Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge is situated on a sheltered, forest-fringed bay. It is a truly tranquil setting: azure blue seas, lush verdant forests, and distant mountains. The owner, Edd Tucker Brown, is committed to ecotourism principles and has built the lodge from natural materials of wood, stone and ravinala thatch and used local craftsmen. The electricity and hot water are 100% solar powered and there is a large tree-planting project underway. All lodge supplies that can be are sourced locally.

The lodge has five bungalows tucked into the forest at the top of the beach. All are en suite and have hot and cold running water, showers, flush toilets, mosquito nets and a safe. There are huge windows at the front of each bungalow and stepping out through the door you come to the large terrace with sunbeds, outdoor shower and a hammock. There is also a table and chairs for those wishing to dine in the privacy of their own terrace. Four of the bungalows are doubles with king size beds and a third bed for a child. One is a large family bungalow sleeping five in two bedrooms.

The main lodge houses a thatched lounge and dining room. There is a large fireplace and chimney with soft cushions to relax around on cooler winter nights, and outside seating to unwind and watch fishermen paddling pirogues on the ocean. Lunch is often a barbecue with seafood, salads and freshly baked bread. Dinner is à la carte dining with a great selection of seafood including mussels, oysters, crab, lobster and fresh fish.

The lodge offers a host of activities for both adults and children. The bay is sheltered and provides for safe swimming and snorkeling. Day and night walks in the rainforest surrounding the lodge provide excellent lemur and birding opportunities. Whale watching can be enjoyed in season and kayaking, canoeing and boat trips to nearby islands for picnic lunches are a must. Finally, there is the chance to immerse yourself in the local community, meeting the villagers and haggling in the market. There is also a treatment room offering good value massages.

OUR RATING: First Class