Rating: Deluxe
Palm Beach Resort and Spa is on the island of Nosy Be, off the northwest tip of Madagascar. Known for its sandy beaches, clear ocean water and lush vegetation, Nosy Be is one of the country's most popular resorts, and Palm Beach is one of its finest hotels.
Most of the 63 rooms are in the main building and have either a terrace or balcony for private relaxation. All are en-suite and air conditioned, have TV, minibar and safe. The 6 bungalows are larger, making them suitable for families, and each has a veranda with a jacuzzi.
There are 2 restaurants on site, Vanio which serves a selection of buffet and a la carte meals plus barbecues and pizzas, and the specialist Asian-Fusion diner. You can enjoy a sociable drink in either of the bars, both of which offer a wide selection of beverages.
Staff can arrange excursions to places of interest on Nosy Be, as well as boat rides to neighbouring islands and leisurely catamaran cruises. The hotel has kayaks, paddleboards and pedalos for guests to use. Beach volleyball, basketball and tennis are available on site, and you can unwind with a massage, sauna or hammam at Mango Spa, or simply relax by the pool.
Open: Palm Beach is open all year.
Location: Palm Beach is near the village of Ambondrona on Nosy Be, off the northwest tip of Madagascar. It is a 30 minute drive from the airport.
Rooms: There are 63 rooms (30sqm) and bungalows (35sqm and 65sqm). Rooms and suites are located over 3 floors in the main building. All are air conditioned, have TV, safe, minibar and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. Ground floor rooms have private terraces and those on upper floors have balconies. There are 2 sets of intercommunicating rooms, which make good family accommodation, and 1 room on the ground floor has been modified for wheelchair access. The 6 bungalows are in 2 groups of 3. All are en-suite with a separate bath and shower, and have similar facilities to the rooms plus private gardens. The 3 ocean view bungalows are larger, each with 2 bedrooms and a sitting room.
Activities: Watersports on site include paddle boarding, kayaking and pedalos. Land-based activities are tennis, basketball, bocce (a form of boules), and beach volleyball. Staff can arrange scuba diving, boat trips, catamaran cruises, fishing trips and various excursions on Nosy Be. Bike hire, windsurfing and golf are available nearby, and you can walk to local villages.
Facilities: The hotel has an infinity swimming pool and sunbathing area plus loungers on the beach. There’s a fitness room, open from 08:00 till 20:00 each day, free for guests to use. Mango Spa, open 10:00 till 20:00 daily, features a sauna, hammam and treatment rooms for massages and beauty services. Spa services are to be booked and paid for locally. There is a nightclub, and evening entertainment on some nights.
Dining: There are 2 restaurants, 1 open 07:00-10:00, 12:30-15:00 and 19:30-22:00, and the other open for dinner. Breakfast is a buffet, and at lunch and dinner you’ll have a choice of buffet or a la carte options. Meals are eaten at individual tables. Private meals on the beach can be organised on request. There is 24 hour room service. Of the 2 bars, ‘Escape’ is open 08:00 till midnight and offers a full range of hot and cold beverages and snacks, while the lounge bar and terrace is open each evening.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Interconnecting rooms and larger bungalows make good family accommodation. There’s a Kid’s Club with a range of activities for young ones. There is a babysitting service (pay locally).
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is free Wi-Fi internet access.