Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotel

Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotel is a boutique property located in Ambatoloaka, Madagascar, offering a refined experience in a spacious Creole-style house. With just 12 rooms and suites, the hotel provides an intimate atmosphere, complemented by panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a heated swimming pool. The property is distinguished by its gastronomic restaurant, L'éveil des sens, and a wine cellar with over 1,050 references. Recent expansions have enhanced the dining and relaxation spaces, while a commitment to sustainability is reflected in its European Ecolabel certification. The hotel is affiliated with Relais et Châteaux and values local sourcing and organic products throughout its operations.

Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotel in Ambatoloaka, Madagascar appears in the EMPTYJET guide of 7,777 hotels and carries an EMPTYJET Consensus of 91/100. The property comprises 12 rooms, including 2 suites, and its restaurant, L'éveil des sens, is affiliated to Relais et Châteaux and featured on the 2020 list of 1,000 best restaurants with a score of 80.50. Chef Marc Chappot, awarded Chef of the Year by kaspro 2018, leads the kitchen. The house maintains an 11,000-bottle cellar with 1050 items for tasting and holds European Ecolabel certification by AFNOR in 2022; recent expansions added a new dining space and two new suites, funded under REACT-UE.

Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotel has recently undergone significant expansions, including the addition of a new dining space with a wine and cheese cellar, as well as terrace expansions. The façade has been updated through a process of 'créolisation', reflecting a deeper embrace of local architectural traditions. These enhancements were funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) as part of the EU’s REACT-UE response to COVID-19, underscoring the property’s resilience and commitment to continuous improvement.

The hotel is set within a spacious Creole-style house, a design choice that informs both its exterior and interior character. The recent 'créolisation de la façade' has further reinforced its local identity, blending traditional Creole elements with contemporary comfort. The interiors are designed to maximise the panoramic seaviews, with verandahs and terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean. The property’s intimate scale, with only twelve rooms and suites, ensures a sense of privacy and exclusivity throughout.

Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotel offers a total of twelve rooms and suites, each designed for comfort and privacy. There are ten Sea View Bedrooms, each measuring 35 m² including a terrace, and two expansive Creole Suites of 130 m² with terrace. The Sea View Bedrooms feature panoramic ocean views, terraces with chaise longues and marble tables, and en suite bathrooms with bathtubs and walk-in showers facing the Indian Ocean. Amenities include soundproofing, air conditioning, organic wellness products, hair dryers, separate toilets, direct dial telephones, free Wi-Fi, satellite mirror TVs, minibars, safes, and Nespresso machines. One bedroom is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity.

The two Creole Suites are located in the Pool & Spa Villa and offer private swimming spa pools (4.5m by 2.5m) with relaxation and counter-current swimming areas. These suites are also soundproofed and air-conditioned, with a full suite of amenities for a luxurious stay. The Romantic Suite, at 110 m², features a large outdoor terrace, a 10 m² spa, an island bath, a walk-in shower, a winter garden with an outdoor shower, and a private tropical garden. The suite’s private jacuzzi is heated to 35°C and offers whirlpool and swim-against-current functions. All suites and rooms are designed to provide a tranquil, exclusive experience with direct access to the property’s natural surroundings.

The hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, L'éveil des sens, is a centrepiece of the Blue Margouillat experience. Led by chef Marc Chappot, who trained in traditional French cuisine in Switzerland and Haute Savoie, the restaurant offers a mixed cuisine that values both local terroir and exceptional products from elsewhere. The menu is distinguished by the use of local island products and spices, with signature dishes such as the 'Freshness of red heart of palm, marinated tuna with foie gras curls, organic sweet and sour sugar cane and passion fruit bread crisps.' Chef Chappot’s culinary achievements include being named Chef of the Year by kaspro in 2018.

L'éveil des sens is affiliated with Relais et Châteaux and was included in the 2020 list of the 1,000 best restaurants in the world, with a score of 80.50. The restaurant’s wine cellar is a destination in itself, offering more than 1,050 references and housing 11,000 bottles. The selection includes renowned vineyards from France and abroad, with a focus on organic and environmentally friendly producers. The wine program is overseen by head sommelier Vanessa Bonadio, and the cellar includes a dedicated tasting space and a cheese cellar. The preservation and service of wines are managed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring optimal conditions for every bottle.

Wellness at Blue Margouillat is centred on privacy and natural surroundings. The property offers spa facilities including private jacuzzis in both the Suite Créole and Suite Romantique, with the swimming spa pools heated to 35°C. The spa setting is designed to be intimate and exclusive, set within a tropical garden and featuring outdoor showers. Guests can enjoy a glass of champagne at sunset in the jacuzzi, enhancing the sense of relaxation. Massage facilities are available, with organic wellness products provided for skin and body care in-room. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its European Ecolabel certification and its preference for local suppliers committed to organic farming or fair trade. Signature wellness treatments include a 90-minute combination of massage and foot reflexology.

Service at Blue Margouillat is characterised by accuracy and discretion, as articulated by co-owner and host Frédéric Kuhry, a hotelier’s son from Alsace. The property offers a comprehensive suite of guest services, including luggage storage, valet parking, concierge, laundry, safe deposit box, and sommeliers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The staff’s approach to hospitality is informed by a philosophy of attentive yet unobtrusive service, with the host sharing local tips to help guests discover the treasures of La Réunion.

Situated in Ambatoloaka, Madagascar, Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotel commands panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. The verandah and terraces are oriented to maximise these vistas, offering guests the spectacle of the ocean as far as the eye can see, dramatic sunsets, and the passage of whales during the austral winter. The property’s setting is further enhanced by a heated swimming pool maintained at 29°C throughout the year, providing a comfortable environment for relaxation in all seasons.

Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotel is well-suited to travellers seeking an intimate, gastronomically focused retreat with a strong sense of place. Its small scale, panoramic ocean views, and commitment to both culinary excellence and sustainability make it a compelling choice for those who value privacy, attentive service, and a connection to local culture. The property’s recent enhancements and its recognition by Relais et Châteaux and the European Ecolabel further reinforce its appeal for guests who appreciate thoughtful hospitality and environmental responsibility.

The hotel offers one wheelchair accessible bedroom, ensuring inclusivity for guests with mobility needs. The swimming pool is heated to 29°C year-round. The property is certified with the European Ecolabel, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Guests can expect organic wellness products in their rooms and a wine cellar with over 1,050 references, including many organic and environmentally certified wines.