Vanila Hotel & Spa sits on the west coast of Nosy Be, facing the smaller island of Nosy Sakatia across the water. Set within a tropical garden of palms, ravinala and other Madagascan planting, it offers a more substantial resort-style base than the tiny private-island lodges found elsewhere in the archipelago. The hotel was renovated in 2022 and combines beach access, two infinity pools, a spa, family facilities and a useful range of excursions around Nosy Be and its neighbouring islands.
Its position makes Vanila a practical choice for guests who want to explore rather than remain entirely within one resort. Hell-Ville, local villages, ylang-ylang country and the islands around Nosy Be can all form part of the stay, while the hotel itself provides enough facilities for quieter days between excursions.
Rooms and suites
Vanila Hotel & Spa has 95 rooms across several categories. Garden Rooms measure up to 36 square metres and have private terraces overlooking the tropical grounds. Oceane Rooms are larger at approximately 42 square metres and can accommodate up to three guests, while Prestige Suites extend to around 64 square metres and add more generous living space. The Prestige Suites also feature a large balcony with sea views and a Jacuzzi, making them the most appealing option for guests wanting additional privacy and space.
Rooms are air conditioned and include Wi-Fi, television, safe and minibar facilities. The range of categories means Vanila can work for couples, families and small groups without everyone having to take identical accommodation.
Pools, beach and family facilities
Two freshwater infinity pools overlook Nosy Sakatia, with one incorporating a paddling pool. There is also a white-sand private beach area furnished with loungers and parasols. These spaces give guests a straightforward resort day when they do not want to head out by boat or vehicle.
Families are well catered for. The kids’ club welcomes children aged 3 to 12 and includes a playground together with creative, sporting and recreational activities. Babysitting can be arranged on request. Elsewhere around the hotel there are board games, petanque, darts, table tennis, billiards and other low-key activities.
Dining and drinks
Fanjava Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with buffet-style service forming a central part of the dining programme. The Infinity Lounge Bar overlooks the ocean and Nosy Sakatia and provides drinks and snacks through the day, together with late breakfast, afternoon snacks and tea-time. Piano-bar evenings add a little atmosphere after dark without changing the relaxed resort character.
Room service operates around the clock, with the main restaurant menu available until late evening and a reduced snack menu overnight.
Spa and wellness
The on-site spa adds a useful wellness dimension to the property and makes Vanila particularly suitable for itineraries where guests want a few slower days after more active travel elsewhere in Madagascar. Combined with the pools, gardens and beach, it gives the hotel enough variety to spend a day entirely on property.
Exploring Nosy Be and the surrounding islands
Excursions are an important part of the Vanila experience. A three-island day can combine Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Sakatia, bringing together villages, handicrafts, wildlife and marine environments. Nosy Iranja offers a longer day out to see the celebrated sandbank linking its two islands, while a full-day tour of Nosy Be can take in Hell-Ville market, ylang-ylang production and sunset from Mont Passot.
The hotel can also arrange airport and port transfers and private vehicle hire with a driver, which is useful for guests wanting a more flexible day rather than joining a fixed excursion.
Highlights
- West-coast Nosy Be position overlooking Nosy Sakatia
- 95 rooms and suites across several categories
- Two freshwater infinity pools
- Private beach area
- Prestige Suites with sea-view balconies and Jacuzzi
- Restaurant and ocean-facing lounge bar
- On-site spa
- Kids’ club for ages 3 to 12 and babysitting on request
- Easy access to island-hopping and Nosy Be excursions
Good to know
Vanila is approximately 30 km from Nosy Be’s airport and around 17 km from Hell-Ville. Its larger scale gives it a different character from Madagascar’s very small eco-lodges and private-island retreats. That can be an advantage for families and guests who appreciate a broader range of facilities, room categories and organised excursions.
Why stay at Vanila Hotel & Spa?
Vanila is a useful all-round base for discovering Nosy Be while retaining the comforts of a full resort. It combines beach and pool time with straightforward access to the archipelago’s islands, wildlife and local culture. Private Hideaway Escapes can use Vanila as a standalone Nosy Be stay or combine it with more remote Madagascan properties to create a journey with contrasting levels of adventure and relaxation.