Shangri La Lodge

Shangri-La Lodge is a bungalow camp on the beach at Ambatomilo, on Madagascar's southwest coast in Toliara Province. The coral reef running between Salary and Andavadoaka lies about a mile offshore, cut by a deep channel that lets larger boats pass safely through. It is a compact stay. Rooms come in two forms: a double bungalow that sleeps up to three, and a family bungalow that sleeps up to five with one double bed and three singles. Each has a ceiling fan, a bedside table with storage, mosquito netting over the bed, and a safe. Diving, snorkelling and fishing trips run from the lodge, along with excursions by pirogue with local fishermen and a boat trip to Manjaboake, a rocky island known for its cliffs and clear water. Between July and September, whale-watching trips can be arranged offshore. Diving programmes, including certification courses, require a minimum of four people and advance notice of at least 20 days. Room service runs on request, and the setting stays informal throughout, closer to a working fishing coast than a resort strip. The lodge's private beach area anchors the property day to day.