The multi-award-winning eco-resort, Eden Lodge, sits at the tip of the Ampasindava peninsula on the Madagascan mainland. Its location is so secluded that it can only be reached by boat from the already reasonably remote island of Nosy Be.
Overview
Eden Lodge’s eight dwellings are situated along a two-kilometre stretch of sand named Baobab Beach. Lodges combine Meru-style canvas tents with thatched roofs and wooden frames. Interspersed amongst ancient baobabs from which the beach takes its name, the resort is so at one with its surroundings that it is barely visible when viewed from the sea upon arrival. A separate villa for larger parties is constructed of local Anjanojano stone, while the restaurant and bar is a large, open-sided wood and thatch structure. Wifi is available throughout.
Food & service
All staff at Eden Lodge are Malagasy, with almost 70% hailing from surrounding villages. Service is friendly, welcoming, and professional. The menu focuses on Madagascar’s rich culinary traditions, with produce sourced locally, including the daily catch purchased from fishermen. The lodge also has its own organic vegetable garden. Dishes change with the seasons – don’t miss the refreshing juice of the baobab when available.
Rooms
All rooms at Eden Lodge come with a king-sized bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, and relaxed seating. Adjoining shower rooms open onto the beach, and there is a separate toilet for privacy. All rooms have a veranda and a private garden. Eden also has one large stone and thatch villa, ideal for larger parties, which comes with a fully equipped kitchen and enjoys a stretched veranda that looks straight out onto the ocean.
Activities
The lodge partners with PADI-certified scuba diving schools, which guests are actively encouraged to sign up to make the very most of the area’s spectacular coral reefs and ocean life. Other open-water activities include kayaking, sailboating, paddle boarding and windsurfing. Please note that in line with its environmental ethos, Eden Lodge does not offer motorised watersports in a stand to preserve aquatic life. On land, petanque, beach volleyball, and massages are available.
Impact
Eden Lodge’s eco credentials are second to none, as a myriad of awards attest to.
Conservation
Eden was the world’s first hotel to generate 100% of its energy from solar. Wastewater is filtered through dead coral and coconuts and reused in the lodge’s gardens. Likewise, food waste is composted for the gardens, while non-organic waste is recycled into locally needed items such as bottles, pots and pans. The lodge is also actively involved in protecting local lemur populations.
Community
In 2012, Eden partnered with the Docenda Association, developing a school that to date has supported over 150 local young people to complete their education.