Finding hotels on Ile aux Nattes can be a challenge. The digital era hasn’t made its way to Madagascar just yet, but that you can’t find them online doesn’t mean they’re not there. In fact, there are several hotels on Ile aux Nattes worth visiting. Even though the island is tiny, there are several options for you to choose from.
Covid19 was rough on tourism, and some hotels haven’t made their way back. Luckily, the ones that have are the best choices. Each of them with their special touch. After reading this article, you have a fine-tuned idea of what they offer and which one you should choose.
Where is Ile aux Nattes?
Ile aux Nattes is a small island located south of Ile Sainte Marie in East Madagascar. Ile Sainte Marie and Ile aux Nattes make up the tropical vacation spot Sainte Marie. They’re both the spitting image of a bounty experience.
Ile Sainte Marie is the larger island. It’s more developed than its little brother Ile aux Nattes. On Ile Sainte Marie, you find the local airport, the main town, Ambodifototra, and plenty of mind-blowing bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Ile aux Nattes on the other hand is a small unique eco-system of quirky hotel owners, unspoiled nature, and a complete lack of infrastructure. On Ile aux Nattes you find no roads, no cars, and no street lights. The only way to get around on the island is by foot or boat. Since there’s no infrastructural network, everything is powered by the sun, and water is provided by the rain and wells.
Truly no place on earth resembles Ile aux Nattes. The island is 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. It’s lusciously green and every inch of the coast is covered in duvet beaches and coconut trees. Tranquility, peace, and serenity are the best words to describe the vibe.
Why Visit Ile aux Nattes?
There are thousands of reasons to visit Ile aux Nattes. Firstly, it is absolutely beautiful and is in itself a grant nature experience. The island is home to many endemic species, including a few families of lemurs, who are sometimes bold enough to engage with the island’s visitors.
Secondly, the vibe on the island is unique. It invites its visitors to join a Robinson Crusoe-like experience. Life on the island is slow – Mora Mora as we say in Malagasy – and it is completely subjected to nature- and weather conditions. The tide controls the everyday life of the fishermen’s village inhabiting the island. The sun controls the electricity, and the rain the access to water. The simplicity of life is breathtaking.
Thirdly, while the tempo is calm, there’s plenty to do on the island. Several amazing restaurants reside between the palm trees, many walking routes take you to mind-blowing views, and the marine life leaves nothing to be desired.
Activities on Ile Aux Nattes
A double barrier reef surrounds both Ile aux Nattes and Ile Sainte Marie. That makes for an excellent snorkeling location for those in love with colorful fish and corals. Within the reef, the sea level is very low. In some places, you can walk several hundred meters before having to swim, and you’ll never see a shark. If you do want to swim, simply go beyond the reef or wait for high tide.
If the tiny-island life starts getting to your head, don’t worry. Ile Sainte Marie is not far away. From the northern point of Ile aux Nattes to the southern point of Ile Sainte Marie, there’s merely 200 m. with a boat (or pirogue which is more commonly used).
Ile Sainte Marie offers another set of experiences. Exploring the island on BMX, visiting Piscines Naturel, indulging in the unique ecosystem of the Mangrove forest, and much more. Most hotels on Ile aux Nattes can plan excursions and transfers for you, so you don’t have to worry about finding your way back.
And if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, do not forget to go whale-watching. The humpback whales migrate right by the island through those months, so there’s a very good chance of seeing them and their young ones breach the surface playing and enjoying life.
Want to know more? Read my article What To Do in Sainte Marie?
How to Get to Ile aux Nattes?
Getting to Ile aux Nattes is an experience in itself. First, you need to get to Ile Sainte Marie, and from there move your way south to Ile aux Nattes the waterway.
You can get to Ile Sainte Marie by plane or ferry. The local airport is in the south of Ile Sainte Marie, so it’s very close. The ferry goes to Ambodifototra, the main town on Ile Sainte Marie, making the trip slightly longer.
