Picking up where we left off, today’s main adventure takes us to the enchanting Sainte Marie Island.
Thanks to jet lag, I woke up at an ungodly 4 AM. One gripe about the hotel: the soundproofing leaves much to be desired. I fell asleep at 8 PM with the symphony of barking dogs and wailing children outside, only to be rudely awakened by roosters crowing at dawn.
[Crying Laughing Emoji]
p1 The view from the hotel balcony after sunrise is breathtaking, with colorful houses arranged in a quirky and distinctive pattern.
p2 On our way to Madagascar’s domestic airport (not to be confused with the international one), we passed through a bustling local market. It was chaotic, a bit dirty, and undeniably disorganized.
The chickens there, much like the people, seemed burdened by life’s weight, looking utterly listless.
p3 A random shot taken en route to the airport caught my eye — the lighting was absolutely stunning, almost cinematic.
p4 As we approached landing on Sainte Marie Island, the view out the window was nothing short of magical.
The sky was an impossibly vibrant blue, and the sea stretched endlessly, creating a breathtaking panorama.
p5 After touching down, we snapped a commemorative photo under the same azure skies and fluffy white clouds. The airport here is tiny, and luggage handling is done manually, which can be a tad slow.
⚠️ Upon reaching the hotel, one of my travel companions discovered their suitcase had been rifled through. We suspect it happened after passing through airport security. A word of advice: always lock your suitcases and change the default passwords.
p6-p8 Our stay was at the MANTIS SOANAMBO HOTEL, and I must say, the environment is simply exquisite.
The staff welcomed us with refreshing coconut water upon arrival, and our room boasted a mesmerizing sea view. The lush greenery within the hotel grounds feels almost otherworldly, as if you’ve stepped into a tropical rainforest — a paradise for plant enthusiasts! [Party Popper Emoji]
p9 For lunch, we indulged in a steak that was delicious but rather chewy due to its high tendon content.
[Crying Laughing Emoji]
p10 The sea view here is pure bliss, exuding that quintessential vacation vibe.
p11 After a quick rest, we hopped onto a cheerful yellow tuk-tuk to explore a livelier part of the island. The island’s ring road is impressively well-built, reportedly constructed by a Chinese company just last year.
Kudos to them! [Thumbs Up Emoji]
p12 Along the way to the city center, the scenery was picture-perfect, including a charming British-style church that adds a unique flair to the island.
p13 Browsing through a local supermarket, I was amazed to see how deeply Chinese products have permeated Malagasy daily life — even seeds are made in China!
p14 At a local Maki store, I splurged on a lemur-themed T-shirt. Although a bit pricey, it’s made of 100% cotton, and I adore the design.
p15 After a brief pause back at the hotel, we ventured out to the beach. On the way, a small coconut dramatically plummeted right in front of us. Such is the whimsical charm of this island!
[Crying Laughing Emoji] Nature has its own peculiar ways of dropping surprises. [Sneaky Face Emoji]
p16 As a nature lover, I couldn’t resist pausing to marvel at the corals, shells, and stones scattered along the shoreline.
But since I knew I couldn’t take them home, I settled for capturing their beauty in photos before gently returning them to their place. 😭😄
Pages 17-18: The hotel offers complimentary paddleboarding, and let me tell you—it was an experience like no other! Paddling under the breathtaking sunset, braving the sudden downpour, and riding the playful waves 🌊 created memories that will last a lifetime.
All in all, if you’re craving a peaceful getaway where time slows down, Sainte Marie Island is absolutely worth exploring. 👍👍👍 And trust me, the hotel deserves every bit of praise—it’s truly exceptional! 👍👍👍
A sneak peek at tomorrow’s plans: In the morning, we’ll head to Nosy Nato, just a stone’s throw away from Sainte Marie Island, to uncover its stunning coastal charm. Later in the afternoon, we’ll pay a visit to the island’s historic cemetery. Mark your calendars—there’s more adventure coming your way! 🎉
