Set to open in March 2024, Voaara in Madagascar is a new barefoot luxury resort comprising tropical-style bungalows and villas as well as a community-led concept for the region.

Located on the island of Sainte-Marie off the northeast coast of Madagascar, Voaara is the brainchild of Philippe Kjellgren, founder of PK’s List and Kiwi Collection, who has made it his life’s work to become an expert in the world’s luxury hotels, staying in over 2,000 properties in 149 countries to date.

Now realising his dream, Kjellgren is taking inspiration from his travels to ensure every element of Voaara is thoughtfully and deliberately chosen to create a place of quality, innovation and authenticity.

Taking its name from two Malagasy words – ‘Voarara’, meaning forbidden or sacred; and ‘Voara’, meaning nature or fruit – Voaara illustrates a place of simple elegance and quiet luxury, not only inviting guests to visit, but also become part of a community, with a limited number of villas available to purchase.

Set to launch initially with just eight bungalows and one three-bedroom villa – a renovation of the existing resort – the development will eventually offer 45 keys in total through a phased launch. Kjellgren is working with South African-Chilean architect Luis F Mira to design spaces adorned with local materials and reclaimed wood, along with infinity pools.

With inspiration drawn from some of Kjellgren’s favourite hotels – including The Brando in French Polynesia, Six Senses in the Seychelles, and Laucala in Fiji, as well as Uxua Casa in Brazil and Parador La Huella in Uruguay – the property will also celebrate local produce across five dining outlets, two of which will open in March 2024. Plans are also afoot for a spa later in the year.

Voaara is a resort with a community at its heart too. Kjellgren wants to attract a creative and inspiring community of people by drawing in travellers seeking something different. The resort also plans to hire at least 80 percent local staff to not only support the surrounding community, but ensure local tradition, culture and warmth is celebrated throughout.

In line with this approach, Kjellgren and his wife place a large focus on giving back. They support nearby schools and causes with a portion of the profits from the hotel to ensure people can explore the island for years to come.

Having first fallen in love with Sainte-Marie during travels in mid-1990, Kjellgren attempted to buy a piece of land on the island’s beach in 2001 but was unable to. He later returned to find a casual beach resort near that exact spot. Striking a rapport with the owner, Kjellgren invited him to hear more about his proposal, which led to the purchase of 100 acres of oceanfront property surrounded by miles of beaches. That was the start of Voaara’s journey.