Luxury, Hotel, Madagascar, Beach, Relais Chateaux

A remote fishing village on an extrordinary peninsula, Anjajavy has many of the attractions of mainland Madagascar - Baobab forest, mangrove and Tsingy, beautiful beaches, lemurs - with incredibly welcoming villagers and Relais & Chateaux hospitality and cuisine.

On a remote peninsula of western Madagascar, seemingly on the edge of the world, Anjajavy is a beautiful Indian Ocean desert island surrounded by crystal waters, fringed with white sand and full of wonder. On a four hundred-and-fifty hectare reserve encompassing Baobab forest, mangrove, Tsingy and beach, Ajajavy is home to Lemurs, reptiles and many endemic flora and fauna. In the heart of the Menabe Sakalava territory, access is only by air on a private charter from Antananarivo or Hell City on Nosy Be.

Twenty-five rosewood villas face the sea along the back of the beach. They are built on two storeys with a large verandah, living room and queensize bedroom downstairs and a twin bedroom which can be used for children or guests upstairs. The bathroom downstairs has bath, shower and separate loo and the whole is silently air-conditioned to the perfect temperature.

French inspired cuisine using the freshest of produce is prepared to Relais & Chateaux standards by the fabulous chef. Malagasy flavours pervade the international menu and dishes are all seasonally dependent. Fresh fruit at breakfast and seafood and fish play a major role at lunch and dinner which can be arranged on one’s own private verandah, on the beach, in The Oasis or together at a barbecue - arranged at the drop of a hat!

The Oasis lies behind the villas and is a beautiful glade of aquatic plants, papyrus, tree ferns and palm trees - home to humming birds, lemurs, kingfishers - kept at a constant humidity by water sprays, it is a unique project designed by a well-know Parisian landscaper. The Oasis offers a refreshing environment during the heat of the day and is the setting for Afternoon Tea!

Swimming off Anjajavy Beach is wonderful and the marina is just around the corner. There is water skiing, catamaran sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling and canoeing all on hand and village boat trips are great fun. Fishing can be organised and on dry land there are mountain bikes and walks, guided or otherwise through the fascinatingly diverse terrain of the reserve.

Heavily involved with the local community, Anjajavy promotes sustainable development in the four neighbouring villages and guests are encouraged to visit the Sunday morning fish market under the Mango tree, the school, craft shop and hospital - all great fun and rewarding experiences.

There is so much to do here - or as little as one likes - between the astonishing natural environment and the community Anjajavy is a wealth of experiences.