Nosy Be is Madagascar’s original all inclusive island, a place where white sand bays meet ylang-ylang hills and long, lazy resort days blend with boat trips to tiny offshore islands. For many visitors, it is the only stop in Madagascar, so choosing the right resort matters. The current all inclusive landscape is dominated by big beachfront names like VOI Andilana Beach, Royal Andilana Resort & Spa, VOI Amarina, Palm Beach and Royal Beach Hotel & Spa. Each promises a seamless, good value stay, but what you actually get for your wristband varies more than you might expect.
How All Inclusive Works in Nosy Be Today
Nosy Be is unusual in Madagascar because it concentrates the country’s few true all inclusive resorts along one small island. These packages typically bundle buffet meals, local drinks and daytime activities into a single nightly rate, which in 2026 often falls somewhere between mid range and upscale when compared with similar Indian Ocean islands. Instead of the ultra premium, international spirit heavy formulas seen in parts of the Caribbean, Nosy Be’s inclusions lean toward generous but local: Malagasy or South African wine by the glass, local rum, draft beer and soft drinks rather than imported champagne or craft cocktails.
Across the main beachfront players, the core inclusions look broadly similar. VOI Andilana and VOI Amarina, for example, both offer buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner plus unlimited water, soft drinks, local wine and beer and local spirits at set bars during opening hours. Royal Andilana and Royal Beach Hotel & Spa typically sell half board and all inclusive options, with the higher tier adding drinks and snacks to their substantial buffets. Smaller properties and boutique lodges around Nosy Be may advertise full board but still charge separately for most beverages, so it is worth checking the exact wording before assuming a package is truly all inclusive.
One key difference compared with some global resort areas is how excursions are handled. With very few exceptions, boat trips to Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely or Nosy Iranja, scuba diving and wildlife outings are run by independent operators and are not bundled into the nightly rate. That has real implications if you are planning to be out on the water several days in a row. In Nosy Be, all inclusive is mostly about food, pool and beach time at the hotel itself, not about covering your entire week’s activities.
Because Madagascar’s import costs are high and restaurant infrastructure outside the resort areas is limited, many travelers find that an all inclusive plan still makes sense even if they expect to miss a few lunches. However, if your itinerary already includes a multi day liveaboard, an island hopping package or intensive diving with a specialist center, you will want to think carefully about how much resort based consumption you will realistically use.
VOI Andilana Beach vs Royal Andilana: Flagships on Nosy Be’s Iconic Bay
Andilana beach at the northern tip of Nosy Be is often described as the island’s postcard bay: two wide crescents of fine sand divided by a rocky headland and backed by palm trees and low rise hotels. This is where VOI Andilana Beach and the newer Royal Andilana Resort & Spa sit almost side by side, yet they deliver quite different versions of the all inclusive experience. VOI Andilana is a large Italian run resort that has been winning regional awards for years, known for its energetic entertainment team, family friendly atmosphere and extensive sports programs. Royal Andilana, in contrast, positions itself as a quieter, more design focused five star property with fewer rooms and a stronger emphasis on spa and adult leisure.
VOI Andilana’s all inclusive package typically covers three buffet meals, snack times, soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages at multiple bars from morning until late evening. The resort promotes its two long stretches of private beach, amounting to hundreds of meters of sand, plus a huge central pool area with separate kids’ space. Guests often comment that you can spend an entire week here without running out of on site options: beach volleyball, tennis, archery, aquagym, evening shows and children’s mini club are part of the standard program, while scuba diving and most boat trips are outsourced to local partners at an extra cost.
Royal Andilana, as a much newer build, offers a more compact but sleek environment. Its all inclusive rate, when selected, layers local drinks and snacks over a strong buffet and à la carte offer, including a focus on fresh seafood and Malagasy flavors in a contemporary setting. The beachfront is the same prized Andilana shore, but the resort’s layout places more emphasis on infinity pools and landscaped gardens that step down toward the sand. Instead of large scale animation, Royal Andilana leans into live music evenings, a full spa with ocean view treatment rooms and more private relaxation areas, making it better suited to couples and honeymooners who want Andilana’s scenery without a high energy family club vibe.
