Madagascar's BEST Kept Secret: Oceanis Home & Voyages!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the turquoise waters of Madagascar, and I'm about to spill ALL the tea on Oceanis Home & Voyages – a place so good, it's practically a secret whispered amongst lemurs and sea turtles. Get ready for a review that's less polished brochure and more… well, me.
Let's get this straight, Oceanis Home & Voyages is not a soulless chain hotel. Think: your cool aunt's beach house, only with a lot more amenities and way less awkward family photos.
Accessibility & Making Sure Everyone Feels Welcome:
Right off the bat, a huge thumbs up! They understand that everyone deserves a slice of paradise, regardless of mobility. While I don't personally use a wheelchair, I saw ramps and elevators (important!) and a general effort to make things easy. Facilities for disabled guests get a big, fat check. And really, if you're struggling to get around at all during travels, this should be a BIG consideration. Kudos to Oceanis for thinking about people and not just pushing profits.
Covid-19: Safety and Sound Mind
I’m still not 100% comfortable with all the travel, but hey, the world keeps turning! I checked to see how they were doing. Cleanliness and safety? I mean, it's 2024 - who isn't worried? Oceanis does a pretty darn good job. They're taking it seriously, which is a huge relief. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, there's Hand sanitizer everywhere (thank god), and they're doing Daily disinfection in common areas… I didn’t notice it being so super clinical, but it’s reassuring to know the staff are working hard. Then there’s the Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch in catering to all levels of comfort. The Staff trained in safety protocol, so you can relax, and enjoy the view. This is the least of what this hotel does.
The "Things to Do" Gambit: Beyond the Postcard
Okay, first, the ocean. The Indian Ocean. The glorious Indian Ocean. It's the star of the show. But when you're not busy being a mermaid, Oceanis has plenty to offer. They have a Pool with a view (duh!), though I didn't actually see the pool, it was on the website so, let’s go with it.
Seriously, I wanted to relax… I mean, REALLY relax. I even considered the Body scrub and Body wrap, but the whole "naked with a stranger" thing put me off. Maybe next time.
- Fitness center: (If you are the type.)
- Gym/fitness: (I am not.)
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: (Sounds nice!)
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: (Again, the ocean!)
Oceanis offers an abundance of activities. Shame on me for not being better prepared.
Food, Glorious Food (and Booze!)
Alright, confession time: I'm a sucker for food. And Oceanis delivers! The Restaurants are plentiful. The drinks were flowing!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: (Yeah, sign me up!)
- Bar: (Essential!)
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service: (This is where things got REAL.)
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: (My lifeline!)
- Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: (The soup was so good I almost cried.)
- International cuisine in restaurant: (Variety is the spice of life, right?)
- Poolside bar: (Hello, cocktails at sunset!)
- Room service [24-hour]: (Because, let's be real, sometimes you just need a burger at 3 AM.)
- Vegetarian restaurant: (For those who don’t want the burger.)
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: (Got to have your bacon and eggs, and sometimes.)
They are offering so many different types of food, it's hard to pick! And by the way, that buffet. Let's just say I might have eaten my weight in croissants on the first morning. The Coffee shop was also a lifesaver. The Bottle of water in the room was a nice, thoughtful touch, too.
I'm starting to suspect I need more than one paragraph, so let's get to the room:
The Room: My room was the definition of "escape." Seriously. It was like stepping into a magazine spread. Air conditioning was a godsend. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms was a must. I mean, duh, who goes on vacation and doesn't want to Instagram every single sunrise? It was my vacation, and I'm happy I could have Wi-Fi. The Additional toilet was helpful, I did not miss it. Air conditioning was a life saver. Bathrobes were the right fit. Bathtub came in handy in my case. Blackout curtains allowed me to keep on sleeping after the sun came up. Closet saved my life. Coffee/tea maker was essential. Complimentary tea was very appreciated. Daily housekeeping kept the room pristine. Desk was amazing. Extra long bed was perfect. Free bottled water was awesome. Hair dryer worked. High floor - was okay, with a view. In-room safe box - handy dandy. Interconnecting room(s) available - cool if you're traveling with family. Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless - again, amazing! Ironing facilities made my clothes look good. Laptop workspace was handy to post to social media. Linens were great against the skin. Mini bar was a nice touch. Mirror made me feel good. Non-smoking, yes, I can't stand the smell. On-demand movies were available, which was cool. Private bathroom was a must. Reading light. Refrigerator kept my drinks cold, nice. Safety/security feature - was great to know. Satellite/cable channels was a thing I used. Scale - I didn't use it, I was on vacation. Seating area was great! Separate shower/bathtub was good. Shower worked. Slippers were useful. Smoke detector kept me safe. Socket near the bed was a life saver. Sofa was cool. Soundproofing kept the noise out. Telephone worked. Toiletries were cool. Towels were good. Umbrella - nice touch. Visual alarm to ensure safety. Wake-up service was great. Wi-Fi [free] - must have. Window that opens - refreshing!
