Sakatia Lodge

Top choice in Northern Madagascar


Family-run Sakatia Lodge offers garden bungalows on a slope above the stylish open restaurant and bar. There are also beachside three-bedroom villas suitable for families (Ar1,000,000/1,100,000). The lodge specialises in diving and fishing. Its dive school is well-equipped and recommended by readers, even for beginners, with highly experienced instructors. Snorkelling in the nearby green-turtle sanctuary is blissful. Food is excellent.

There are seven dive sites in the bay in front of the lodge. If you didn't know that there is a psychedelic disco under the sea at night where some of the marine life emits light, try the enchanting bio-fluorescence night-time diving (Ar760,000).

The dive school offers NAUI courses (one/10 dives with full equipment Ar200,000/1,600,000). The dive-school manager, Masha Khokhlova, gives talks on the flora and fauna of the island. She manages the turtle research projects and the turtle database.

The dedicated fishing boat takes up to four fishers (half/full day €300/550).

There's a tempting shop, games room, massage room and library. Borrow a kayak and explore the island.