Hotel Parthenay Club, Manakara

Discover Manakara

Parthenay Club is nestled in lush greenery along the seaside in the colonial town of Manakara. The charming hotel has 14 traditional bungalows equipped with mosquito nets and views of the pool and park. The restaurant offers you the chance to taste traditional Malagasy cuisine with plenty of fresh seafood on the menu. Parthenay Club is a true oasis immersed in nature with a large tropical garden for a calm and relaxing stay.

Hotel description

Set on a narrow strip of land between the Pangalanes Canal and the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, Hotel Parthenay Club is a tropical sanctuary in the sleepy coastal town of Manakara.

This charming seaside lodge captures the essence of South East Madagascar, where the pace of life slows down to the rhythm of the water. With its iconic thatched roofs and coconut grove setting, the hotel serves as the ultimate reward for travelers completing the legendary train journey from Fianarantsoa. It is a place of sea breezes, sandy pathways, and the distinct feeling of having reached the edge of the world.

The Property

The hotel is designed to embrace its unique dual-waterfront location. The main lodge is open-sided to catch the ocean air, featuring a relaxed restaurant and a bar that serves as a social hub for weary explorers. A sparkling swimming pool sits at the heart of the property, offering a calm alternative to the powerful surf of the nearby beach. The atmosphere is quintessentially “vacation-mode,” with hammocks strung between palms and a staff known for their warm, Malagasy hospitality.

The Bungalows

The accommodation consists of individual bungalows scattered throughout the lush, hibiscus-filled gardens:

• Coastal Style: Built using local materials like rosewood and ravenala, the bungalows offer a rustic-chic aesthetic that feels authentically Malagasy.

• Comfort: Each unit is spacious and well-ventilated, equipped with large mosquito-netted beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas.

• Tranquility: The sound of the Indian Ocean provides a constant, soothing backdrop, while the garden setting ensures a sense of total privacy.

Experiences

Manakara is a gateway to the waterways and traditions of the Antaimoro people, and the hotel is perfectly placed to explore both.

• Pangalanes Canal: Embark on a traditional pirogue (dugout canoe) trip along the canal to visit remote fishing villages and essential oil distilleries.

• The “Michelin” Train: The hotel is the preferred resting spot for those arriving on the FCE railway, providing a comfortable place to find your “land legs” again.

• Beachcombing: While the ocean here is often too wild for swimming, the endless stretches of golden sand are perfect for long, meditative walks.

• Manakara Town: Explore the local markets by rickshaw (pousse-pousse) to discover the town’s colonial architecture and famous dried fish and spices.

• Seafood Feasts: Enjoy the daily catch, from succulent camarons (giant prawns) to fresh lobster, prepared with local vanilla or coconut.

Earth Trip Opinion: The Parthenay Club is our favorite spot in Manakara. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and local character. There is nothing quite like sitting on the terrace with a cold drink, watching the sunset over the canal on one side while hearing the roar of the ocean on the other. It is the definitive Manakara experience.