On the old pirate colony Island of Sainte-Marie can be found the wonderful surprise that is the Princesse Bora Lodge.

You fly from Europe using Air France into  Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Sainte Marie.

When you arrive on the island airport you are picked up in a zebu chariot for the short journey to the Princesse Bora  Lodge. In theory you could walk but it is a lot more fun this way.

You will be greeted perhaps by the owner himself, but certainly by uniformed staff. Although you will have read about this extraordinary hotel, you will still be surprised by how new, and beautifully designed it is. Madagascar is not renowned for its hotels, but this is the real exception.

Tsarabanjina is a tiny lush volcanic island with wonderful white sandy beaches, abundant coral and untouched marine life lying 60km off the coast of Madagascar. The lodge has 18 attractive thatched bungalows made of local materials dotted along the beach under the shady palms. There is a good bar and restaurant serving fantastic fresh seafood and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. There are several private beaches which make Tsarabanjina perfect for the escapist while the diving, fishing and snorkelling here are hard to beat.