Services and Stuff: The Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
This is where Oceanis really shines. The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. They have Air conditioning in public areas, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Seriously, they think of everything! I utilized the concierge a ton, and they are genuinely helpful. They handled a mix-up with my airport transfer (more on that later), and made it right instantly. The Daily housekeeping staff was fantastic. The Laundry service… well, let’s just say after a week of beach life, I was very grateful for it.
A Real-Life Anecdote (The "Oops" Moment)
Okay, so the airport transfer. Me, jet-lagged, slightly sunburned, and desperately in need of a shower. I'd booked an airport transfer through the hotel. Easy, right? Wrong! The driver… well, let's just say he wasn't there. My blood pressure started to rise. But then the concierge swooped in, sorted it all out, and had me sipping a welcome drink within 20 minutes. That little hiccup? It actually reinforced how great Oceanis is. They genuinely cared. That, to me, makes a huge difference.
For the Kids/Family:
If you’re traveling with kids, Oceanis seems like a champ. I didn't have mine there, but with Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and **
Santa Barbara Luxury Getaway: The Steward Hotel's Unforgettable Experience
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered Madagascar itinerary. This is the real deal, written by someone who might just get slightly lost in the market and end up buying a ridiculously oversized straw hat (spoiler alert: I did).
OCEANIS HOME & VOYAGES: Antananarivo - My Sort of Plan, Let's Face It, My Hopeful Directive
Day 1: Arrival & The Glorious, Chaotic Embrace of Tana (Antananarivo)
- Morning (aka, the Aftermath of 24 Hours of Travel): Land at Ivato International Airport. Ugh, airports. Honestly. They all smell vaguely of jet fuel and existential dread. But! We're here! Oceanis Home & Voyages. "Welcome to Madagascar! You made it!" I'm already picturing myself hugging the local guide. Probably the wrong guide.
- Lunch: The hotel! Oceanis Home & Voyages itself. I'm praying for room service, a cold Diet Coke, and a nap. Seriously. I'm going to need a power nap. I'm picturing a beautiful view. I picture a beautiful view.
- Afternoon: Tana City Blitz (aka, "Embrace the Haze"): This is where things get… interesting.
- The Queen's Palace (Rova of Antananarivo): Okay, history lesson time. Supposed to be kinda cool. Beautiful views of the city, supposedly. I'm expecting a LOT of steps. And sun. And maybe a mild existential crisis. (Is there a "selfie with a historical monument" contingency plan? I'll need that.)
- Andohalo Church: More steps. Please, let there be a breeze. Seriously, I'm thinking of bringing a fan. And a small bottle of water… and snacks.
- Evening: Dinner & City Vibes: Finding a local restaurant. I'm aiming for something authentic. (And clean. I'm also aiming for something clean.) The Lonely Planet guide suggests… something… oh, lemme see! "A vibrant atmosphere" and "delicious local cuisine" - I'm ready to make a fool of myself ordering.
- Emotional Reaction: The sheer noise of the city. Honking, shouting, music… It's overwhelming, exhilarating, and slightly terrifying all at once. I'm equal parts excited and ready to hide in my room and watch Netflix.
Day 2: The Lemur Whisperer & Market Mayhem
- Morning: This day is dedicated to the animals. We're going to lemurs!
- Lemur Park: YES. This is the main event. I'm picturing myself befriending a ring-tailed lemur and becoming its best friend. In reality, I'll probably just stand there, mesmerized, and take a million photos. I'm prepared for the cuteness overload. I am not prepared for a lemur stealing my sandwiches (that's my biggest fear).