For travelers deciding between the two, it helps to picture your ideal day. If you see yourself joining group fitness classes, watching nightly theater style shows and sending children to a supervised club, VOI Andilana’s classic all inclusive formula will probably appeal. If you would rather spend your evenings in a quieter cocktail bar or at the spa and do not mind paying separately for most excursions, Royal Andilana can be worth its premium. Beach quality is essentially identical for both, since they share the same bay, though VOI’s sheer size means its sunbed areas can feel busier in peak European holiday periods.
VOI Amarina, Palm Beach and Royal Beach: Beachfront All Inclusives Closer to the Action
Not everyone wants to stay at the far northern end of the island. VOI Amarina, Palm Beach and Royal Beach Hotel & Spa all occupy different stretches of Nosy Be’s west coast, closer to the livelier village of Ambatoloaka and the main departure points for boat excursions. VOI Amarina sits in a tropical park setting on the northwest coast with direct access to a quiet sandy beach. Its all inclusive treatment is straightforward and fairly generous for its category: buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner plus unlimited water, soft drinks, local wine and beer and local spirits served by the glass at designated bars throughout the day, with sweet and savory snacks at set times.
Palm Beach and Royal Beach, both part of a local hotel group, usually market themselves as four star beachfront properties with optional all inclusive or full board. Royal Beach, fronting Madirokely bay, is notable for combining resort style pools, spa facilities and organized activities with immediate access to Ambatoloaka’s restaurants, small bars and dive centers just a short walk away. All inclusive here tends to include buffet meals, local drinks from morning until late night and some simple entertainment, but the overall feel is more cosmopolitan. Guests can step outside the gates and sample a pizza house, a small Malagasy grill or a waterfront bar without needing a taxi, something that is not possible at the more isolated Andilana resorts.
Palm Beach, a little further along the coast from Ambatoloaka, enjoys a broader patch of sand and a slightly more tranquil setting than Royal Beach, while still remaining relatively close to excursion hubs by road or boat. Its pool scene is central to the property, with sunbeds facing both the lagoon and the gardens, and its all inclusive formula typically clocks in a bit lower in price than the flagship Andilana properties. Travelers who want a modern environment and solid beach but do not require extensive kids’ programming or upscale spa facilities often find Palm Beach a good compromise between budget and comfort.
From a practical standpoint, staying in this mid west coast cluster can reduce transfer times to dive shops and speedboat operators. Many excursions to Nosy Komba or Nosy Tanikely depart directly from Ambatoloaka beach or nearby jetties, so guests at Royal Beach and Palm Beach often enjoy shorter early morning commutes than those in Andilana, which sits at the end of the main coastal road. VOI Amarina is quieter and slightly further from the nightlife but still closer to the main tourist corridor than Andilana, making it attractive for couples who prefer a secluded feel but plan to mix in some off property exploration.
What You Actually Get: Food, Drinks and Daily Life
Food quality and variety are often the deciding factors when comparing Nosy Be’s all inclusive resorts. At VOI Andilana and VOI Amarina, buffet stations typically combine Italian influenced dishes, Malagasy staples and international favorites. Pasta, grilled fish, salads and tropical fruit appear at most meals, with theme nights such as Malagasy evenings featuring zebu skewers, coconut rice and local desserts. Royal Andilana and Royal Beach add a more contemporary plating style and greater emphasis on seafood and fusion dishes, sometimes with a choice of à la carte or specialty restaurants available at a supplement.
In terms of drinks, “unlimited” in Nosy Be usually applies to a set list of local beverages. Expect filtered water, soft drinks, draft beer, table wine and a handful of local spirits within the all inclusive price, poured by the glass. Cocktails made with local rum are commonly part of the package, while cappuccinos, bottled or canned drinks and international branded spirits are frequently charged extra. At VOI Amarina, for example, the central bar’s all inclusive offering runs roughly from breakfast until midnight, while a separate beach bar may have more limited hours and a reduced list. Similar patterns play out at the other resorts, so reading the current bar schedule at check in is a good idea.
