The PRINCESSE BORA LODGE & SPA is a marvellous hotel located in one of the world’s last authentic and preserved places: Sainte-Marie Island.
In this eco-friendly hotel the real luxury lies in its unique surroundings: the large palm tree grove and its tropical plants, the magic view on the lagoon, and the noble materials used in each villa.
The beach, situated in front of the hotel, is several kilometres long and goes until the southern point of Sainte-Marie Island and another smaller island: Île aux Nattes.
The wooden pontoon, which overlooks the lagoon, is the ideal starting point for your nautical activities: snorkelling, scuba diving, kayak, water-skiing, wakeboard, etc.
Accommodation
Executive Beach Villas
These spacious villas (90m²) perfectly embody the symbols of luxury and simplicity in one single place. They include a large central bathtub made of stone, a double shower, a double basin, separate closets, a wide terrace and a king size bed that faces the Indian Ocean.
An Executive Beach Villa can accommodate two adults as well as one child (12 years maximum) and has air conditioning.
Luxury Villa
These villas have an octagonal shape including a large terrace with a hammock. They include a double bed on the main floor, two single beds (for two children of 12 years maximum) on the mezzanine, a bathroom with a shower and a double basin, and separate closets.
A Luxury Villa can accommodate two adults as well as two children (12 years maximum) and has air conditioning.
Comfort Villa
The warm and cosy atmosphere of these villas will give you a feeling of well-being. They include a double bed, a bathroom with a shower and one basin, separate closets, a large terrace with a hammock, and a fan.
A Comfort Villa can accommodate two people maximum.
Restaurant
The restaurant of the PRINCESSE BORA LODGE & SPA is known for being the best one on Sainte-Marie Island. The major culinary influences are Creole, French, and Malagasy. Specialities such as barbecue grilled lobster and cicada or tournedos of zebu are a must that you have to taste before leaving Sainte-Marie Island.
You can accompany your dishes with wines from Madagascar, South Africa, South America or France.
Eating at the PRINCESSE BORA LODGE & SPA will remain a memorable experience!
The Jungle SPA
To restore and rejuvenate mind and body, the Jungle SPA has created a series of treatment rooms where an extensive range of well-being cures focuses on traditional spa therapies.
The Jungle SPA proposes the following treatments:
- relaxing and revitalizing massages
- bodycare
- scrubs
- baths in essential oils
- hands- and feetcare
The Jungle SPA brings together the flavours of Sainte-Marie Island and the essences of the jungle for a moment of total well-being and relaxation.
Whale Watching
Live a unique experience! From 1st July to 30th September 2009, the hotel becomes a scientific base, centre for whalewatching
and studying expeditions.
These magnificent mammals migrate from Antarctica, to reproduce and give birth in the
waters of Sainte-Marie Island. In collaboration with the whale-protecting association Megaptera, you will be offered
the opportunity to participate in their observations. During your stay at the Princesse Bora you will be able to participate
in the activities concerning these sea giants (up to 30 tons and 18 meters long):
- 2 expeditions per person are included in the rates (minimum 3 night stay), on the boats with the research teams. You will be
able to observe the whales and collect data (DNA samples, recording whales’ song, behavioural studies, etc.)
- Debriefing and conferences about sea mammals at the end of the day.
A magical and unforgettable experience in the idyllic setting of the Princesse Bora and Sainte-Marie Island!
Activities
- bicycles (free of charge)
- kayaks (free of charge)
- snorkel gear (free of charge)
- scuba diving
- fishing
- quads (with a guide)
- motorbikes
- 4x4 (with a driver)
- boats
Daily excursions are also offered to Coco Bay, a private beach with a palm tree grove belonging to the hotel, is located in the northern part of Sainte-Marie Island. It is accessible either by 4x4 or by boat. The place includes a villa, an annexe, and a hotel guide that accompanies the day trips.
The impressive granite rocks in the bay enhance the unique atmosphere of this place and will stay in your memories forever.
In collaboration with the best diving centre of the island, scuba diving sessions on coral reefs are offered to observe the exuberant marine life with its many tropical fish species.
The departure for diving sessions takes place directly from the beach in front of the hotel. Most of the dives take place in the southern part of the island.
More interestingly, beginners have the opportunity to take diving lessons and obtain an internationally recognised PADI certificate.
Transport
Sainte-Marie Island is accessible:
- by plane (daily flights with Air Madagascar only),
1 hour flight from Antananarivo
30 minutes flight from Tamatave
- by private aircraft departing from the airport of your choice
- by boat (from Soaniera-Ivongo or Tamatave)
The transfers airport-hotel-airport are included in the room rates. The transfers between the harbour of Sainte-Marie Island (Ambodifotatra) and the hotel require an extra charge.
Sainte-Marie Island and sightseeing
Sainte-Marie Island is rich in history and discoveries. Still unaffected by mass tourism, this tropical island 'at the end of the world' has maintained its authenticity and simplicity.
The most important and interesting sites to visit are:
- Île aux Nattes
- Coco Bay
- the forest of Ampanihy and its mangrove
- the cemetery of the pirates
- white sand beaches
- the annual migration of humpback whales in the Channel of Sainte-Marie Island
Social Contribution
The hotel is involved in the observation of humpback whales and closely works with Megaptera, an association involved in the protection of these marine mammals. Thanks to this collaboration, Megaptera has acquired a unique knowledge concerning humpback whales.
In addition, the hotel works towards the economic and social life of Sainte-Marie Island. The majority of the staff (approximately 90 employees) comes from nearby villages. The hotel favours the use of local products to sustain the local economy and is also involved in educational projects, in particular with the school of Vohilava.
