About VOI Amarina
If you fancy a more "resorty" hotel but also like the idea of experiencing Madagascar (rather than the usual far more commercialised destinations like Mauritius) then this 58-room All-Inclusive hotel set on a stunning golden sand beach in the north-west corner of Nosy Be could be just what you're looking for!
The far north-western coastline of Nosy Be island is home to the near kilometre-long stretch of golden sand that is Amporaha beach – and it is along this lovely and very picturesque beach that you will find the VOI Amarina resort (and even better news is that the Amarina has the entire stretch of beach to itself with the nearest other accommodation being a couple of small lodges located on the next beach to the north and separated by a substantial rocky headland). Perhaps “resort” is the wrong way though to describe the Amarina, as it occupies a very similar space to the Anantara Bazaruto hotel in Mozambique – at 58 rooms it’s definitely too big to be classed as a lodge, but at the same time it’s far smaller than the typically much larger resorts that you would find in Mauritius for example.
Unlike the horseshoe shaped arcs of rooms that you often find other resorts arranged in, at the Amarina the accommodation blocks are arranged in 2 staggered rows of room blocks that stretch north from the hotel’s main public areas and swimming pool. They have a slightly unusual configuration, their A-shaped rooflines typically accommodating 3 Superior Rooms on the ground floor with a larger Junior Suite occupying the upstairs floor. Generously spaced around 30 metres apart from each other, the staggered layout of the room blocks allows even the second row of rooms to enjoy lovely views out over the bay.
Being an older property, the style of the rooms reflects that with dark wood furniture and the older-style tiles used on the floors for example, but they are spotlessly clean and comfortable. But two things in particular stand out for us regarding these rooms: firstly, they are all very spacious with the 42 Superior Rooms for example, measuring a very generous 38 sqm whilst the Junior Suites upstairs are 47 sqm whilst also featuring a large balcony with stunning views over the beach! (there are also 2 huge Senior Suites offering 88sqm and spread over 2 floors); the second of the stand-out aspects is that all the rooms at the Amarina are air-conditioned (which very few of the lodges in the archipelago offer) and this is a hugely welcome feature during the high heat and humidity levels of the summer months!
The resort’s facilities encourage a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Guests can cool off in the picturesque figure of 8 shaped swimming pool set amid the lush tropical palm trees just off the beach or you can enjoy uninterrupted sunbathing on the quiet stretch of beach or, even better, a soothing massage in one of the rustic massage huts lining the beach! For those who like to stay active, VOI Amarina offers a well‑equipped fitness centre along with yoga, aerobics, and Pilates classes, whilst water activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and organised diving excursions through the resort’s dive centre open the door to Nosy Be’s vibrant marine life - families will no doubt appreciate the dedicated kids’ club and outdoor play areas that keep younger guests happily entertained.
It’s no secret that the major source market for the Amarina is Italy and this is reflected in the staff with many of them being fluent in Italian – however all of our guests have remarked on the eagerness of staff to converse with them in English and that it really hasn’t been an issue. Much of the food served in the breezy open-sided main restaurant is also similarly Italian influenced with things like wood-fired pizzas on offer alongside the island’s superb fresh seafood - but again our client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise being extended for the food being both abundant and consistently delicious! And of course, the meal basis at the Amarina is All-Inclusive with soft drinks and alcohol included (always a big favourite with South Africans as it provides both excellent value and also lessens the possibility of getting any nasty surprises at check-out time!) With music and entertainment offered at night, the Amarina is also a bit more vibey than many of the smaller lodges.
What makes a stay at VOI Amarina particularly appealing is that, being located on the main Nosy Be island, it gives much easier access to many of the island’s most captivating excursions than those lodges located on other islands in the archipelago. So activities like quad-biking or trips to the island capital of Hellville, the rum distillery or the nature reserve of Lokobe are easily arranged. But island-hopping trips to the surrounding islands are also hugely popular, with destinations such as Nosy Fanihy, Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely and even further afield like Nosy Iranja easily arranged where you can enjoy some superb snorkelling and unspoiled beaches. Otherwise you could of course, just relax at the Amarina and enjoy the attractive surroundings, especially late afternoon with something ice-cold in hand whilst the sun sets spectacularly off the beach!
