Customer Reviews

"What can I say....Madagascar is amazing, our holiday was awesome, really an experience of a lifetime! From the time we arrived, all the arrangements and transfers happened so smoothly - we never had to stress about getting to airports or finding places...it was all organised. Well, except for Air Madagascar who are really relaxed about little things like departure times! One recommendation though is that you get visas in SA - it's about a third of the price, and means no long, long queue at Tana airport. Chanty beach was lovely - Christian and Chantal are very nice, and Chantal produces the most heavenly suppers if you stay in for the evening. We did lots of snorkelling straight from the beach, which was literally 30 feet from our room. Bonuses were a bar fridge and aircon, to help us adapt to the very warm and humid climate....a lot of delicious ice-cold beer was consumed lying on the deck chairs and watching the boats go by! We also did a couple of wonderful day trips, organised by Dini and Eric, who we met on the beach. Yes, I know, that's not the way one should do it, but the outings were all perfect, including the most awesome seafood lunches on the beach, and cuddly lemurs and and and... From Chanty Beach, it was straight across the channel to Sakatia Lodge, which was even more spectacular. The Viera family are all such warm, friendly people, and everyone else there is just as welcoming. More amazing food, an introduction to the evils of rum cocktails that all involve lots of ice, lime, sugar and are deliciously lethal, incredible snorkelling and best of all, lots of diving with Jacques. We swam and dived with dolphins, turtles, sharks, rays, huge parrotfish, millions of little cartoon fish - I spent ages playing 'nemo' with big schools of fish, and getting into the middle so that I could swim around with them! The nature bungalow that we stayed in was absolutely charming...and nothing ever has to be locked - we slept with doors and windows wide open to the breeze and only a cloth hanging for privacy..... The only bit of the holiday that was slightly disappointing was the Country View B&B. Nothing wrong with it (other than having to share a bathroom down the hallway with strangers...), but just not anything close to the quality of everything else, and I gather from other people that there are far nicer, closer places for the same price range. Thank you Stephnie, you really gave us a holiday to remember!"

Jacky W., May 2008 · Chanty Beach Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Gorgeous Hotel, highly recomended, sone people say the beach is not great, It is actually fine, and you can get the piroque over to Sakatia for free everyday, where Vanilla Hotel has a beautiful beach and Kayaks that you can use to paddle around Sakatia and find your own private beach and go Snorkelling. Vanilla Hotel is very French, the menus are only in French and not much english is spoken. We were confused about a couple of things, like the buffet is just for starters and then they have set menus where you can choose a main and desert, the first night we had no idea as they didint mention this until after we had eaten from the buffet (they were probably wondering why we were eating so much and how we were going to still eat mains and desert!!!) The other thing is that the piroque to Sakatia, we had heard of, and asked at reception about it but they did not know!!!, which we thought strange, by the time we figured out how it works and where you wait, it was our last day at the hotel. All in all we a great time, loved the pools and entertainment they arranged for a couple of the evenings. One thing, I would like to mention is that the Rum Distelerry on Nosy be is closed and has been for a few years,a lot of websites still mention it as part of day trips."

Kerry V., May 2008 · Vanila Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We had a fantastic time, loved the country and island and the resort,The service was excellent and I would highly recommend to anyone to book a holiday to Madagascar with Exotic vacations. The culture is fascinating and the countrly has an amazing energy. There is very little english spoken, but this was not too much of a problem,it added to the fun, and we were in fits of laughter each time we asked for something and were left wondering what they were about to bring us. Most times it was correct. We had one small problem, our flight out of Nosy be was meant to be at 18:30 and was changed to 16:30,the staff had to find us at the pool at 14:00 to tell us we had to leave right away and we werent packed, so had to rush around packing. Because the Flight came in at Tana 2 hours early our transfer to Country View was not there, so we had to get a Taxi there. All in all thought, we has the most amazing time and are goint to try go back next year to Saint Marie. Thanks Exotic Vactions for an awesome holiday."

Kerry V., May 2008 · Nose Be Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Firstly, to summarise, it was an excellent holiday, Malawi is a gorgeous country, which we both fell in love with. The resort is beautiful, the hotel accommodation clean and attractive, the staff very friendly. Food is well cooked, and service excellent. The manager, Nicholas, is very effective and reassuring. We had a great time and would return again."

