Hotel Parthenay Club

Each Bungalow boasts a thatched roof, redwood shutters and double doors The bungalows are split over two floors, with an open plan bedroom/living area on the ground floor and the bathroom under the eaves of the thatched roof. Each Bungalow is individually decorated, but follows a rich colour palette of jewel tones, with feature wallpaper and rich dark wood furniture.

Each Bungalow has a private bathroom, comprising a bathtub or walk-in shower, two basin sinks and contemporary tiling. The Bungalows are available as twin or doubles, which can accommodate up to 2 guests or the Family Bungalows which can accommodate up to 6 guests.

Hotel Parthenay Club also houses a Junior and Senior Suite equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar and satellite television for those after more luxurious accommodation. With views over the beach and the Indian Ocean, the Suites are individually decorated, but make use of rich jewel-toned walls and soft furnishings which contrast the dark wood flooring and feature furnishings.

The Suites are furnished with four-poster double beds complete with mosquito nets, and a comfortable sitting area. The private bathrooms feature contemporary tiling and exposed brickwork, and a bathtub and walk-in shower. The suites can accommodate up to 2 guests and are ideal for couples.

The restaurant at Hotel Parthenay Club specialises in fresh seafood caught just off its very own doorstep. Skilled chefs create European-style seafood dishes with signature Malagasy flair. The ever-changing a la carte menu allows for peak freshness of ingredients and guests are invited to dine in the beachfront dining room, or al fresco on the veranda which offers stunning views over the Indian Ocean.

The hotel’s onsite bar provides guests with delightful sundowners and guests are invited to enjoy a rummy drink by the property’s saltwater swimming pool.

Navigating more than 100 tunnels and bridges, the narrow-gauge rail descent from Fianarantsoa to Manakara is as scenic as it is unsuited to timetable-focused travellers.

One of Madagascar’s most appealing public transport options, the FCE between Fianarantsoa and Manakara is an ageing but functional colonial relic. The 163km (102 miles) line navigates an incredible 48 tunnels and 65 bridges along its spectacular descent from the highlands to the coast while passing landscapes embrace rainforest, steep waterfalls, tea plantations and subsistence farmland. Trains also stop at 17 colonial-era railway stations whose platforms transform into impromptu markets for the occasion.

The most popular excursion in Manakara is a pirogue day trip along the Canal des Pangalanes, which was dug out by the French in the 1890s to circumvent the capricious Indian Ocean. Tours usually make a couple of stops on the way (eg cultural monuments, a village, an artisanal distillery) and include a sumptuous lunch on the beach. Half-day tours are also possible.

Boats and guides can be organised through most of the hotels but you’ll almost certainly be approached by would-be boat captains while you stroll around town. Most are reliable and all offer pretty much the same kind of tours.