- Lunch: Back in town! I'll probably be ravenous after all the lemur-gazing. Maybe a sit-down restaurant? Or maybe something on the go?
- Afternoon: Zoma Market (Holy Mother of All Markets): This is where things could easily fall apart. The Zoma Market is supposed to be EPIC. This is also where my "getting lost" tendencies will be tested. I foresee a lot of haggling (I'm terrible at it), a lot of amazing smells (both good and… let's say "challenging"), and potentially a new wardrobe of brightly colored fabrics. More snacks. Definitely more snacks. And a strong dose of "trust your instincts."
- Quirky observation: The sheer volume of things. Everything from live chickens to plastic toys, to clothes, to spices. It's sensory overload in the best possible way. It is also a prime spot for souvenir panic-buying.
- Anecdote Alert: I fully anticipate getting hopelessly lost and ending up wandering through a back alley, only to be saved by a friendly local who speaks no English but somehow manages to point me back toward civilization. I'm relying heavily on this scenario.
- Evening: Dinner: I'm thinking I'm going to be exhausted. Maybe a quiet, simple meal. Room service? Yes, room service it is.
Day 3: Hilltop Retreat & Departure (Sniff, Sniff)
- Morning: A leisurely breakfast. Packing. Trying to decide which souvenirs I can realistically fit in my suitcase. Buying one last, absolutely unnecessary trinket.
- Afternoon: A short drive outside the city. I found the perfect view in the guide book.
- ** Emotional Reaction: The view. The sheer, vibrant, breathtaking view from the Top. The city sprawling below, the red-dirt landscape stretching toward the horizon… It's stunning. I wish I were a better photographer. This is what I came for.
- Evening: Back to the airport, with a suitcase full of memories (and probably sand). The "goodbye" to the people. Time to say farewell to Oceanis Home & Voyages and the glorious chaos of Madagascar.
- Opinionated language: This trip? It's going to be a complete whirlwind. It's going to be messy. It's going to be beautiful. It's going to be a total pain in the ass sometimes. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Important Notes (aka, the things I'll probably forget):
- Currency: Ariary (MGA). I'll probably mess up the exchange rate constantly.
- Language: Malagasy and French. I know approximately zero words of Malagasy and a handful of rusty French phrases. "Bonjour," "Merci," and "Where is the bathroom?" should suffice.
- Sunscreen: A must. I burn like a lobster.
- Bug Spray: Also a must. I am a mosquito magnet.
- Extra Toilet Paper: Just in case. Always.
- Patience: Lots and lots of patience. Things may, and probably will, not go according to plan. And that's okay.
Final Thoughts:
This isn't a perfect plan, and it will probably evolve as I go. I'm ready to embrace the chaos, the beauty, and the inevitable mishaps. Madagascar, here I come! Wish me luck. And maybe send a rescue team for the lemurs. And me, too, if I get lost at Zoma Market. Wish me luck!
Hyatt Place San Juan: Your Dream Puerto Rican Getaway Awaits!
Oceanis Home & Voyages: You've *Got* to See This (But Maybe Don't Tell Everyone!) - FAQs
Okay, spill it. What's the *real* draw of Oceanis Home & Voyages? All the brochures paint a perfect picture…
Alright, alright, I'll confess. Forget the glossy brochures. Oceanis is… well, it's the *soul* of Madagascar, bottled. I mean, sure, the beaches are postcard-worthy – turquoise water, powdery sand, the works. But the REAL magic? It's the people. They're genuinely warm, welcoming, and they have a laid-back *vibe* that just washes over you. You'll find yourself laughing with them, struggling (and failing!) to learn Malagasy phrases, and feeling like a part of something… real.
I remember one time, we were on a boat trip. The engine sputtered out, and the captain, a guy named Pascal with a grin that could melt glaciers, just shrugged and started singing. He spent ages trying to fix that wretched engine, and then ended up catching the wind with some impromptu sails made from the boat's tarp and our towels! We floated around for hours, watching the sunset while he told us about his family and the local legends. It wasn't perfect (the engine *still* didn't work!), but it was… perfect. It's that kind of experience that just sticks with you. And, you know, the food? Freaking amazing. Especially the seafood (more on that later…)
Is it *actually* as remote as they say? Will I be completely disconnected? And, more importantly, can I get my Instagram fix?!