Note that most hotels can arrange a transfer for you either from the airport or the main town. If it’s your first time visiting the island, that can be a good idea to get a calm start to your beach vacation.
Getting to Ile aux Nattes by Plane
The airport receives flights from the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, from Toamasina – a city on the East coast of Madagascar.
Flights don’t arrive and depart every day in Sainte Marie, so it takes a bit of planning to get there with flights. Depending on the season and your departing airport, there are between four and eight flights to Sainte Marie every week. The planes are small ATRs with about 30 rows, so access by air is limited.
From the airport, there’s not a long way to Ile aux Nattes. A tuk-tuk can take you from the airport to the southern point – better known as the cross-over. That takes about 5 minutes. If you’re a light packer you can even walk the distance.
At the cross-over, you hire a pirogue to take you to the other side. From the southern point to the northern point, it takes no more than 5 minutes, and from there you can walk. A better option is to have the pirogue sail you directly to your hotel. They’re all located by the coast, so it’ll be easier. Depending on which hotel you’ve chosen it will take you 10-30 minutes by pirogue. Faster if you find one with a motor (there are a few).
Getting to Ile aux Nattes by ferry
The ferry departs from Manambato or Soanierana Ivongo on the east coast. The ferries cross every day, so if your itinerary takes you to the east coast of Madagascar, it might be the easiest option. Plus, it’s much cheaper!
Going on a shuttle bus from Toamasina to the ferry and over will cost you between 100.000 and 200.000 Ariary. That’s roughly 20-40€. The national flights are more likely to be 400.000 ariary each way depending on the season.
From Ambodifotatra you need a tuk-tuk to take you to the cross-over. It takes around 20 minutes and will cost you 20.000-40.000 ariary (5-10€) depending on your bargaining skills, and your willingness to pick up locals on the way.
From the southern point, you hire a pirogue to take you to Ile aux Nattes like described above.
How to Choose the Right Hotel on Ile aux Nattes?
Despite its size, there are several hotels on Ile aux Nattes. Each one with its own magical touch. Some have gorgeous bungalows, and some have a great restaurant. A few present excellent service, and others a more personal experience. Some have amazing excursions, and others have watersport gear for free use. It all depends on what’s important to you.
To make it easier to choose, the five best are described beneath. And remember that if you can’t choose just one, simply take a few nights on each.
The 5 Best Hotels on Ile aux Nattes
Since Covid19 only a few hotels have stayed open. Luckily, they are the best five options. Each hotel has pros and cons, but what they have in common is that you can’t go wrong wither either one. Let’s take a look!
Sambatra Beach Lodge
The newest hotel on Ile aux Nattes is Sambatra Beach Lodge. It’s located in the island’s northern part, beside one of the best beaches. Getting to Sambatra Beach Lodge from the cross-over will take you about 10 minutes in a pirogue.
The bungalows are quite nicely built with clean lines and large bathrooms. They’re all rather new and have a sea view from the terrace. All in all, you can choose from six beautiful bungalows.
Sambatra Beach Lodges owners are the South African Vincent and his wife Valeri from Reunion, so the hotel is perfectly capable of receiving both French- and English-speaking guests.
Vincent and Valeri are amazing hosts, who value getting to know their guests. The tables in the restaurant are communal in the hopes of bringing people together – something many of their guests treasure dearly.
On the downside, it’s not the optimal option for those wanting to spend some time on their own in privacy.
Pricing at Sambatra Lodge is rather fair. A bungalow starts at 45€ per night for two people.
Ready to book a night at Sambatra Beach Lodge? Reach out on their website, Facebook or Instagram.
Maningory
Maningory Hotel has the probably best location on the island. It’s located on the west side of the island, not far from the crossover, and the beach is absolutely amazing.
