Skip to main content

New Madagascar resort brings rustic luxury to a quiet coast

New Voaara resort brings simple elegance to Madagascar

Bungalow at Voaara Resort
Voaara Resort

The new Voaara resort off Madagascar’s northeastern coast brings “quiet, barefoot luxury” to a paradise-like setting. Situated on the island of Sainte-Marie, where warm waters and quiet mornings await, the resort brings expert-curated features and world-class service. Charming bungalows and a three-bedroom villa blend with the surroundings, and relaxing spaces help you unwind. Here’s more on this special place.

Voaara Madagascar: Modern simplicity in an exotic land

Interior design at Voaara Resort
Voaara Resort

Entrepreneur and travel expert Philippe Kjellgren founded Voaara with its “quiet, barefoot luxury” concept influenced by his favorite hotels. Examples include Brazil’s Uxua Casa, French Polynesia’s The Brando, Uruguay’s Parador La Huella, and more. The result is a curated retreat set in the forest, the perfect place to recharge among nature. 

Recommended Videos

At opening, the resort will feature eight bungalows and a single three-bedroom villa designed by Luis F. Mira, a noted South African architect. Using reclaimed wood and local materials, he created refined spaces that meld with the surroundings. Each bungalow has its own infinity pool, and future plans include up to 45 units. 

As inspiration for Voaara, Philippe Kjellgren drew on his extensive luxury travels, with more than 2,000 stays across 149 countries. Drawing on that, he pored over every detail with an aim toward an authentic, innovative setting.

Voaara’s name combines two Madagasy words, “Voarara” and “Voara.” The former means “forbidden or sacred,” while the latter signifies “nature or fruit.” Together, they convey the resort’s bespoke, special character.

Stays start at $1,090 per night for two, including meals. For more information, visit the Voaara website, where you fill out a contact form to get in touch. 

Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…
The best cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations, according to a new study
Perhaps unsurprisingly, NYC took the top spot.
Night sky of Orlando, Florida

As the year comes to a close, many Americans are looking for the best places to ring in the New Year with a bang. A new study by WalletHub has identified the top cities across the U.S. for celebrating New Year’s Eve, ranking 100 of the biggest urban centers based on 26 key factors, including nightlife, affordability, and fireworks legality. 

Topping the list is none other than New York City, a favorite for those hoping to experience an iconic celebration. Whether you're joining the throngs in Times Square for the famous ball drop or enjoying a meal at one of the city’s many top-rated restaurants, NYC offers a festive atmosphere like no other. NYC ranks at the top of the country for the number of restaurants per capita and the number of affordable restaurants rated at least 4.5 stars.

Read more
This U.S. state breaks into the top 10 luxury travel destinations of 2024
Maui is the only U.S. destination that made the list
Maui

A new survey by Kinglike has revealed that Maui, Hawaii, has secured a spot among the top 10 most visited luxury travel destinations in 2024, making it the only U.S. destination to earn this distinction. The survey included responses from 158,000 high-net-worth individuals worldwide, highlighting Maui’s global appeal.

Known for its stunning resorts, private villa rentals, and exclusive experiences like private helicopter tours and secluded beach retreats, Maui offers plenty of opportunities for high-end indulgence. 

Read more
Why Westerly, RI should be your next New England getaway
Here are the secrets to enjoying this New England town to its fullest
A historic building above the atlantic ocean in Westerly Rhode Island

Westerly, RI has grown from a coastal mining town into a New England hot spot, swapping granite harvesting for tourist treasures. It's much quainter than its big brother and Rhode Island's state capitol, Providence, but there are so many attractions in Westerly that you'll never feel like you're missing out.
I spent a sunny autumn day in the town, indulging in its nature, culinary scene, and historic delights. If you're planning a visit to this city, here's a selection of not-to-miss locales that are easy to check off your list, leaving plenty of time to hop the train back to Manhattan or Boston by the end of the day. Not local? No problem -- get lodging for overnight -- there's nothing wrong with taking another day to explore this hidden gem.

1. Hike Napatree Point Conservation Area in Watch Hill

Read more