On the wildest stretch of Sainte-Marie’s coastline, where the tropical rainforest meets an endless white-sand beach, Voaara Madagascar invites you to discover a new way of understanding sophistication. An intimate, natural, and deliberately casual retreat where wabi-sabi design blends with the African spirit, and true luxury lies in the space, privacy, and the privilege of feeling far away from it all.
With just 7 bungalows tucked away among the vegetation and a spectacular oceanfront villa, Voaara recaptures the spirit of the great tropical getaways: walking barefoot, gazing out at the Indian Ocean from the terrace, discovering an island steeped in tales of pirates, sailing at sunset, or setting out to encounter humpback whales. A place designed to make time stand still and reconnect with what truly matters
—“where barefoot meets sophistication.”
What Makes Voaara Unique
- An exceptionally intimate retreat, with just 7 bungalows and one private villa, nestled among tropical vegetation and overlooking the ocean.
- A 1.5-km stretch of white-sand beach on the northwest coast of Sainte-Marie, far from the island's most crowded areas.
- African-inspired wabi-sabi design, using local materials, reclaimed wood, handcrafted pieces, and furniture created specifically for the hotel.
- A surprising culinary experience, creatively led by Spanish chef Aleixandre Sarrion and featuring local ingredients, fresh fish and seafood, and a blend of Mediterranean and Asian influences.
- Humpback whales off the coast of Sainte-Marie—one of Madagascar's greatest natural spectacles during their seasonal migration—along with diving, snorkeling, and numerous marine activities.
- An island with a personality all its own, where virtually untouched beaches, small towns, tropical vegetation, and the fascinating history of pirates of yesteryear make it possible to combine a beach vacation with exploration.
The Hotel
Voaara Madagascar is an exclusive boutique retreat located in Ambatorao, on the northwest coast of the island of Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha), facing a long white-sand beach lapped by the Indian Ocean. Designed as a very low-density hotel that blends seamlessly into its surroundings, it features just seven bungalows and one private three-bedroom villa, ensuring a particularly intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
Its architecture combines the wabi-sabi philosophy with African influences, natural materials, reclaimed wood, and pieces crafted by local artisans. The accommodations, which are spacious and open to the outdoors, are situated among tropical gardens and right on the beach.
The culinary offerings are another of its major attractions, featuring two main restaurants—La Plage by Sarrion and Le Grill—as well as various bars and seaside venues. Added to this is a carefully curated selection of private experiences, water activities, and ways to explore Sainte-Marie—ranging from scuba diving and traditional sailing to humpback whale watching during their seasonal migration.
More than just a beach resort, Voaara has been designed as a contemporary tropical retreat, where privacy, nature, fine dining, and personalized service define a sophisticated yet deliberately casual way of traveling.
Gastronomy
La Plage by Sarrion
The culinary heart of Voaara. A large open space beneath a spectacular natural-fiber roof where you can dine indoors, on the terrace, or right on the sand. The restaurant is creatively led by Spanish chef Aleixandre Sarrion, alongside Malagasy chef Jean Notia Vincent, and combines Mediterranean and Asian influences with local produce and fresh, sustainably sourced fish and seafood. It offers à la carte service all day long.
Le Grill
Probably the hotel’s most distinctive restaurant. Located right on the beach and with just four tables, it specializes in Spanish- and Argentine-inspired grilled dishes. It uses coconut shells instead of wood for grilling and features local fish and seafood, Malagasy zebu, South African Wagyu, and vegetables grown in the resort’s own gardens. Open for lunch and dinner.
Le Bar
La Plage's cocktail bar: cocktails, wines, snacks, and light meals in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
Franco's Bar & Beach Club
The more laid-back side of Voaara. Chill-out music, cocktails, an oceanfront terrace, and a natural pool formed by the tides. The Beach Club keeps the party going throughout the day, with drinks and meals served right next to the lounge chairs. It’s especially charming at sunset.
Dining Experiences
They offer " Pizza & A Movie," featuring wood-fired pizzas and an outdoor movie screening among the trees; "Bird's Nest," a private experience featuring sushi, sake, 360° views, and stargazing; and private dinners on the beach, including a unique setting partially dug into the sand so you can dine practically at ocean level.
Activities and excursions
Among the activities offered by Voaara are yoga, snorkeling on the reef, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking, outdoor movies, and stargazing from the Bird's Nest.
For those who want to explore Sainte-Marie and its surroundings, we also offer humpback whale watching during the season, sunset cruises in a traditional pirogue, PADI scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, wing foil, ATV excursions along beaches and rural trails, “Castaway” picnics on deserted beaches, visits to the pirates’ cemetery, lemur-spotting excursions, and massages with organic oils produced on the island.
Experiences You Can't Miss
Humpback whales in Sainte-Marie
Head out to the ocean during migration season to witness one of Madagascar's greatest natural spectacles.
Sunset Pirogue
Sail at the leisurely pace of a traditional boat as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Bird's Nest Under the Stars
A private dinner high above the landscape, featuring sushi and sake, panoramic views, and a telescope to end the evening stargazing over Sainte-Marie.
