Princesse Bora Lodge

One of Madagascar’s finest beach properties, this super property is on the south-west coast of balmy, tropical Ile Sainte Marie. 20 stylish villas built of natural materials stand in lush gardens beside a palm-lined, white sand beach at the edge of a lagoon. Owned and run by Francois-Xavier Mayer, this lodge has consistently earned excellent feedback. The lodge was constructed by local labourers who were then were offered an opportunity for training and employment.

All the ‘Charme’ and ‘Luxe’ villas have a suspended double bed, living area, private facilities with a separate loo and a sea-facing veranda with hammock. Charme villas can accommodate two guests (some are double, a few are twin). Each room has a fan. The six octagonal luxury villas have double basins and a mezzanine room with twin beds which are suited for children of maximum age 12. The five, glass-fronted Executive beach villas can accommodate two adults and a child under the age of 12 years and are air-conditioned. The open-air restaurant serves French, Creole and Malagasy dishes including plenty of fresh seafood. The lodge also has a pizza oven. The bar has a wide selection of rums and there is a wine cellar.

Guests can relax around the infinity pool or on wooden pontoon over the lagoon. The water sports centre provides snorkelling equipment and canoes and boats for various water-based activities. High on the list of visitors is a day trip to the pretty nearby Ile Aux Nattes for its fine beaches, good snorkelling and chilled island vibe. The lodge works closely with CetaMada, a researchers’ association for observation and conservation of marine mammals: this is one of Francois-Xavier Mayer’s passions and has given rise to a responsibly operated whale-watching programme. A specialist briefs whale-watchers before the boat trips, which can take guests to within 100m of a group of humpback whales during July and August when they are present around Ste Marie.