Daily life in these properties tends to follow the sun. Guests might start with an early breakfast before joining a boat excursion or a dive outing, return for a late buffet lunch and then drift between pool and beach for the afternoon. Afternoon snack times and tea breaks are built into VOI’s schedules and many guests use them as light meals if they have had a big lunch. Evenings often feature live music, cultural dance shows or quizzes in the main bar area at VOI Andilana and Royal Beach, while Royal Andilana leans slightly more toward relaxed lounges and occasional performances than large scale animation.
For many travelers, the real value of all inclusive here is psychological. Knowing that a second helping at the dessert station or another round of sundowners will not appear as separate line items on departure relieves some budget anxiety. On the other hand, because imported spirits and some specialty coffees or à la carte restaurants are still charged separately, all inclusive in Nosy Be does not mean truly cashless. Keeping a small tab for those extras is standard, especially for guests who prefer gin and tonics or espressos made with non local beans.
Beaches, Pools, Kids’ Clubs and Honeymoon Appeal
Nosy Be’s west and north coasts deliver calm seas for much of the year, and beach quality is a strong point across the main resort zones. Andilana’s bay stands out for its combination of wide sand, gentle slope into the water and relatively undeveloped headlands, offering long walks at low tide and photogenic sunsets. VOI Andilana takes advantage of this with two separate beach fronts that give families and couples room to spread out. Royal Andilana uses elevated decks and infinity pools to frame the same views, which many honeymooners appreciate for their “over the ocean” feeling without leaving the main island.
Farther south, Royal Beach’s stretch of Madirokely bay is narrower, with more local activity and fishing boats offshore, but it benefits from being a short stroll to Ambatoloaka’s small cafes and bars. It feels less secluded and more lived in, which some couples enjoy if they want to mix resort time with a bit of local nightlife. Palm Beach and VOI Amarina, in contrast, offer quieter sands and fewer vendors, ideal for families with younger children or couples seeking peaceful walks straight from their room.
Pool facilities are a major part of the appeal. VOI Andilana features a large central pool with adjacent shallow areas and often separate kids’ pools, plus plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. Royal Beach and Palm Beach each offer lagoon style pools that run near the main buildings, with some rooms having direct pool access or close proximity that appeals to families who spend much of the day in and out of the water. Royal Andilana stakes more of its identity on multiple designer pools with sea views, sometimes layered at different heights, which adds to its upscale feel for honeymooners and child free couples.
Families will find the most structured children’s clubs and activities at VOI Andilana, VOI Amarina and Royal Beach. These properties commonly run mini clubs for younger guests, with supervised games, crafts and early evening mini discos during peak seasons. That can be a deciding factor for parents hoping to carve out a quiet hour at the spa or adult pool. For honeymooners or couples celebrating anniversaries, Royal Andilana, Palm Beach and some room categories at Royal Beach tend to offer more privacy, including romantic turndown services, beachfront couples’ massages and optional private dinners on the sand at extra cost.
Snorkeling, Excursions and the “Away From Resort” Question
While the sea off Nosy Be’s main beaches is warm and inviting, the best snorkeling is found on the surrounding islets rather than directly in front of the big resorts. House reefs close to Andilana and Madirokely exist but are generally modest; serious snorkelers usually book full or half day boat trips to spots like Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia or Nosy Iranja where coral and fish life are richer. These excursions are almost always operated by independent companies or small local skippers, and even when the resort organizes them, they are billed as optional extras rather than part of the all inclusive package.
A common pattern for active travelers is to plan two or three full days of boat trips during a week long stay, mixing in whale shark outings in season, turtle snorkeling, visits to lemur rich Nosy Komba and mangrove or forest excursions on the mainland. Individual day trips can vary in price but often include a simple grilled fish lunch on the beach and soft drinks. That has an impact on how much you will actually use your buffet privileges back at the hotel, especially at lunchtime.
If your main goal is to be out on the water as much as possible, you might question whether an all inclusive plan makes financial sense. The answer depends on your habits. Guests who return to the resort for sunset, enjoy hearty dinners, drink a few beers or rum based cocktails each evening and take advantage of breakfasts and late night snacks often still feel they get good value, even if they miss lunch at the pool a few times. On the other hand, budget conscious divers who plan early starts, light breakfasts and simple meals on the boat may do better with half board or breakfast only, then pay as they go for drinks.
