Luxury eco-lodge on Ile Sainte-Marie featuring overwater bungalows and beach villas. Prime location for whale watching, snorkeling, and relaxation. Combines modern luxury with environmental sustainability in a stunning tropical setting.
Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa occupies a stretch of beachfront on the southern end of Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha), a narrow island approximately 60 kilometres off Madagascar's northeast coast near Toamasina. Île Sainte-Marie is one of Madagascar's most celebrated coastal destinations, combining a sheltered lagoon, dense tropical vegetation, and a colonial history tied to the island's former French settlement and its era as a pirate haven. The lodge is positioned on a quiet beach framed by leaning coconut palms, with the island's forested interior rising immediately behind the property.
The property was developed with sustainability at its core and operates under a framework covering waste management, energy use, and community engagement. Accommodation is divided into three villa categories: Charm Villas, which are compact but elegantly finished beachfront units; Executive Beach Villas, which offer more floor space and private terraces; and Luxury Villas, the property's largest rooms with the most extensive private outdoor areas. All villas are furnished with Malagasy textiles, local woodwork, and crafts sourced from nearby artisans, grounding the guest experience in the island's culture.
The Anoka Jungle Spa draws on the island's natural botanical wealth, incorporating vanilla, vetiver, and Ravintsara (camphor) into a menu of massages, scrubs, and facial therapies. An infinity pool overlooks the beach and the lagoon beyond. The lodge's restaurant sources shellfish and fish from local artisanal fishermen each morning and serves fresh seafood alongside Malagasy and French-influenced dishes.
Île Sainte-Marie is particularly celebrated for humpback whale watching between July and October, when migrating whales shelter in the protected lagoon to breed and calve. The lodge operates dedicated whale-watching excursions by boat during this season. Diving is offered through the Bora Dive & Research centre, which participates in citizen-science coral reef monitoring. Kitesurfing lessons and equipment rental are available through Bora Kite. The island is served by Air Madagascar and charter aircraft from Antananarivo and Toamasina; the lodge arranges all transfers from the Sainte-Marie airstrip.
Amenities
- overwater bungalows
- spa
- infinity pool
- restaurant
- whale watching
- diving center
- WiFi
Location
Ile Sainte-Marie, East Coast
-16.9500, 49.8500 View on map
Highlights
- Beachfront eco-lodge on Île Sainte-Marie with three villa categories and sustainability certification
- Anoka Jungle Spa treatments using Malagasy vanilla, vetiver, and Ravintsara botanical extracts
- Dedicated humpback whale watching excursions between July and October in the sheltered lagoon
- Bora Dive & Research centre with guided reef dives and citizen-science coral monitoring
- Kitesurfing lessons and equipment through the on-site Bora Kite operation
Tips for visiting
- Book for July–September if whale watching is a priority; humpback whales are reliably present in the Sainte-Marie Bay during this window
- Bring insect repellent; the island's humid tropical climate supports mosquitoes, especially during the wet season from November to April
- The lodge arranges airport transfers from the Sainte-Marie airstrip, a short drive away; confirm transfer arrangements ahead of arrival
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the dive centre participates in coral conservation and requests that guests avoid chemical-based sunscreens
- Cash in Malagasy Ariary is useful for tipping and small purchases in the village; the lodge and larger establishments accept cards
When to visit
July to October is the prime season combining dry weather and humpback whale watching. May to September offers good diving visibility. The wet season from November to April brings lush vegetation and lower rates but some rough sea days.
Accessibility
Princesse Bora Lodge is a beachfront property with sandy paths between villas and the main facilities. The terrain is relatively flat, though soft deep sand may be challenging for wheelchair users. The lodge does not have specific accessibility adaptations; guests with mobility requirements should contact the property prior to booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How do guests reach Princesse Bora Lodge?
The lodge is on Île Sainte-Marie, accessible by short flight from Antananarivo or Toamasina on Air Madagascar or charter aircraft. The lodge arranges transfers from the Sainte-Marie airstrip. A boat crossing from the mainland near Soanierana-Ivongo is also possible.
When is the best time to visit for whale watching?
Humpback whales are present in the waters around Île Sainte-Marie from approximately July to October. The peak of the season is August to September, when mothers and calves are most numerous in the protected bay.
What diving is available at Princesse Bora?
The Bora Dive & Research centre offers guided dives on reef systems surrounding Île Sainte-Marie, suitable for beginners and experienced divers. The team is involved in coral monitoring research and guests are invited to contribute data during dives.
Are there activities for non-divers?
Yes, non-divers can access snorkelling from the beach, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, whale-watching excursions, island cycling, and guided village tours. The spa and infinity pool are available throughout the day.