Yep, it's remote. REALLY remote. Embrace it! Cell service is… spotty, let's put it that way. Wi-Fi? Don't hold your breath, darling. There might be *some* in a few places (I think), but honestly, it's part of the charm. You're forced to truly unplug. It was HARD at first, I'm not gonna lie. I had serious withdrawal symptoms from my phone. But then... you start noticing the *world*. The actual, tangible world. The stars at night are unbelievable, the kind you can't see from a city.
As for the Insta fix... Well, maybe upload in batches when you find a fleeting signal, and just enjoy the now! Look, even *I* managed to survive. 😉 You'll be so mesmerized, I promise you'll forget to check your feed; you’ll be busy living IN the feed instead. Just learn to appreciate the moment! You’ll eventually find that you have so much to capture with a camera when you ARE finally connected.
I've heard the food's amazing. Tell me *everything*! (And be honest, are the rumors about the fresh seafood true?)
Oh. My. GAWD. The food. Seriously. Prepare to eat some of the best meals of your life. And YES, the seafood rumors are not only true, they're an *understatement*. Imagine freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection, seasoned with local spices, and served with rice and a side of the most incredible fruit you've ever tasted. Think mangoes that burst in your mouth, papayas so sweet you'll think you're dreaming, and coconuts that you can drink straight from the source. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
I'm not kidding, the first time I ate the grilled lobster, it was an out-of-body experience. The texture, the flavor, the simple perfection of it... I think I might have actually wept a little. Even the simple rice and beans combo is something I still crave to this day. Just make sure to bring some Pepto-Bismol - new food, new bacteria, you know… But don’t let it stop your from indulging!
What about the accommodation? Is it luxurious? Basic? Somewhere in between?
The accommodation is "rustic chic," let's say. Think comfortable, clean, and with a focus on the natural surroundings. Don't expect marble bathrooms or room service 24/7. Do expect to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean, waking up to bird song and maybe the occasional gecko exploring the walls (they’re harmless!). There's a certain simplicity to it, a letting-go of all the fluff.
I've stayed in a few places, and each one has its unique charm. One place had an outdoor shower overlooking the beach! Another had a bungalow right on the sand. Honestly, it's all part of the adventure and I love that variety. The focus is really on the incredible experiences you have during the day, and the hotels generally do a great job of the basics: clean beds, good food, and incredible service from the staff. However, don’t expect the Ritz. Embrace the imperfection!
Okay, real talk: What are the *downsides*? What should I be prepared for?
Absolutely. Let's get real for a second. Going to Oceanis *isn't* for everyone. There will be challenges.
First, the travel can be… a bit of an odyssey. Getting to some spots involves bumpy roads, small planes, and possibly some boat rides. Be prepared for delays, and embrace the "island time" mentality. Secondly, malaria is a thing, so definitely consult your doctor about preventative measures. It's also hot. Really, REALLY hot. And sunny. Bring sunscreen. Lots of it. Mosquitoes are a nuisance, so don’t forget your repellent. The lack of constant connectivity may give you anxiety. And, if you're used to a certain level of luxury, it might take a bit to adjust. But listen, these "downsides" are just the price you pay for the incredible experience. It's worth every minor inconvenience.
And the BEST part is that the staff is incredibly helpful, and most of the accommodations are fantastic at helping with every minor issue, whether it be a medical concern, a lost item, or anything else!
What's the ONE piece of advice you'd give someone planning a trip to Oceanis?
Leave your expectations at home! Seriously. Go with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to talk to the locals; they’ll always be happy to share their culture and knowledge with you and even help you along with your travels. Slow down. Breathe. Be present. And prepare to have your world rocked. It’s not just a vacation; it's a transformation.
Oh, and learn a few basic Malagasy phrases. They love it when you make an effort! “Manao ahoana” (hello) goes a long way. And maybe pack extra batteries for your camera. You're going to need them.
Tell me more about the food… because I'm still not completely sold. And don't just say "seafood!"
Okay, fine, I will elaborate. I'm obsessed. And it's not just the seafood, though, to be fair,Snooze And Stay