One advantage of all inclusive in Nosy Be, even for excursion heavy itineraries, is predictability. The island’s restaurant scene outside the main tourist villages is fairly limited, and costs for imported drinks can climb quickly. Knowing that most of your food and basic beverages are pre paid at a resort with kitchens used to handling Western dietary preferences can simplify logistics, especially if you are traveling with children or have allergies. Just go into it with realistic expectations: all inclusive here is about on site convenience and not a blanket pass for everything you do around the archipelago.
Is All Inclusive Worth It if You Plan Frequent Boat Trips?
For travelers weighing whether to book all inclusive or a lighter meal plan, it helps to sketch your typical day on paper before committing. Imagine a couple staying at Royal Beach who plan three full day snorkel trips and one afternoon excursion across a seven night stay. They will miss at least three buffet lunches and perhaps arrive back late for one dinner. If their room rate difference between half board and all inclusive works out to the equivalent of several drinks and a lunch per person per day, the numbers might still add up if they enjoy sundowners, poolside beverages and snack times most afternoons.
Now consider a small group of divers at VOI Andilana who have booked a package with a local dive center that includes simple lunches and water on board each day, plus early starts that leave little time for big breakfasts. In that scenario, a half board or even breakfast only plan might provide more flexibility. They could eat a light breakfast, snack on the boat and then choose between the hotel buffet or a local restaurant near the dive center for dinner, paying for drinks as they go. Because imported alcohol carries a noticeable premium in Madagascar, they may still want to budget for a few pricier drinks at sunset if craft spirits are important to them.
If you expect to spend two or fewer days on all day excursions in a week, all inclusive at properties like VOI Andilana, VOI Amarina, Palm Beach or Royal Beach will usually feel worthwhile in comfort and convenience terms. For four or more full days away, consider either negotiating a package that includes some lunches on the boats or choosing a resort and board basis that lets you avoid paying twice for meals you will not use. Couples on honeymoon at Royal Andilana, for example, sometimes opt for half board and focus their budget on spa treatments, private dinners and premium excursions instead of inclusive daytime drinks.
Finally, remember that many boat operators will collect you directly from your resort beach or a nearby jetty, so being based at a slightly more remote all inclusive does not necessarily mean you will lose excursion options. It does, however, mean that spontaneous dinners at independent restaurants are rarer, so all inclusive in these cases becomes as much an insurance policy for predictable dining as it is a cost saving measure.
The Takeaway
Nosy Be’s all inclusive scene is compact but varied, anchored by VOI Andilana and Royal Andilana on the island’s most photogenic bay and complemented by VOI Amarina, Palm Beach and Royal Beach along the more central west coast. All of these properties deliver the essential ingredients of a beach holiday in Madagascar: warm, swimmable seas, long hours of sunlight, plentiful seafood and a choice of pools and sunbeds that make it easy to do very little at all. What differs is the balance between high energy family club atmosphere and quieter, design led environments, plus proximity to nightlife and excursion hubs.
If you are traveling with children or prefer to have structured entertainment on site, VOI Andilana, VOI Amarina and Royal Beach stand out for their animation teams and kids’ clubs. Couples and honeymooners may gravitate toward Royal Andilana or select room types at Palm Beach and Royal Beach that offer more privacy and direct sea or pool views. Snorkelers and divers should plan on allocating part of their budget to off property boat trips, as the best marine life lies beyond the main beaches, regardless of which resort you choose.
When deciding whether all inclusive is worthwhile, think less in terms of a strict financial calculation and more about the rhythm of your days. Nosy Be rewards slow mornings, unhurried sunsets and lingering dinners by the water. If that sounds like your ideal trip, an all inclusive plan at one of the established beachfront resorts can free you from daily decisions about where to eat and what a cocktail might cost. For travelers who expect to be out exploring almost every day, a more flexible board basis could leave room to enjoy both resort comforts and the island’s small but growing independent food scene.
