Voaara Madagascar

Voaara Madagascar is an intimate barefoot-luxury retreat on the remote north-west coast of Sainte Marie Island, also known as Nosy Boraha. Set beside 1.5kilometres of white-sand beach, the resort is surrounded by tropical forest, mangroves and the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Thatched roofs, reclaimed timber, natural textures and locally made furniture allow the buildings to blend easily into the landscape. The atmosphere is stylish but unpretentious, with plenty of space, privacy and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Dining is an important part of the experience. Fresh seafood, locally grown produce and Malagasy ingredients are used in Mediterranean- and Asian-inspired dishes at La Plage, while Le Grill specialises in seafood, steaks and vegetables cooked over coconut husks in a Spanish and Argentinian asado style. There are also relaxed beach bars, private dining experiences and an outdoor cinema beneath the clove trees. Voaara is well suited to couples and honeymooners, but its larger accommodation options also make it a good choice for families or groups of friends. It works particularly well as a peaceful beach finale after exploring Madagascar’s rainforests and wildlife reserves.

Accommodation at Voaara

Voaara has just seven spacious bungalows and one private three-bedroom villa, creating an exclusive and secluded atmosphere. Each stand-alone unit is surrounded by tropical vegetation and has its own terrace or outdoor living area. The Beachfront Queen and Beachfront King Bungalows are designed for couples, with direct access to the beach, comfortable sitting areas and indoor-outdoor bathrooms with rainfall showers.

The Two Bedroom Beach Loft offers additional space for a family or two couples, with a generous living area and a prime position close to the sand. The Two Bedroom Ocean View Terrace consists of two separate bedrooms connected by a shared outdoor living space, combining privacy with superb sea views. For families or groups, the Three Bedroom Beach Pool Villa is the most luxurious option. It has panoramic Indian Ocean views, spacious indoor and outdoor living areas and its own private swimming pool.

All accommodation features natural materials, locally sourced furnishings, mosquito-netted beds with integrated Evening Breeze air-conditioning, spacious bathrooms and private terraces. The overall style is relaxed, tactile and in keeping with the resort’s castaway-island setting.

Activities at Voaara

Days at Voaara can be as active or as unhurried as you choose. The calm coastal waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, while PADI scuba-diving excursions can be arranged for those wishing to explore Sainte Marie’s reefs and marine life.

From June to September, humpback whales migrate through the waters surrounding the island, making seasonal whale-watching one of the highlights of a stay. Deep-sea fishing and private boat expeditions can also be arranged. On land, guests can explore Sainte Marie by mountain bike or quad bike, visit traditional fishing villages or simply walk along the island’s quiet beaches. Hiking and surfing may also be possible, depending on local conditions.

Back at the resort, there are massages in the open-fronted thatched spa bandas, relaxed afternoons at the beach club, stargazing from the Bird’s Nest and outdoor movie evenings beneath the clove trees. Alternatively, guests can spend their time swimming, reading on a private sunbed or enjoying the sunset with a cocktail in hand.