Voaara, Sainte-Marie Island

Voaara, Sainte-Marie Island

Barefoot Sophistication and Community Spirit

Voaara represents a new era of luxury for Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha). Built on the site of the former Sainte Marie Lodge, it is designed around the concept of “quiet luxury”—blending raw African soul with wabi-sabi design. The resort focuses on connecting guests with the local community and the island’s unspoiled nature, offering a refined alternative to the traditional rustic lodges of the area.

Rooms & Accommodation

The resort is being launched in phases, focusing on understated elegance and the use of rustic, natural materials.

• Bungalows & Villas: The initial launch features tropical-style bungalows and a flagship three-bedroom villa, which is a complete renovation of a structure from the original lodge.

• Design Aesthetic: The interiors emphasize natural beauty and simplicity, utilizing reclaimed wood, local stone, and artisanal Malagasy crafts. The goal is to create a space that feels high-end yet deeply rooted in its environment.

• Seclusion: Each unit is positioned to maximize privacy, offering guests a personal sanctuary surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Indian Ocean.

Dining & Atmosphere

The culinary program at Voaara is a celebration of the island’s bounty, moving away from formal dining toward a more authentic, communal experience.

• Ocean-to-Table: The resort features multiple dining areas where the menu is dictated by the daily catch and seasonal organic produce from the island.

• Elegant Social Spaces: The communal areas are designed to feel like a private home rather than a hotel, fostering a relaxed atmosphere where guests can gather for cocktails or quiet reflection.

• Wellness: A luxury spa is integrated into the property, offering treatments that utilize local botanicals and traditional Malagasy healing techniques.

Experience & Environment

Sainte-Marie is a place of legend and natural wonder, and the resort serves as the perfect base to explore it.

• Humpback Whale Sanctuary: Situated on the Sainte-Marie channel, the resort offers front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest spectacles. From June to September, humpback whales congregate in these waters to mate and calve.

• Island Adventures: Guests can explore the island’s unique pirate history at the local cemetery, take dugout canoes to the neighboring Île aux Nattes, or cycle through the tropical interior.

• Community Focus: Voaara operates with a “people-first” philosophy, ensuring that the local community benefits directly from the resort’s presence through employment and various social initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we reach the resort? Most guests arrive via a flight from Antananarivo to Sainte-Marie Airport. The resort is located in the Ambatorao area on the island’s west coast, just a short transfer from the airport or the ferry pier.

What makes this different from the previous lodge? While the original lodge was a beloved mid-range option, Voaara is an ultra-luxury project. It offers a much higher level of service, design, and exclusivity, catering to travelers who seek a five-star experience in a remote setting.

Is it suitable for families? Yes, the multi-bedroom villas are specifically designed to accommodate families or groups of friends, providing plenty of space and private facilities.

Expert Insight

“Voaara has transformed a classic Sainte-Marie location into a world-class destination. By taking the foundations of the old lodge and applying a high-fashion, eco-conscious lens, they have created the most exciting opening on the East Coast in decades. It is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the wild beauty of Madagascar in total comfort.” — Aleem, Madagascar Specialist