Castaway Picnic
Escape for a few hours to a secluded beach and rediscover that wonderful feeling of being on a remote island in the Indian Ocean.
Voaara can be an experience in itself as part of a trip to Madagascar. Sainte-Marie offers whales, pirate history, sailing, nature, and island culture; Voaara adds contemporary hospitality that, until very recently, was hard to find on the island. An alternative to the Seychelles and Mauritius for those who wish to stay in Madagascar during their beach vacation.
Downloads
Voaara Madagascar Hotel Fact Sheet
2027 Season Offer
4-Night Stay in
a Beachfront Queen Villa on a Full Board Basis
Rate based on two people: Starting
at 3,235 € per person
Receive a
complimentary Robinson Crusoe-style picnic experience on a deserted beach.
Conditions
- Offer valid for stays of at least 4 nights between January 11, 2027, and December 19, 2027
- Includes Airport-Hotel-Airport transfers by road (approximately 1 hour).
- Includes all fees (visitor fees and a 10% conservation fee)
- DOES NOT INCLUDE international flights, domestic flights, or private plane flights.
For more information:
booking@indigobe.com Gifts for a Honeymoon
Discover your honeymoon privileges:
- A bottle of sparkling wine
- A 60-minute couples' massage
- A private dinner valued at €300
SAINTE MARIE (NOSY BORAHA)
It was while escaping a shipwreck, around 1506, that Portuguese sailors discovered the island on the Feast of the Assumption. They named it after the saint of the day: “Santa María.”
Nosy Boraha, also known as Sainte Marie, is a small, lush tropical island 49 km long and 5 km wide, located off the east coast of Madagascar. Its history is deeply intertwined with the era of piracy, while its natural environment offers one of the most exciting experiences to be had in Madagascar: humpback whale watching.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Nosy Boraha became a safe haven for pirates who ravaged the trade routes of the Indian Ocean. The pirates, who included notorious figures such as William Kidd, John Avery, Thomas Tew, Thomas White, and Olivier Levasseur (known as “La Buse”), settled on the island because of its strategic location and natural harbor, which offered an ideal hiding place. The island was a perfect place to repair ships, trade plundered goods, and rest before setting sail once more. Over time, a pirate community formed that interacted with the local population, leaving a lasting mark on the island’s culture and history, such as the shipwrecks—one of which belonged to Captain Christopher Condent, nicknamed the Flying Dragon.
One of the most fascinating remnants of the pirate era in Nosy Boraha is the pirates’ cemetery, located in Forbans Bay (Baie des Forbans). Set in a picturesque setting overlooking the sea, the cemetery offers a unique atmosphere that transports visitors back to the golden age of piracy. It is one of the few pirate cemeteries in the world and is one of the island’s main tourist attractions. The graves, many of which are marked with pirate symbols such as skulls and crossbones, tell stories of a tumultuous and adventurous past.
Île aux Nattes is a small island located south of Nosy Boraha, accessible by canoe. This place is known for its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. The island is a paradise for nature lovers, with coconut trees, palm trees, and a sense of idyllic seclusion. At the southern tip of the island stands a Blevec lighthouse dating from 1914, offering breathtaking views of Île aux Nattes and the channel between the island and Sainte Marie. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the tranquility that characterizes this island. There’s also a wide variety of orchids, including the magnificent “Queen of Madagascar,” Eulophiella roempleriana, which is endemic to Île aux Nattes.
Like any other region in eastern Madagascar, the island receives abundant rainfall, which explains its lush vegetation. The Kalalao Forest, to the north, is home to a wide variety of orchids, ravinalas, and vines, and serves as a refuge for several species of lemurs, such as the Microcebu boraha and the Cheirogaleus. The Ambohidena Forest is also home to birds, chameleons, geckos, frogs, and lemurs. The Ampanihy Forest is dominated by a mangrove swamp that can be explored by canoe. The island is fragrant with the scents of cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee…
Sainte Marie is one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales (Megaptera novoeangliae). Every year, between July and September, these giants of the sea migrate to the warm waters around the island to breed and give birth. Boat tours offer the chance to see these majestic animals up close—a sight you won’t want to miss. Last September, 198 whales were counted from a land-based observation point over a 12-hour period.
The Catholic church in Ambodifotatra was built in 1857; it is one of the oldest churches in Madagascar. Its colonial architecture and its location by the sea, facing Madame Islet, make it an interesting place to visit. The church is still used for religious services and stands as a testament to the Christian influence on the island.
The community of Sainte Marie is made up mostly of the Betsimisaraka ethnic group, which has inhabited the island for centuries. The inhabitants are known for their hospitality and peaceful way of life. Malagasy traditions, such as music, dance and handicrafts, are present in the daily life of the islanders, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience.
Nosy Boraha, or Sainte Marie, is a hidden gem that combines history, nature, and culture in one place. Whether you’re interested in pirate history, whale watching, or simply enjoying a paradisiacal natural setting, Sainte Marie is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. Source © Indigo Be Magazine.
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