Accommodation in Madagascar: Princesse Bora Lodge
Princess Bora, Ile Sainte Marie
Our Rating: First Class
Princesse Bora Lodge
Île Sainte-Marie
Transfers to the Princesse Bora Lodge are done by zebu-cart, slow and relaxed – much like your stay here.
The lodge is situated in a grove of palm trees on the south-west side of the island overlooking a lagoon which is home to a small reef. The beach has white sand shelving into a sheltered lagoon and faces west, ideal for spectacular sunsets.
There are twenty villas, divided into luxury, comfort villas and executive beach villas. The comfort villas are round and largely open to fully benefit from the beauty of the gardens. They include a large wooden veranda terrace with hammock. The interiors are simple but welcoming. There is a spacious bedroom with double or twin beds, an en suite bathroom with hot showers and ylang ylang soaps.
The luxury villas are mostly made of Madagascar wood. They are octagonal and have large wooden veranda terraces. Inside they have double beds, large bath rooms and air-conditioning. The luxury villas can accommodate up to two more people on a mezzanine floor.
The five executive beach villas are the most luxurious options, with views from the bed overlooking the Indian Ocean and private steps leading to the beach. Inside the villas are spacious with pristine bathrooms, wooden floors and a square sunken bath in each.
In the centre of the lodge there is a horizon pool overlooking the beach and surrounded by a sundeck. There is a water-sports centre and jetty over the sea with parasols and sunbeds. The dining room is open to the breeze on all sides and serves good French and Malagasy cuisine. At night the lodge looks particularly pretty as it is lit by paraffin lamps.
In October 2008 a beautiful and tranquil spa was opened. The spa has four stunning massage rooms and two further treatment rooms for baths and facials. This is one of the best spas in the country.
The beach in front of the lodge is idyllic. Facing the sunset, it extends southwards by several kilometres before reaching the southern end of the island and the small Ile aux Nattes.
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