Getting from the cross-over to Maningory will take you around 7 minutes in a pirogue. The hotel is placed right by one of the few lighted pathway systems on the island, which enables you to quickly move from there to the local villages, and a few shops, bars, and restaurants.
Maningory Hotel has 9 bungalows. 3 of which are newly remodeled and of a nice standard. Four of them have ocean views and the rest are in the garden environment.
The French owner, Allein, is a big fan of the ocean, which leads us to one of the big pros of Maningory. During whale season he plans whale-watching excursions led by his very skilled captain. That experience is highly recommendable.
On the downside, Maningory is not an English-speaking hotel, which makes it very difficult for those not fluent in French.
Pricing at Maningory Hotel starts at 157.000 Ariary (34€) depending on the level of luxury.
Want to book? Reach out on their website
Aurora Lodge
The only hotel residing in the south of the island is Aurora Lodge. Aurora Lodge is a small lodge with 7 bungalows located in a beautiful garden. Both the restaurant and the bungalows offer an ocean view, and with its two beautiful beaches, you’re not likely to miss anything.
Its southern location is a two-fold experience. On the one hand, you have complete tranquility and calmness. Very few things are located in the south, creating a unique remote vibe. On the other hand, you will spend more time transporting yourself back and forth. It takes 30 minutes from the cross-over to reach Aurora Lodge in a pirogue. The trip is stunning.
Aurora Lodge bungalows are simple. Built of wood with a natural roof. The design resembles a tipi, which looks beautiful in the incredible natural environment. If you’re a fan of nature, this is the lodge for you.
But best of all is the Aurora Lodge restaurant. They’ve got a skilled chef, and as one of the only on the island, the restaurant resides on the coast dividing the beach in two and offering the most amazing view. Furthermore, the staff is nothing less than charming.
Aurora Lodge is fairly priced between 35€ and 55€ depending on the season.
Ready to book? Visit Aurora’s website
La Robinsonnade
One of the most interesting hotels on Ile aux Nattes is Robisonnade, which is truly a sight. The bungalows are built in the trees, and wood carvings in Robinson Crusoe style decorate the entire area.
La Robinsonnade has just a few bungalows built in the trees. Living there offers a one-of-a-kind experience close to nature. And don’t get me started on the view from those treetops.
What La Robinsonnade is mostly famous for, is the the beautiful bridge on the water. It is highly decorative and equipped with sunbeds and easy access to the sea. Furthermore, they are known to plan some awesome excursions whether you want to see the Mangrove forest or go snorkeling by the reef.
On the downside, the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant. You’ll have to hunt for food (or visit the other restaurants on the island) throughout your stay.
A night in La Robinsonnade is 45€ per night
Want to book a night a La Robinsonnade? Reach out through their website.
Analatsara Eco-lodge
Now get ready for a different experience. Analatsara resides on the island’s west coast and is a unique hotel. It’s home to just four bungalows, each as different as their guests.
The bungalows differ greatly. One is built in the trees and offers the most incredible view. Another is a fully equipped house with enough room for a large family. One is very simple. There’s a bungalow for each taste. Furthermore, the hotel is gorgeously decorated with wood carvings and art. It is the perfect lodge for those looking for something new.
The owner, The Baron, is quite the character with his eye patch and big personality. And he’s a divine host who will do anything to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Analatsaras restaurant is known to be of good quality, and so are the decorating cocktails of the creative barman.
As for prices, you can have a night at Analatsara between 50€ and 80€ for two people depending on the bungalow.
Want to book at Analatsara? Reach out to The Baron through the Analatsara website.
Dreaming of a Visit to Ile aux Nattes?
As you can read, there are a thousand reasons to visit Ile aux Nattes. What’s yours? Let our readers know in the comment field below, and feel free to share your experience with the island.
If you’re ready to decide to travel to Ile aux Nattes, get started! It’s an experience you’ll late forget. And when you get there, make sure to visit these amazing places: 7 Places to Experience When Staying at Ile Aux Nattes
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