Voaara Madagascar is a luxury lodge on the northwest coast of Saint Marie Island, offering a set of high-end sleeping accommodations arranged along 1.5 kilometres of white sand beach.
Overview
A wood and palm built, Voaara comprises a main shared area and eight sleeping rooms. The shared area includes reception and concierge, a shop, two restaurants, and a swimming pool, and possesses the ambience of a local village, replacing the traditional wood-and-shingle roofs of the rova style with palm leaves, and incorporating diverse global architectural aesthetics alongside African traditions, including Japanese wabi-sabi. The décor showcases specially curated artworks and locally sourced furnishings, which frequently use reclaimed wood. There is Wi-Fi throughout.
Food & service
The cuisine at Voaara’s main La Plage restaurant blends Mediterranean and Asian influences into a distinctive and high-quality gastronomic offering, with menus designed by Spanish Executive Chef Aleixandre Sarrion and delivered by Malagasy Sous-Chef Jean Notia Vincent. A second, smaller venue, Le Grill, offers beachfront dining and a menu that combines Spanish and Argentinian asado-style grilling. In addition, there are several bars and an elevated restaurant, the Bird’s Nest (available at extra cost), where sushi and sake are served over the course of an entire evening. The service is wonderful.
Rooms
The sleeping accommodations at Voaara currently comprise seven bungalows and a single three-bedroom villa. All the structures are set just off the beach, surrounded by palm trees for privacy and offering ocean views; all feature thatched roofs and driftwood beams that help them blend into the natural environment around them. The décor is also thoughtfully curated, featuring custom-made local furniture and prints by Madagascan photographer Pierrot Men.
Activities
Activities at Voaara are predominantly beach- and water-based, including snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and surfing – the waves here are most suitable for beginners, though, for the more experienced, trips elsewhere can be arranged. There are two spas. Excursions around the local area can be undertaken, whether by boat, foot or electric mountain bike.
Impact
While Voaara admits this is no eco-lodge, every aspect of the resort is underpinned by environmental sustainability and a determination to support local culture. Construction materials were sourced on the island as far as possible, there is solar power throughout, and a portion of profits are donated to initiatives supporting local communities.