MADAGASCAR – Voaara has launched a new standard of luxury in Madagascar, with a focus on community and nature.
Voaara, set to open in September 2024, is a new barefoot luxury resort on Madagascar’s Sainte-Marie Island.
It features elegant, tropical-style bungalows and villas, introducing a community-led resort concept to the region.
Located off Madagascar’s northeast coast, Sainte-Marie Island is known for its stunning water, wildlife, culture, and cuisine. With a population of just 30,000, it offers an unspoiled paradise, perfect for a luxury getaway.
The resort is the first property from Philippe Kjellgren, founder of PK’s List and Kiwi Collection. Kjellgren, an expert in luxury hotels, has stayed in over 2,000 hotels across 149 countries. He saw a need for a true barefoot luxury experience and decided to bring his vision to life with Voaara.
Voaara is the first of its kind in the region, inviting guests to become part of a community. The inaugural guests will be able to purchase a limited number of villas.
Initially, Voaara will launch with eight luxurious bungalows and one three-bedroom villa, renovated from the existing resort on the site.
The resort will eventually expand to 45 keys through a phased launch. Kjellgren collaborated with South African-Chilean architect Luis F. Mira to design the spaces, incorporating local materials and reclaimed wood, with features like infinity pools.
Voaara promises to be a new luxury destination in the Indian Ocean. It will eventually host five dining outlets, two of which will open in August 2024.
The resort also plans to add a spa later in the year. Voaara is ideal for multi-destination travel, with options for adventure on nearby Reunion Island, safaris in Kenya, or exploring Madagascar’s jungle.
Sainte-Marie, also known as Nosy Boraha, has a rich history. It was once a pirate base and still has a pirates’ cemetery with graves marked by skulls and crossbones.
The East Coast’s Bale d’Ampanihy lagoon is dotted with traditional pirogue boats, and the South Coast’s Île aux Nattes and Ilôts aux Sables offer stunning coral reefs and sea turtles.
Sainte-Marie is renowned for viewing humpback whale migrations between June and October. The island’s quiet bays and warm waters are perfect for pods of humpbacks to raise their calves.
This year, a remarkable 500 humpbacks were recorded, with many choosing the waters by the hotel as a safe haven at night.
Voaara draws inspiration from Kjellgren’s favourite hotels, like The Brando in French Polynesia, Six Senses in Seychelles, and Laucala in Fiji.
The resort emphasizes understated luxury, using rustic materials and neutral designs. The culinary program features local produce and freshly caught seafood, complemented by a seamless eco-design reflecting the island’s beauty.
Kjellgren aims to create a creative and inspiring community at Voaara. The resort plans to hire at least 80% local staff, supporting the local community and celebrating local tradition and culture.
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