The Domaine de Fontenay is a fabulous property, it is located in the far north of Madagascar near the village of Joffreville on the slopes of Amber Mountain National Park in rich tropical forest surroundings; it was once formerly the colonial residence of the De Fontenay family,
The Domaine de Fontenay has now been lovingly converted into a hotel with eight rooms in what were formerly the stable blocks and a suite in the main house. Each room is very spacious with lots of wooden features and soft furnishings; the bedroom area has mosquito netting and a radio with a selection of CD's in the room. The hotel's décor reflects its history: the honeymoon suite's marble bath was salvaged from the captain's quarters of a 19th century French corvette, the restaurant's stone fireplace bears the official stamp of French architect Gustave Eiffel, and there’s a French billiards room.
The restaurant and bar are located in the main house, the dinning room has a colonial feel with white linen and crystal glasses set in front of an impressive stone fireplace, meals are delicious.
Next to the gardens is the Fontenay reserve, a 740 acre private reserve with rich flora and fauna, and several small waterfalls. It is home to some 45 recorded species of birds, boa constrictors, a giant tortoise called Galileo, colonies of Sandford’s Brown lemur and numerous other endemic species. Guided walks into the reserve by day or night give guests the chance to explore this area and the properties guides have an intimate knowledge of the reserve so finding particular species is easy. The Domaine de Fontenay also has a powerful telescope for star gazing, and this is an ideal location given both its height above sea level and the low light pollution. The property is a great place to relax, unwind and explore in colonial style comfort. The rainforest of Montagne d'Ambre is on the doorstep, whilst Ankarana Special Reserve, the Red Tsingy, Montange des Français and The Three Bays are all just a day trip from this idyllic base.