Set within landscaped tropical gardens beside the Indian Ocean and a white sand beach, Princesse Bora enjoys a laid-back atmosphere and a traditional style, with the main dining and lounge areas housed in wooden buildings with high ceilings and cone-shaped thatched roofs.
The guest villas are spread across the grounds, linked by wooden boardwalks, and their small number makes for a peaceful and intimate feel throughout the property.
The long sandy beach is sunset-facing, creating a scenic setting for enjoying evening cocktails, while the infinity pool is set above the beach looking out over the ocean.
OUR OPINION:
We think Princesse Bora is both charming and comfortable, with a beautiful setting. While not luxurious by international standards, it’s certainly one of Madagascar's top properties, making a great base for exploring Île Sainte-Marie.
Speak to someone
who's been there
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Madagascar specialists
- 617-223-4365
- Make an inquiry
Photos of Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa
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![Executive Villa bedroom]()
Executive Villa bedroom -
![Bedroom view from Executive Villa]()
Bedroom view from Executive Villa -
![Executive Villa interior]()
Executive Villa interior -
![Executive Villa bedroom]()
Executive Villa bedroom -
![Exterior of Executive Villa]()
Exterior of Executive Villa -
![Princesse Bora pool]()
Princesse Bora pool -
![Executive villa, Princesse Bora Lodge, Île Sainte-Marie]()
Executive villa, Princesse Bora Lodge, Île Sainte-Marie
Rooms
Accommodation is in wooden, thatched villas spread across the grounds, offering a simple, rustic style. Comfort Villas are largely open to take advantage of the gardens, featuring large verandas complete with hammocks. The bedroom has a double or twin beds, and the en suite bathroom features a hot shower. Luxury Villas are octagonal in shape, offering spacious verandas, en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. As well as a double bed, they can fit extra beds on a mezzanine level for two children aged 12 and under. Executive Beach Villas boast ocean views, with private steps leading straight onto the beach. More spacious than the other villas, they feature sunken baths, private gardens and verandas.
Location
The lodge is located on the southwest coast of Île Sainte-Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha), which lies off Madagascar’s east coast and was once a haven for pirates. Situated in a palm tree grove beside a sandy beach, it’s just five minutes from the island’s airstrip, and you’ll arrive in true Madagascan style on an ox cart.
Food and drink
The dining room is open to the refreshing ocean breeze on all sides and serves good French and Malagasy cuisine, including fresh fish and seafood that can be cooked on the outdoor open grill. There’s also a cocktail bar overlooking the lagoon and a temperature-controlled wine cellar stocked with wines from several different continents.
Families
Those traveling with up to two children aged 12 and under can be accommodated in the Luxury Villas, which have an additional mezzanine level.
Facilities and activities
The infinity pool overlooks the beach and ocean beyond and is surrounded by a sundeck where you can relax on loungers during the day. The spa offers a good selection of massages and treatments, and there’s a library and games room for a spot of indoor relaxation. Alternatively, hire a quad bike, bicycle or kayak to explore more of the local area and coastline.
Accessibility
All villas are on the ground level and connected by boardwalks for easy access.
Tour ideas in Île Sainte-Marie
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Boraha Village, Ile Sainte Marie]()
Boraha Village
Île Sainte-Marie
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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Whale Watching ![Whale watching, Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar]()
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
In June, humpback whales come from the waters of the South Pole to the Ste Marie Channel, not far off the coast. The channel is protected by the East coast of Madagascar and by Sainte-Marie, ideal for whales who come to breed and calve.
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Île Sainte-Marie and nearby places
- Masoala National Park 168 kilometers away
- Nosy Mangabe 179 kilometers away
- Maroantsetra 186 kilometers away
- The Pangalanes Canal 179 kilometers away
- Mantadia National Park 252 kilometers away
- Andasibe National Park (Perinet) 254 kilometers away
- Antananarivo 317 kilometers away
- Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve 363 kilometers away
- The islands & beaches of Madagascar 387 kilometers away
- Ankify 424 kilometers away