The Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa is a beachfront hotel located on Sainte-Marie Island, off the east coast of Madagascar. The property combines villas overlooking the lagoon, dining focused on island produce, and water activities, within an island environment still largely untouched by mass tourism.

Why choose Princesse Bora Lodge

Sainte-Marie is a long, narrow island situated between the channel separating it from the mainland and the Indian Ocean. Low road density, the absence of heavy industry, and an economy centered on fishing and tourism explain the peaceful atmosphere the destination is known for. The lodge benefits from this setting: the beach lies directly in front of the villas, humpback whales pass offshore between July and September, and the interior landscape is ideal for cycling and hiking.

Princesse Bora appeals to travelers seeking an active beach stay without sacrificing comfort: on-site spa, Pilates instruction, thoughtful dining, and accommodations scattered throughout a landscaped grounds. The pace remains that of the island—unhurried and serene.

Atmosphere and dining

The design embraces tropical architecture: local materials, living roofs, spaces that open onto the garden. The lodge maintains an organic garden that supplies part of its kitchen. On the table, you'll find tropical fruits and vegetables grown on Sainte-Marie, the day's catch brought in by neighboring pirogues, and Malagasy spices—vanilla, wild pepper, ginger, and clove, which the island has historically produced.

The menu evolves with deliveries and seasons, resulting in straightforward cuisine that reflects its terroir, far removed from standardized buffets.

Activities and services

The lodge brings together many of the attractions that make Sainte-Marie special:

• Water sports: snorkeling on nearby coral heads, kayaking and paddleboarding in the lagoon, and ocean excursions.
• Land activities: cycling to explore island trails, hiking to villages and interior viewpoints.
• Pool within the grounds, complementing the beach.
• Pilates classes with a dedicated instructor, offered in group sessions or private lessons upon request.
• Spa on-site for treatments after a day at sea or cycling.

Humpback whale-watching excursions, a specialty of Sainte-Marie in season, can be arranged through the lodge.

Location

Princesse Bora Lodge sits on the west coast of Sainte-Marie, along the channel separating the island from the Malagasy mainland. Access is via a flight from Antananarivo to Sainte-Marie airfield, followed by a short road transfer; expect half a day of travel in total from the capital. An alternative, longer route combines road travel to Soanierana-Ivongo with a boat crossing to the island.

What to see and do nearby

Beyond the lodge, the island offers several easy-to-arrange stops:

• Île aux Nattes, at the southern tip, reachable by pirogue for a beach day.
• The pirate cemetery near Ambodifotatra, a reminder of Sainte-Marie's buccaneer history.
• Ampanihy Bay and its mangrove zones on the eastern side.
• Humpback whale watching in season (July to September), with Sainte-Marie being one of the finest spots in the Indian Ocean for this activity.

To extend or prepare your stay, other properties can complete a Madagascar itinerary: Seatyzen Lodge remains on Sainte-Marie, while Home Madagascar in Nosy Be or Les Terres Blanches Lodge offer different atmospheres. On the west coast, Belle Vue Ifaty provides a lagoon stop in the south.

Planning your stay

To incorporate Princesse Bora Lodge into a broader circuit across the main island, explore our bespoke Madagascar journeys: our consultants tailor stops, transfers, and timing to suit your preferences.