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…
An inside look at the Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, the city’s most iconic resort
Yes, it lives up to the hype
Atlantis, The Palm

I am the epitome of a type-A traveler. My extensive planning process occurs weeks to months before I travel, creating a spreadsheet for every aspect of my trip. Before visiting Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, I spent hours researching the hotel's website, checking out restaurant menus, and trying to understand what to expect during my visit. Knowing what to expect on a trip alleviates my travel anxiety and helps me enjoy my trip to the fullest by learning how to prepare best.

My pre-trip Excel spreadsheets never failed me until now. I thought I knew what to expect heading to this trip, but as it turns out, even the best planners cannot fully prepare to visit this remarkable resort. You cannot truly understand what this resort is like until you see it in person. No matter where you've traveled before, you can count on Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, to take your breath away.
Atlantis, The Palm Dubai: Design and architecture

Read more
This new 45-day transatlantic cruise takes you to 20+ stunning destinations in and around the Mediterranean
Visit 12 counties on this transatlantic journey
Holland America

Want to plan a Mediterranean vacation without the hassle of booking multiple flights and hotels? Holland America Line has just announced an epic 45-day voyage that lets you explore the Mediterranean and beyond, all from the comfort of a luxury cruise ship.

The Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage cruise, departing round trip from New York, is a modern take on a historic itinerary first sailed in 1925. Over the course of 45 days, the Volendam will visit 21 ports, giving travelers the chance to experience iconic cities and charming coastal villages across Europe and North Africa.

Read more
Arizona’s largest resort, VAI, to open in Glendale this year – see what’s inside
The new resort will feature 1,100 rooms, suites, and villas.
VAI Resort

Glendale’s VAI Resort, the much-anticipated premiere entertainment destination, is set to open its doors by the end of this year, making waves as Arizona’s largest and most extravagant hotel. With a price tag nearing $1 billion, this state-of-the-art resort promises to redefine luxury and entertainment in the region.
The ultimate luxury, entertainment, and culinary destination

VAI Resort is set to deliver luxury, entertainment, and culinary experiences as it begins its phased opening later this year. Guests will enjoy a wide array of world-class amenities that redefine what it means to stay at a full-service resort.

Read more