Colin T., May 2008 · Club Makokola

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Hi Salome, we had a fantastic time - thank you! We will most certainly not hesitate to book through you when we next book our holiday! Thanks, JENNY"

Jennifer B., May 2008 · Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Salome Baie dankie vir jou al jou reelings. Ek moet se dit was baie goed georganiseerd en alles het klopdisselboom geloop. Ons het ongelukkig net met die vertrekslag 'n 4 ure vertraging gehad en het bitter baie laat in die oggend ure by die hotel aangekom. Nieteenstaande is Karafuu 'n pragtige plek met wonderlike mense en ons het elke oomblik terdee geniet. Die dag toer na die sandbank toe (veral omdat dit op my verjaardag was) was ekstra spesiaal en sal seker by ons bo aan die top lys bly. Eerste foto is van my en my man (sodat jy darem weet hoe mooi die mense is met wie jy gepraat het.. Ha ha) en sommer net 'n paar prag fotos wat ons geneem het om te se baie dankie vir al die reelings, dit was deur en deur die geld werd."

Ronel P., April 2008 · Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We had a fantastic time at Karafuu Resort and Hotel. Wonderful, friendly people. Weather was perfect and the place is more than beautiful. It was everything I dreamed it would be and even more. Matt and Ronel P."

Ronel P., April 2008 · Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Tx it was excellent!!!"

Willie N., April 2008 · Ocean Paradise Resort

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Hi Salome, Yes, what a wonderful holiday, though it did go very quickly. The hotel was perfect and the staff very friendly. Unfortunately it was the rainy season and we did have lots of rain. The only problem with the hotel was that they did not accommodate for different board games, activities, for these rainy days. Otherwise, very nice, no complaints. I would like to thank you for your excellent service in assisting me to book my honeymoon vacation in Zanzibar. Your efficient and speedy replies to my emails helped confirm my booking. Thank you. Regards, Chris M."

Chris M., April 2008 · Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"I just wanted to send a quick e-mail to thank you so much for all your help with our recent holiday to the Dinarobin. I was so impressed with the efficiency and service that your company offered. Also to let you know that we had the most wonderful holiday in Mauritius. Our experience at the Dinarobin can only be described as exceptional in every way. Thank you once again."

Paul R., April 2008 · Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Dear Stephanie We are back safe and sound!! had a wonderful holiday, your arrangements to and from the airport to the hotels all went smoothly, the people who fetched us were all very kind and helpful, top 5/5 for yout company!! The Palissandre hotel was very comfortable, clean and the dinners were fantastic I give it 4/5. The only comment I have to make is, that paying by VISA when we left for Nosy Be was not possible for no good reason what so ever, fortunately we had some Euros on us but that could be a problem with other guests. Outside the hotel there is a notice with Mastercard and Visa card excepted, that means the card should be excepted. On our return rhe Visa card was excepted.....( if it cannot be done electronicly than it should be done manually without extra charges!!) Nosy Be hotel was very beautiful and cosy, tastefully furnished with clean towels every day. What a blessing we had air conditioning as it was very hot and humid. We changed our room for an upstairs room without any problem, which gave us more privacy. The staff was very friendly and helpful too. The halfboard dinners were excellent with fresh seafood every day.The chocolate mousse was fantastic...We made some trips to the islands, saw the lemurs, swam in the ocean and did all the things holidaymakers do!! The setting of the hotel is pictureresque. The only comment I have to make is that some of the taxis that the hotel orders for the guests are very old, dirty, the windows cannot close,, windscreen whipers don't work, we had some motor oil stains on our clothes and the taxi chauffeur was smelling of sweat it is just not on. The taxis are a danger on the road and for the guests as well. There are enough good taxis around, it just needs attention. Nosy Be hotel we give 5/5 if they get the taxi ordering correct!!! but the first taxi we drove in 0/5. I hope this information will be of use to you, we will be back to Madagascar, it is a magical island with lots of potencials, natural charm. The people are very gentle and you feel completely safe amongst them. Stephanie, I thank you for all the effort you have done to make this such a memorable trip 5/5 for YOU !! We will use the company again in the future. With kind regards Tania v.N."

Tatiana N., April 2008 · Nose Be Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Thanks Stephnie, My stay at the Le Petite Traversee was fantastic. Ockie is wonderful host and so passionate about Madagascar and his little piece of it. From fresh seafood every night to swims, snorkelling and long beach walks everything came together to provide an excellent relaxing getaway in place yet untouched by tourism bug – I mean what other Indian Ocean island will sell you a beer for ZAR 11?!. I wish Ockie and all his staff the very best as they rebuild their lovely bit of paradise. Cheers Jean"

Jean V., April 2008 · La Petite Traversee

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"The hotel is fantastic and the staff are amazing. They were extremely friendly and well trained. The only person we found unhelpful was the owner of the Dive Centre but apparently this is privately owned. We normally stay in smaller hotels in Zanzibar so the prices of the "extras" - food, drink, trips etc. came as a bit of a shock. Unfortunately, there are no other restaurants or pubs in the vicinity so choices were limited. The other "unexpected" was that the hotel charges in shillings but as we had only exchanged a small amount of our budget into local currency, our final account was calculated in dollars at a very unfavourable exchange rate - much lower than we were offered at the airport (1239 Tsh to the dollar at the airport, 1050 at the hotel). Paying by credit card would have been even worse - 1000 Tsh to the dollar. This is the one thing that people should be aware of. The reception does have a sign explaining this but once you have reached the resort, access to foreign exchange is extremely difficult."

