Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa

The location is perfect for whale watching, with stunning seafront views. Guests praise the impeccable service, friendly staff, and excellent food. Rooms are comfortable, spacious, and well-furnished with easy beach access.

Spent a lovely week here although I would not class our room as luxury. It was the middle tier room. We found it dark and oppressive - in definite need of a regular maintenance programme - e.g. the old and rusty fixings in the bathroom, and the old bathroom basin surround (which was wood) was worn and grubby and years past it's prime. However we did not come all this way to spend the time in our room. The bed was very comfortable and the shower was powerful with plenty of hot water. It was very quiet and we had no problem getting off to sleep. We asked to be shown an Executive Suite and the difference in standard between the Luxury Villa and the Executive suite is huge. The staff were lovely, very friendly and helpful - they worked hard. We did a couple of really good trips and our drivers/guides from the hotel were great. The food was very good and the pizza's were a real hit. The location is stunning. Wifi is available at reception and by the lounge (near the restaurant). Evening meals were often served in the outside dining area on the beach - it was a treat to dine with the waves lapping the sandy shore. Our main dissatisfaction was that no complimentary water was available considering guests to Madagascar are advised not to use tap water (even to clean their teeth). Given that the hotel has its own water distilling/bottling plant this would be a straightforward offering for a facility that was sold to us as "luxury". All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable stay and we found Ile Sainte-Marie delightful.