Voaara: Madagascar’s New Barefoot Resort Set to Open in September
VOAARA INTRODUCES A NEW STANDARD OF LUXURY IN MADAGASCAR, WITH A FOCUS ON COMMUNITY AND NATURE. THE RESORT OFFERS ELEGANT BUNGALOWS, DINING, AND ADVENTURE.
Voaara, set to open in September 2024, is a new barefoot luxury resort on Madagascar’s Sainte-Marie Island. It features elegant, tropical-style bungalows and villas, introducing a community-led resort concept to the region.
Located off Madagascar’s northeast coast, Sainte-Marie Island is known for its stunning water, wildlife, culture, and cuisine. With a population of just 30,000, it offers an unspoiled paradise, perfect for a luxury getaway.
The resort is the first property from Philippe Kjellgren, founder of PK’s List and Kiwi Collection. Kjellgren, an expert in luxury hotels, has stayed in over 2,000 hotels across 149 countries. He saw a need for a true barefoot luxury experience and decided to bring his vision to life with Voaara.
Voaara: A Unique Name and Concept
Voaara’s name is derived from two Malagasy words: ‘Voarara’ meaning forbidden or sacred, and ‘Voara’ meaning nature or fruit. This name embodies the resort’s simple elegance and quiet luxury, offering unspoiled nature alongside five-star amenities. Voaara is the first of its kind in the region, inviting guests to become part of a community. A limited number of villas will be available for purchase by inaugural guests.
Initially, Voaara will launch with eight luxurious bungalows and one three-bedroom villa, renovated from the existing resort on the site. The resort will eventually expand to 45 keys through a phased launch. Kjellgren collaborated with South African-Chilean architect Luis F. Mira to design the spaces, incorporating local materials and reclaimed wood, with features like infinity pools.
Luxury and Community
Voaara promises to be a new luxury destination in the Indian Ocean. It will eventually host five dining outlets, with two set to open in August 2024. The resort also plans to add a spa later in the year. Voaara is ideal for multi-destination travel, with options for adventure on nearby Reunion Island, safaris in Kenya, or exploring Madagascar’s jungle.
Sainte-Marie, also known as Nosy Boraha, has a rich history. It was once a pirate base and still has a pirates’ cemetery with graves marked by skull and crossbones. The East coast’s Bale d’Ampanihy lagoon is dotted with traditional pirogue boats, and the South coast’s Île aux Nattes and Ilôts aux Sables offer stunning coral reefs and sea turtles.
Embracing Nature and Luxury
Sainte-Marie is renowned for viewing humpback whale migrations between June and October. The island’s quiet bays and warm waters are perfect for pods of humpbacks to raise their calves. This year, a remarkable 500 humpbacks were recorded, with many choosing the waters by the hotel as a safe haven at night.
Voaara draws inspiration from Kjellgren’s favorite hotels, like The Brando in French Polynesia, Six Senses in the Seychelles, and Laucala in Fiji. The resort emphasizes understated luxury, using rustic materials and neutral designs. The culinary program features local produce and freshly caught seafood, complemented by a seamless eco-design reflecting the island’s beauty.
Kjellgren aims to create a creative and inspiring community at Voaara. The resort plans to hire at least 80% local staff, supporting the local community and celebrating local tradition and culture. Kjellgren and his wife also focus on giving back, supporting local schools and causes with a portion of the hotel’s profits.
Philippe Kjellgren’s Vision Behind Voaara’s
Kjellgren fell in love with Sainte-Marie in the mid-1990s. After several attempts to buy land on the island, he eventually found a casual beach resort near his desired location. He struck a deal with the owner and purchased 100 acres of pristine beachfront property, marking the beginning of Voaara.
A successful entrepreneur and author of several travel books, Kjellgren is the founder of Kiwi Collection and PK’s List. He has visited over 2,000 hotels in more than 140 countries, becoming an expert in luxury hotels. His expertise has made him a resource for CEOs, Royals, supermodels, and celebrities. Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, and raised in Africa, Kjellgren has lived on four continents. When not traveling, he and his wife, Vi, reside in London. Voaara is their first hotel project.
