Coin Sauvage

The wildlife made the location unforgettable. Coin Sauvage is right beside the Lokobe Reserve, where we saw plenty of lemurs, chameleons, including Madagascar’s smallest, and even boas. Lemurs climbed the trees right in front of our bungalow on both days. The sea views from the comfortable bungalows were stunning, and the whole place was peaceful and quiet. WiFi was surprisingly good, but only at the restaurant. They also sell homemade Rhum arrangè, which we loved enough to buy some to take with us. Teresa and Pino, the Italian owners, were wonderful, welcoming and always made us feel at home. We arrived at 4:30 in the morning, and they arranged early check-in and sent a boat in the dark to collect us from the port. Teresa also introduced us to Simone from Blue Wave diving, and we had a fantastic scuba experience. The food was outstanding, the best we ate on the island. Every meal was fresh, delicious and made with care, with a real Italian touch. Try the Barracuda. This was the best resort hotel we stayed at in Nosy Be, maybe in all of Madagascar. It was relaxing, immersive and unforgettable. Next time we’ll stay much longer than two nights. Coin Sauvage is simply the best.

Nature is right in the backyard, and the bungalows sit by the water. The kitchen is very helpful, too. Coin Sauvage is a beautiful, friendly, relaxing gem, and you never want to leave, as long as you’re okay with dogs.

The location is the main reason I’d come back. I’ve stayed here twice, in 2022 and again in 2025, and I’m sure I’ll return. If I could give the location more than five stars, I would. It’s between the beach and Lokobe nature reserve, with the northern entrance to Lokobe National Park right beside the property. The bay is calm and safe for swimming, and the sunrises are gorgeous. You arrive by boat from the nearby fishing village, and the hotel sends a boat to collect you. It takes about 15-20 minutes around the bay. This is a place to be close to nature. Lemurs sometimes come into the hotel and jump around on the hut roofs, and birds and reptiles often wander out of the forest. Day visitors arrive by boat from the village to explore the park, but the hotel can arrange local guides at very reasonable prices for night walks to look for wildlife. As a reptile enthusiast, I especially wanted to go into the forest at night, and that’s not really possible unless you’re staying here. If you’re in Nosy Be for wildlife, it’s an easy choice. The raffia palm huts have a rustic charm, and the accommodation is like glamping. Some rooms have private bathrooms, while others use a separate shower block. I’ve stayed in both, and recommend booking an en-suite room because it’s much larger and has its own bathroom. The beds are about as comfortable as anywhere else in Madagascar, and the mosquito nets are mostly good. The place can be a little shabby in spots, but it’s above par compared with what’s available in many parts of the country. For a Westerner visiting Madagascar for the first time, accommodation outside the capital and a few tourist spots may not have the comforts of home. Roll with it and enjoy the charm and slower, more carefree pace. The staff are friendly, attentive and helpful, and the food is good. I believe they specialize in seafood, though as a vegetarian I can’t comment on that myself. Others with me said the fish was good.

The food was awesome, especially the seafood, and the owners and staff took warm care of every guest. They have lots of tours to enjoy during your stay. Getting there takes a boat, and that ride is a nice excursion in itself. The airport transfer was 20 EUR. The natural surroundings are special: a beautiful beach, garden and wild forest. Lemurs come right behind the bungalows. I only stayed two nights and wish I’d had longer.