Vanila Hotel & Spa Nosy Be
ROUTE DE L'OUEST, NOSY BE, 207, Madagascar
Why We Like It
Because it has a truly local feel coupled with French flair, the service is excellent, the staff friendly and helpful. And above all, it’s not pretentious. You’ll immediately feel at home.
Fodor's Expert Review
French chic meets laid-back tropical charm at this simple but classy hotel overlooking the oh-so-blue Indian Ocean on Madagascar’s northwest coast. You’ll be hard pushed to leave the beach of fine powdery sand, the gorgeous gardens (with indigenous plants helpfully labeled), the award-winning inviting spa or the comfort of your own room.
You Should Know Malaria prophylactics are essential.
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Room
Spacious and airy with traditional architecture involving thatch and wood, local sculptures, paintings and great views whether you choose a garden or an ocean view.
Tip Upgrade to a Prestige Suite – well worth the price and hey, this is a trip of a lifetime so go for it!
Bathroom
Elegant and spotless with everything you need just where it should be from wall hooks to shower, from separate toilet to fluffy towels.
Lobby
The traditional architecture and style are welcoming and comfortable. You immediately get a great sense of the island’s unique flavor as you sink into a locally designed couch or chair under the cool breeze of the ceiling fans, sip that delicious welcome drink of squeezed fresh fruit, and listen to the purr of the waves as they break on the golden sand.
Tip the on-site shop has some of the best local arts and crafts in Nosy Be.
Pool
There are two gorgeous infinity pools with views across the ocean, plus a couple of smaller ones.
Dining
Well, what would you expect from a top Indian Ocean French chef and his team? Nothing but the best and that’s what you get at Vanila from superb local seafood to fresh island produce. The Parfum Vanille is the main restaurant open all and every day where you can spread your culinary wings and try exotic local dishes flavored with local spices or just grab a burger. The Malagasy musicians and dancers add more flavor to the warm and friendly atmosphere.
The Grill Del Sol right on the beach is where you’ll spoil yourself with that anniversary dinner or special occasion. Think duck fillet, foie gras, king crabs or flambéed camarons (crayfish).
You Should Know The Grill Del Sol is only open in the evening, closed Monday, and booking is essential. Stay away if you don’t enjoy fine dining.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
It’s safe to walk (but too hot at midday), take a cab or grab a bicycle. The hotel will organize whatever you need.
Restaurants
For pasta or fresh seafood then The Pily-Pily Restaurant on Andilana Beach (10-minute shuttle) is a romantic must, but if you’re on that special diet, vegan, vegetarian or happy to eat good Malagasy or international food then head off to the Ravinala Restaurant at Andilana Beach Resort (10-minute shuttle). Le Papillon is known for its authentic Italian cuisine (try the fish carpaccio and Italian house wine) but visit also for the old world ambiance (plumb in the middle of Hell-Ville town square).
Bars
Don’t expect super sophistication at any of the bars because Nosy Be is uniquely Malagasy, informal, down-to-earth, and island-style. Zeburger (20-minute shuttle) situated on Ambataloaka Nosy Be’s southernmost beach is lively, kid-friendly and has free wifi. Le Taxi-Be, also in Ambataloaka (20-minute shuttle), has live music and attracts locals and foreigners (vazaha) alike. In Hell-Ville itself, Bar Ankoay inside a shopping mall is one of Nosy Be’s most popular bars.
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