental and international cuisine, a large swimming pool and even a small spa treatment room.  

4. Princesse Bora Lodge and Spa

The Princesse Bora Lodge and Spa boasts an unbeatable location on Ile Sainte Marie, a small idyllic island off the east coast of mainland Madagascar. The hotel and its 20 villas are dotted among well-kept lush tropical gardens, sitting just behind a long stretch of pristine white sand that gives way to a tropical blue lagoon. The traditional villas are made from wood, with each featuring a spacious, private terrace with a hammock. Inside, the rooms are decorated with rustic chic-style, with emphasis on natural wood and stone features.

In addition to its stunning location, the hotel also boasts a restaurant and spa that are well above standard. Menus feature mouth-watering Malagasy and French-influenced dishes, with specialities such as grilled lobster and zebu (oxen) steak, while the spa offers treatments using handmade natural skin products, in tubs made from old pirogues (traditional fishing boats). The hotel also hires bicycles to guests at no extra charge. Sound too good to be true? Experience it for yourself on Insight Guides’ Dreaming of Madagascar trip.

5. Vahiny Lodge

This tranquil boutique hotel is located on a spice plantation on the banks of the Pangalaes Canal, just a few miles outside the city of Mananjary. Guests can reach the Vahiny Lodge either by road or by canal, with the latter arriving and departing from the hotel’s private dock. Arrive for your stay at Vahiny Lodge in style on Insight Guides’ Wild Madagascar trip.

The intimate lodge offers just six bungalows, which surround the large outdoor swimming pool and are set in perfectly manicured gardens. Inside, the rooms feature painted wooden ceilings, tiled floors and rosewood furniture. Each villa also features a well-equipped balcony with tables, chairs and sun loungers. Other features of at the hotel include open-air dining at the restaurant, which serves regional specialities and Madagascan, South African and Chilean wines, and the bar lodge, which makes its own rum and serves a delicious range of cocktails.

Isalo Rock Lodge. Photo: Trip provider

6. Isalo Rock Lodge

Last on our list but by no means least, The Isalo Rock Lodge is located in high in the Sandstone Mountains of southwest Madagascar and boasts incredible views of the Isalo National Park. The area is rich with local flora and fauna, including but not limited to, the giant chameleon and of course, the ever-present lemur.

The Isalo Rock Lodge is contemporary in style, with its 60 spacious rooms featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows, modern amenities and stylish design. Rooms are predominately decorated in attractive earth tones. The restaurant serves and a mixture of Malagasy and European cuisine; other facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, bar and a seated terrace. Enjoy a drink at the Isalo Rock Lodge and take in your surroundings with Insight Guides’ Wild Madagascar trip.

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