The charming Allamanda Hotel is one of the three best hotels in Diego Suarez,
but the only 3-star hotel situated next to the sea overlooking the stunningly
beautiful Bay of Diego Suarez. The hotel is located close to the harbour,
just below Joffre Place, a popular meeting point amongst the locals. Diego
Suarez is the largest city in north of Madagascar. Its centre can be reached
within five minutes by car or ten minutes by foot from the hotel. The
colonial influence of France and particularly of its navy, which occupied
Diego Suarez until 1973, is noticeable in the city's architecture. Straight
and parallel roads lead visitors along impressive stone buildings with
columns and large balconies, decorated public gardens and incredible views of
the bay. The city has its own special character, which can not be found
elsewhere in Madagascar.
Rooms/Accommodation:
We specially recommend Allamanda Hotel for the nice sea view and peaceful
atmosphere. The hotel is a small luxurious oasis from which the surrounding
area can easily be discovered by various day excursions. Alternatively, this
hotel can be a suitable base for those visiting Diego on a business trip. 12
Premium Rooms with sea view and 12 Standard Rooms with garden view
are in several 2-storeyed white concrete buildings, set amidst a green, well
maintained garden. All rooms are optimally furnished and offer private
balcony or terrace, bathroom/WC, air-conditioning, telephone, satellite
TV, minibar and tea-/coffee making facilities. From the balcony of the
Premium Rooms, guests can enjoy an early sunrise above the bay and the never
ending sound of the waves.
The restaurant Le Melville has besides an inside seating area a
large terrace overlooking the bay with the ruins of Cap Diego in the
distance. The restaurant serves breakfast à la carte, lunch and dinner.
A specialty is the tasty seafood from the bay, seasoned with exotic Malagasy
spices. At the bar guests can choose from a wide variety of home made
rum assortments and mixed cocktails using fresh ingredients. The drinks can
be enjoyed at the bar, by the poolside or on the pier stretching out in the
ocean.
Activities:
The area of Diego Suarez has much to discover. Water enthusiasts can dive
into the rich underwater flora and fauna and relax at one of the many
deserted beaches. An impressive viewpoint is the old light tower near the
Ramena village, overlooking the one kilometre wide entry passage to the giant
bay. The country side surrounding Diego Suarez is covered with tropical rain
forests, providing a cooler climate.
Allamanda Hotel is an ideal starting point for excursions in the near
surroundings:
Exploring the old harbour town of Diego Suarez.
A 15 minutes boat ride to the old ruins of the former
military base Cap Diego.
The turquoise green shining bay Mer d'Emeraude (Emerald Bay)
can be reached within one hour by boat.
East of Diego Suarez, near the village Ramena, are
three deserted bays with wonderful sandy beaches: Baie des Dunes, Baie de Sakalava
and Baie des Pigeons.
Ascent to the peak of Montagne des Francais (Mountain of
the French) with incomparable views onto the Bay of Diego Suarez and the surrounding
mountains.
Guided tours by quad or 4x4.
Montagne d'Ambre National Park, famous for its waterfalls
and crater lakes (35km from Diego Suarez).
Ankarana Special Reserve, known for its limestone karst
pinnacles called Tsingy and caves (108km from Diego Suarez).