Whichever you choose, Nosy Be remains one of the few places in Madagascar where you can combine big resort convenience with Indian Ocean island character. The better you match the resort and meal plan to your travel style, the more likely you are to return home remembering turtle filled lagoons, vanilla scented breezes and the satisfaction of having found your own pace on the Perfume Island, rather than the details of your final bar tab.
FAQ
Q1. Which Nosy Be all inclusive resort is best for families with young children?
VOI Andilana Beach is often the strongest choice for families thanks to its spacious grounds, dedicated kids’ pools, structured mini club and active daytime and evening entertainment. Royal Beach and VOI Amarina also offer family friendly facilities, but VOI Andilana’s scale and programming tend to suit younger children particularly well.
Q2. Which resort is most suitable for a honeymoon or romantic getaway?
Royal Andilana Resort & Spa is a top pick for honeymooners because of its modern design, multiple infinity pools, spa focus and calmer atmosphere compared with large family resorts. Certain room categories at Palm Beach and Royal Beach, especially those with sea views or close to quieter pool areas, can also work well for couples seeking a balance between romance and access to local nightlife.
Q3. Do Nosy Be all inclusive packages usually include excursions and boat trips?
Generally no. In Nosy Be, all inclusive covers on site services such as meals, local drinks, pools and organized activities inside the resort. Boat trips to islands like Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely or Nosy Iranja, as well as diving, whale watching and wildlife excursions, are usually booked and paid for separately through independent operators or the resort’s excursion desk.
Q4. Is the snorkeling good directly from the beaches at these resorts?
Snorkeling directly off the main resort beaches at Andilana, Madirokely and the central west coast is pleasant for casual swimming but not outstanding for coral or fish diversity. The best snorkeling is typically reached by boat at marine areas around smaller islands, so serious snorkelers should budget for organized day trips rather than relying on house reefs in front of the hotels.
Q5. How far are the main all inclusive resorts from Nosy Be airport?
Driving time from Nosy Be’s Fascene Airport to the main resorts usually ranges from about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. Royal Beach and Palm Beach near Ambatoloaka are on the shorter end of that range, while VOI Andilana, Royal Andilana and VOI Amarina toward the northern and northwest coasts can take closer to an hour by private transfer or hotel shuttle.
Q6. Are vegetarian or special diets easy to manage at these all inclusive resorts?
Most large resorts in Nosy Be, including VOI Andilana, VOI Amarina, Royal Andilana and Royal Beach, can accommodate vegetarian and some special diets with advance notice. Buffets typically feature salads, rice, pasta, vegetable dishes and fresh fruit, though strictly vegan, gluten free or allergy sensitive travelers should communicate their needs when booking to ensure the kitchen can prepare appropriate options.
Q7. Is it safe to drink tap water at the resorts?
Tap water in Nosy Be is generally not recommended for drinking, even at upscale resorts. Hotels usually provide filtered or bottled water at meals and bars, and guests are advised to use bottled water for drinking and often for brushing teeth. All inclusive plans typically include drinking water by the glass, but buying sealed bottles for excursions and day trips remains a good habit.
Q8. Can I easily leave the resort to eat at local restaurants or explore nightlife?
Resorts near Ambatoloaka, such as Royal Beach and to a lesser extent Palm Beach, make it easy to walk or take a short taxi ride to local restaurants, cafes and small bars. Properties at Andilana and more remote stretches of coast are less convenient for spontaneous evenings out, so guests there usually rely on resort dining and organized transport if they want to visit town.
Q9. What is the best time of year to visit Nosy Be for calm seas and clear water?
Conditions vary slightly year to year, but many travelers aim for the cooler, drier months when seas are often calmer and visibility is good, typically from around May to November. The wettest and most humid period usually falls in the first months of the year, when heavy showers can affect some excursions but the landscape is very green.
Q10. Do I need cash at an all inclusive resort, or can I rely on cards?
Most major resorts in Nosy Be accept international credit cards for on site extras and final bills, but carrying some local currency or small denomination euros is still useful. You may need cash for tipping, small purchases from local vendors on the beach, and some independent excursion operators who either do not take cards or charge a surcharge for card payments.