Reached after a 40 minute drive from the airport, this is a simple yet stylish lodge positioned on a hillside overlooking an intimate creek with lovely views for whale watching in season. Its location just a few minutes walk from the Ikalalao Forest probably makes it one of the best choices for people who want both to enjoy the beach and observe Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife – several species of lemur may be seen here, as well as chameleons and some extraordinary birding, not to mention a remarkable array of orchid species.

The bungalows of the Masoandro are basic and constructed in traditional Malagasy style, beautifully crafted from wood and with palm thatch roofs. There are 2 room types on offer, both offering lovely views of the cove below – 12 simple Superior Bungalows which still boast air-conditioning and mosquito-netted double beds not to mention some colourful paintings as decoration; but our preferred choice are the 6 Luxury Bungalows which are a lot larger and where you can enjoy your own separate lounge area, flat screen TV and private terraces. The lodge has a lovely wooden open restaurant, with tables both indoors and on the terrace, as well as a nice beach bar which also does barbeques, whilst Malagasy dancers add some entertainment value once or twice a week – by the way, make a note to try the excellent Pancakes Sandra, named after the friendly lodge manager!a simple yet stylish lodge positioned on a hillside overlooking an intimate creek with lovely views for whale watching in season

The little cove is picturesque with a band of soft sand, but with the shallow water and rocky entry it’s probably easier to swim from the wooden jetty which juts out into the bay. Good news for snorkelers is that there is a small coral reef offering excellent snorkelling literally metres from the beach, whilst two of Ile Ste Marie’s best dive sites are located near the lodge and gorgeous Coco Bay is also fairly close by. Otherwise there is of course the rim flow swimming pool just above the beach which is perfect for a refreshing dip.

From July through September some of the best whale watching in the world is on offer as the humback whales make their annual pilgrimage to the waters around St Marie – the Masoandro’s hillside position gives you excellent views of the gigantic visitors or, if you want to get even closer, the lodge arranges boat-based whale watching trips in season. Snorkelling equipment, bicycles and motorbikes are all available for hire, and the lodge will also happily arrange deep-sea fishing and boat trips to explore the area; on terra firma, a range of forest and nature walks are on offer or you can enjoy a game of beach volleyball, petanque or table tennis at the lodge itself. Or better still, and in keeping with the relaxed pace of life at this little lodge, why not treat yourself to a blissful massage!

Wonderfully scenic and isolated position above a lovely little cove

Great place to check out the annual humpback whale pilgrimage

Good snorkelling literally off the beach

Excellent value - yet stylish little touches still abound

Great pool area poised over the beach

Beach is pretty rocky at entrance to water - swimming from the jetty is the way here

Quite isolated compared to other St Marie lodges which tend to be concentrated further south - so definitely not one for party animals