Anakao Ocean Lodge

Imagine standing with your feet at the water’s edge and looking out over the sea.

The water is warm and turquoise blue. A couple of local fishing boats are bobbing in the waves – they have just returned with the day’s catch – lobster, shrimp and flatfish.

On both sides of you, the white beach is deserted. Behind you is your lodge. It is the only lodge for miles around. Here, there are no busy streets, souvenir shops with bargains or music from the surrounding restaurants. All you can hear is the sound of the sea and the wind – and noise of the stakk busy in the kitchen while they prepare your lunch.

Anakao Ocean Lodge is located south of Toliara on Madagascar’s west coast. You get here by speedboat from Toliara as the trip by car along the road is far too long and bumpy.

The lodge consists of 25 bungalows, which are spread over a large area along the beach. The lodge has both standard and family bungalows. The family bungalows have two storeys with one bedroom on the top floor.

The bungalows are built of stone with thatched roofs and rosewood beams. Beautiful, warm wooden floors welcome you inside, where the walls are tastefully decorated with local art and crafts. Just enough – but not so much that it disturbs the view from the large windows. Thanks to the lodge’s beachside location, all the bungalows have a view of the beach. You can also enjoy it from your private terrace, where you will find a couple of sun loungers which are waiting to be used.

All the bungalows have a private bathroom with hot water 24 hours a day. There is also a safe, hairdryer, minibar and air conditioning. Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas.

As you can imagine, relaxation is a key priority at Anakao Ocean Lodge. Strolls along the beaches, a good book, swimming and snorkelling in the sea – and between July and September, possibly whale spotting from the beach. Meals will therefore shape the day – and you can look forward to them!

They are served in the restaurant, which is the natural gathering point in the lodge. Fish is always a feature on the menu of course, and varies depending on teh latest catch. However, there is always something for those who are not keen on fish (including vegetarians) – but it is important that we are notified of this in advance. The vast majority of the ingredients are locally sourced, and the jam at breakfast is of course homemade.

Anakao Ocean Lodge does not offer the sort of luxury which is associated with gold taps and a ‘state-of-the-art’ ‘pillow menu’. It is luxury in the sense that it is an area of untouched nature which you can enjoy undisturbed while reconnecting with your inner calm.

Please note that there is no swimming pool at Anakao Ocean Lodge.