Known officially as Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa, this intimate resort sits at Ravoraha on Ile Sainte-Marie, off Madagascar's east coast. It combines tropical island relaxation with a surprisingly broad range of experiences, from diving and kayaking to whale watching, cycling and excursions around Sainte-Marie.
The atmosphere is deliberately low-key. Guests can spend the day around the 25-metre pool, on the pontoon or by the water, then add as much exploration as they want. Sainte-Marie has a very different feel from Nosy Be and Madagascar’s north-western islands, and the lodge works well for travellers who want their beach stay to retain a strong sense of place.
Villas and island living
Accommodation is arranged in individual villa-style units set within the grounds, reinforcing the resort’s intimate scale. Current categories include Charming and Executive Villas, with the focus on natural materials, privacy and a relaxed tropical aesthetic rather than a large hotel-block format.
The lodge provides useful family touches including cots with mosquito nets and highchairs on request, while bicycles with baby seats can also be arranged. This makes Sainte-Marie accessible to families as well as couples, although individual excursions and water activities should always be matched to children’s ages and swimming ability.
Pool, pontoon and the sea
A 25-metre swimming pool forms one of the main relaxation areas. The pontoon has loungers and a natural swimming area and is particularly attractive towards sunset. Complimentary activities include bicycles, snorkelling equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, beach volleyball and badminton, so guests can be active without having to book an excursion every day.
Additional water sports, fishing and boat trips can be arranged, while the Bora Dive operation opens up scuba diving around Sainte-Marie. The island also supports kitesurfing, with equipment rental and introductory sessions available through the resort’s activity offering.
Whale watching on Sainte-Marie
Sainte-Marie is especially well known for humpback whales, which migrate into the surrounding warm waters during the austral winter to breed and give birth. The lodge currently identifies June to October as the principal whale-watching period. Exact timing is controlled by nature, but for guests travelling in season this can become the defining experience of a stay.
Marine-mammal information sessions are also offered during whale season, adding context to what guests see on the water. Private Hideaway Escapes can discuss seasonal expectations when planning travel dates, while avoiding promises around individual wildlife sightings.
Anoka Jungle Spa
The Anoka Jungle Spa provides a dedicated wellness element within the resort. Treatments are designed to complement the natural setting and offer an easy way to slow down after diving, cycling or exploring the island. For guests using Sainte-Marie as the relaxing final stage of a more active Madagascar itinerary, the spa, pool and waterfront spaces are particularly valuable.
Dining and evenings
Restaurants, bar and snack facilities are available at the lodge, allowing guests to remain on property for relaxed meals and drinks. The overall style suits the island: informal enough for a beach stay but with the service and facilities expected from an established resort.
Highlights
- Intimate resort on Ile Sainte-Marie
- Villa-style accommodation
- 25-metre swimming pool
- Pontoon with loungers, sunset views and natural swimming area
- Anoka Jungle Spa
- Bora Dive scuba diving centre
- Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment and bicycles
- Seasonal humpback whale watching, generally June to October
- Kitesurfing and additional water sports
- Boat, 4×4, quad and cycling excursions available
Good to know
Sainte-Marie is particularly compelling during whale season, but the island remains a worthwhile beach and nature destination outside those months. The lodge offers airport transfers, while port transfers and more extensive excursions can also be arranged. As with all island itineraries, domestic flight and transfer schedules should be checked carefully when connecting with international departures.
Why stay at Princess Bora Lodge & Spa?
The property balances relaxation with enough activity to avoid feeling confined to a beach resort. Diving, seasonal whales, cycling, island exploration and spa time can all sit within the same stay, making it a strong choice for guests who want a coastal finale that still feels distinctly Madagascan. Private Hideaway Escapes can combine Sainte-Marie with rainforest or wildlife regions elsewhere in the country and coordinate the domestic travel needed to join them together.