About this hotel
General information
Constance Tsarabanjina occupies a small island in the Mitsio archipelago off Madagascar’s north-west coast. White sand beaches and coral reefs ring the island, and its lush vegetation is home to a remarkable variety of birds. The lodge is conceived as an intimate barefoot retreat: just 25 palm-thatched villas strung along two beaches, with sand underfoot as the only dress code.
Stays are all-inclusive, covering meals and most of the sports on offer. Island life gathers around a sand-floored restaurant and bar, a Constance Spa kiosk on the rocks, a dive centre and a library stocked with books and board games. There is also a boutique with Malagasy crafts and beach essentials, Wi-Fi at reception and in the villas and a nurse on site. The seabed and reefs around the island are protected.
Location
The island lies about 64 km from Nosy Be. The hotel arranges the transfer: a road journey of around 15 minutes from Nosy Be Airport to the jetty at Manga Soa Lodge, then 60–90 minutes by boat, depending on the weather, from there or from Nosy Be harbour, depending on the tides. Both legs are shared and must be booked in advance.
Spa
Constance Spa is a massage kiosk built along ecological lines in the manner of a beach chalet, minimalist in style, with an outdoor shower cut into the rock. The menu runs from the calming Relax Massage and the restorative Rejuvenate Massage to the Exotic Body Scrub made with natural tropical ingredients and the soothing After Sun Repair Wrap. Treatments can be booked from 9am to 7pm.
Sports & leisure
Most activities are included in the stay:
- snorkelling straight from the shore, with mask, fins and snorkel provided for the whole stay; boat snorkelling trips are also arranged
- kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, with or without a coach
- beach volleyball and pétanque every evening around 6pm
- aquagym in the sea, an outdoor fitness area and circuit training
- guided walks to the hilltops for panoramic views over the Mitsio archipelago, with birdwatching that may include the Madagascar fish eagle
- table tennis and board games from the bar
At extra cost, the Blue Wave PADI dive centre runs courses for every level, discovery dives for beginners and guided dives for certified divers (PADI, CMAS, NAUI) on the archipelago’s reefs, the nearest just ten minutes away by boat. In the migration season, short boat trips bring sightings of humpback whales, whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays and turtles. Sport fishing, evening fishing, boat trips through the Mitsio islands to the basalt columns and sunset outings to the nearby rocky islets, circled by frigatebirds, gannets and white-tailed tropicbirds, complete the programme.
Restaurants & bars
Tsarabanjina Restaurant sits right on the beach, with a sand floor and ocean views, blending Malagasy cooking with international dishes; freshly caught seafood leads the menu, lunch is served as a buffet and wines from around the world accompany the meals. A seafood platter on the beach can be arranged at extra cost. The Bar, floored with white sand, faces the lagoon and serves cocktails, local drinks and light bites, as well as afternoon tea with biscuits; it closes only when the last guest leaves.
Swimming
The island has three white sand beaches: North Beach (270 m), South Beach (200 m) and Bar Beach (100 m). The villas stand directly above the beaches, and each has two loungers and a parasol set out on the sand. Coral reefs surround the island, so there is snorkelling all the way round.
Rooms
25 palm-thatched villas with Malagasy touches in the furnishings: 12 on South Beach and 13 on North Beach. Each villa stands on its own, faces the sea and has a private terrace.
Each villa has air conditioning and a ceiling fan, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, a minibar with two bottles of water replenished daily, tea and coffee facilities, a kimono, a bathroom with shower and separate WC, and a terrace with two deckchairs.
South Beach Villa
Palm-thatched villa on South Beach with a bedroom, a shower room and a sea-view terrace. Sleeps 2 adults and 1 child.
North Beach Villa
Palm-thatched villa on North Beach with a bedroom with a king bed, a shower room and a sea-view terrace. Sleeps 2 adults and 1 child.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.