Le Grand Bleu

Le Grand Bleu is a charming, medium-sized hotel that perfectly balances comfort, tranquility, and family-friendly hospitality. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Dany, the charismatic French-Canadian host who immediately sets a warm and welcoming tone. 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 Nestled away from the busier parts of Nosy Be, Le Grand Bleu offers a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently close to the main road, making it easy to catch a TukTuk for exploring. The lush garden is beautifully maintained, and the swimming pool is large enough for a relaxing dip or a quick swim. Despite visiting during the rainy season, we were delighted that the rain only came at night—adding to the tropical ambiance without interrupting our plans. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 We stayed in a family bungalow, which was ideal for our family of four (with two daughters, aged 14 and 10). The bungalow offers plenty of privacy, with enough space between neighbors to feel at home. It featured two bedrooms: the main room with air conditioning and a mini fridge, and a secondary room with a single bed and a bunk bed. The setup was practical and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for families. 𝐀 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲-𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Le Grand Bleu fosters a welcoming atmosphere for families, and our children enjoyed meeting and playing with other young guests. The hotel also takes a strong stance against sex tourism—a commendable effort given the challenges faced in Nosy Be. We appreciated the absence of uncomfortable situations like older men with young women, which made our stay even more enjoyable as a family. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 The on-site restaurant was a highlight of our stay: • Breakfast: You can choose between a European-style breakfast or a traditional Malagasy rice soup with meat, which I highly recommend trying. • Lunch & Dinner: The menu is diverse, with daily specials that keep things fresh and exciting. While the pizza base was a bit too crispy for my taste, and the fried chicken/nuggets were slightly overcooked, overall, the meals were delightful. The staff’s attention to quality was evident—they even advised against ordering zebu when the day’s delivery didn’t meet their high standards. • Poutine: Being run by a French-Canadian, you will find this iconic meal from Québec. • Desserts: The homemade peanut ice cream deserves a special mention, being my personal favorite. 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 The hotel’s Christmas Eve celebration was a standout experience, featuring a special menu and a traditional Malagasy band. They also host similar events for New Year’s Eve. The price for the Christmas dinner was very reasonable, and the thoughtful organization made it a memorable evening. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 • Connectivity: WiFi is spotty, but 4G from both Orange and Telma works well. • Nearby Attractions: Andilana Beach, one of Nosy Be’s finest, is just minutes away by TukTuk. A private ride costs approximately 5,000 AR (about $1 USD). • Boat Outings: While excursions to nearby islands are pricier than what we’re used to as locals in Mauritius, they’re reasonably priced for European tourists and in line with Nosy Be’s standards (and also Mauritius standards). Discounts are available for multiple outings. 𝐀 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 One of our family members couldn’t attend the Christmas dinner due to nausea caused by preventive anti-malaria medication, and the hotel graciously didn’t charge for their absence—a kind and much-appreciated gesture. Additionally, when our daughter felt unwell during our stay, they swiftly arranged a driver to take her to the nearest clinic, ensuring she received prompt care. Their quick response and genuine concern were truly comforting. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 Le Grand Bleu offers an ideal combination of comfort, warmth, and thoughtful touches, making it perfect for families or anyone seeking a relaxing stay in Nosy Be. The attentive staff, delicious meals, and peaceful atmosphere left us with cherished memories. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this hotel and hope to return one day.