Name: Chanty Beach Guesthouse Nosy Be
Address: Nosy Be West, Madagascar
Telephone: +261-20-86-928-16
Price range: $$

Fodor's Expert Review

Even if you don’t have a fistful of dollars but still long for the ultimate Madagascar beach holiday then this delightful husband-and-wife owned private property with lovely gardens stretching down to its own private beach will more than hit the spot. Attentive and caring hosts Christian and Chantel, who speak English, French, German and Malagasy, offer their own blend of German/Malagasy hospitality and you’d have to go far to find more friendly and helpful hosts. Chanty Beach Lodge is the quiet hideaway you’ve been looking for away from the touristy bustle and hustle of Nosy Be.

You Should Know Malaria prophylactics are essential.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Choose between two Creole-style bungalows or ensuite rooms in an imposing villa all situated in lovely indigenous gardens that lead directly to the sandy beach. The bungalow’s double airy rooms have sea views and small kitchens and can be joined up to make one large family unit if necessary. The garden floor of the villa has three sea view rooms with tiny kitchenette and stocked frig; the third has a mini-bar. Expect spotlessly clean, minimal Malagasy chic, fresh linen and towels, aircon, mosquito nets, ceiling fan, wi-fi, room safe and direct access to the beach from your personal outside terrace area.

Bathroom

Your small ensuite bathroom is well-equipped with shower, washbasin, WC, bidet, cold water and plenty of hot water heated by eco-friendly solar panels.

Lobby

If the weather is sunny (most of the time) you’ll be brought straight into the garden and to your bungalow. There is a small room with a reception desk in the villa but it hardly counts as a lobby. You certainly won’t be spending time there.

Pool

Your pool is the warm inviting Indian Ocean.

You Should Know If you need a swimming pool then Chanty Beach Lodge is not the place for you because only the Indian Ocean serves as a pool. However, the waves are usually gentle and calm, the sea warm and the sand soft.

Dining

You’ll enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruit, baguettes, jam, honey, tea or coffee (that is included) in the intimate restaurant on the beach (hot breakfasts are extra). If you go for the half-board option Chantel will whip up a memorable three-course dinner every evening from locally sourced produce. Remember, in Madagascar seafood reigns so expect crayfish, oysters, fresh line and game fish, prawns, crab... the list seems endless. If you don’t want half-board, Chantel will willingly cook you a special one-off dinner one night.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Hire a car, a 4x4, a bike, a motorbike, or just walk along the beach to the nearby bars and restaurants. Chanty will organize all your airport transfers.

Restaurants

If you’re taking a trip to Hell-Ville (named after a French admiral, not the netherworld), stop in for breakfast, coffee or delicious pastries and baguettes at L’Oasis Café (25-minute shuttle). Chez Loulou at Andilana Beach Resort (20-minute shuttle) has sunbeds on the beach where you can relax after a tasty local curry, fresh prawns or a good steak.

Le Papillon is known for its authentic Italian cuisine (try the fish carpaccio and Italian house wine) but visit also for the old world ambiance--plumb in the middle of Hell-Ville town square.

Bars

Expect loud music, lots of locals and tourists at Nosy Be’s favorite nighttime fun places DJEMBE DISCO (25-minute shuttle) in Ambataloaka. If you fancy Italian-style anything, then the bars at Andilana Beach Resort (20-minute shuttle) are full of Italian tourists and grappa. Bar Ankoay with nautical-style décor inside a shopping mall is Hell-Ville’s most popular bar (20-minute shuttle).