Debbie S., April 2008 · Ocean Paradise Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Good afternoon Well to say that we had a wonderful holiday would be an understatement. Thanks to a really on the ball travel consultant – Salome all the arrangements were made and we merely had to arrive. The delayed flights and transfer in Tanzania were an African holiday regularity. The staff at the hotel were very kind and attentive. For a couple of days we had the entire resort to ourselves – and we were treated like Royalty!!!! I would like to especially mention Mary at reception who went out of her way to arrange day-tours and sailing trips but more importantly got us to a very rustic and authentic Catholic church – take into consideration this is a Muslim country . . . . . . .well done Mary. This is a resort that I would most certainly recommend and as for Exotic Vacations – wow wow wow. Thanks all and we will certainly be using you again. Thanks Anncois"

Anncois C., April 2008 · Amaan Kendwa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hallo dear crew of Exotic Vacations! Thank you for the perfect handling of our trip! Everything worked out smoothly and we came home enriched by most beautiful memories and very relaxed. Very special thanks to Salome!! Please forward any upcoming offer that is in the same category as Makuzi Beach - romantic, secluded, quiet and not overly fancy with friendly and efficient service and excellent food! My husband and I are no fans of big hotels and noisy crowds, so this trip was just what we were looking for! Unfortunately I have to leave for Namibia for a month working, so I do not have any time at the moment to submit any of our fotos! Have a lovely day! Kind regards Elke"

Elke T., April 2008 · Makuzi Beach

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Wow, what a great experience. Exotic Vacations went as a team to Danforth Yachting club and had the most amazing time. Malawi is a beautiful, true "African" country but with a huge lake, stunning views of little islands on the lake, and water so crystal clear, it is just unbelievable. At Danforth the service was excellent. The entire staff helped to contribute to a relaxing but fun-filled holiday.Everyone gained a few pounds from all the delicious meals we've been served by Danforth's chefs. Some of us enjoyed lying next to the pool, just relaxing while others went snorkelling, waterskiing, "tubing", sailing and shopping in the local village close by. Howard and Michelle took all of us on an awesome sunset yacht cruise where we even saw wild eagles being fed! Malawi was a great, memorable experience, and definitely highly recommendable to anyone."

EV client, March 2008 · Danforth Yachting

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Dear Salome, I would like to thank you very much for making our trip possible despite such a short notice, you have really done your company proud and your service should be the benchmark of the industry, really it is outstanding! We enjoyed it very much and surely next time we travel we will come to you. Again, thank you for making our trip memorable! Best Regards, Wilson S."

Wilson S., March 2008 · Ocean Paradise Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"It was absolutely wonderful. The words I know do very little to convey the enjoyment, fun and relaxation that we experienced while at Nosy Iranje. The staff, with few exceptions, are fantastic and nothing is too much or even a hassle. If we could have we would have stayed and let you come and take us off the island."

Joanne T., March 2008 · Nosy Iranja Lodge

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Our vacation was great and Mauritius certainly deserves a second visit. It wa a short 5 day break but yet we did quite a lot of activities and had plenty of rest. Service was excellent and we would definitely use Exotic Vacations on our next trip."

Ebrahim S., March 2008 · Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Superb! - Everything from start to end was perfect. Logistically nothing requires improvement as we simply had an amazing time and will most certainly make use of your services again. Thank You soooo much!"

Reinhardt H., March 2008 · Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We had a great time."

Joanne G., March 2008 · Arabian Nights

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We had a wonderful time at Mtoni Marine although not as the same standard as Ocean Paradise. We enjoyed the Sports Bar restaurant particularly. Exotic Vacations and in particular Salome d.T. provide excellent service and all arrangements including transfers etc worked out perfectly."

Pieter B., March 2008 · Mtoni Marine

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We had a wonderful time at Ocean Paradise Resort. The service from Exotic Vacations and more specifically Salome d.T. was excellent and all arrangements worked out perfectly."

Pieter B., March 2008 · Ocean Paradise Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We had a great time taking into consideration that we arrived shortly after the worst cyclone to hit that part of the islan in more than 50 years! Okkie Snyman did what he could under the circumstances. The snorkelling was good. Thank-you."

Eardley R., March 2008 · Country View Guest House

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5)