ABOUT US - A FAMILY JOURNEY
Mahafaly Hotel & Resort is more than just a place to stay — it’s a story of love, family, and resilience.
Founded in 2023 by Nathalie Rak and Diego Matos, Mahafaly was born from a dream that began years earlier, when two people from opposite sides of the world crossed paths in London. Nathalie, from Madagascar, and Diego, from Brazil, were both studying hospitality and business when they met — and from that moment on, their lives began to intertwine.
After moving to Dubai, they built their careers in hospitality and business, while quietly nurturing a shared dream: to one day return to Madagascar and build something meaningful — a place that would reflect their values, their cultures, and their love for creating unforgettable guest experiences and to make a difference in the Malagasy community.
What followed was a five-year journey, built brick by brick, month by month, using their salaries from Dubai to slowly fund the construction of the hotel. But they didn’t do it alone. It was a true family effort, with Nathalie’s parents, taking on the role of project managers, guiding every phase of construction with determination, love, and faith.
Every wall, every room, every corner of Mahafaly carries a story — of sacrifice, unity, and shared purpose. Two families, two continents, one dream.
Today, Mahafaly Hotel & Resort stands as a celebration of cultural connection, family legacy, and the belief that anything is possible with love, patience, and perseverance.
MEET NATHELIE RAK - FOUNDER & CEO
Nathalie Rak is a seasoned professional with a degree in Hospitality Management from London and over a decade of experience in the industry. Having spent the last 10 years in Dubai, she has led diverse teams and managed high-performing operations in some of the region’s most dynamic service environments.
But Nathalie's path to leadership is rooted in a story of strength, sacrifice, and resilience.
Born and raised in Madagascar, Nathalie comes from humble beginnings. At just 13 years old, her parents made the brave and forward-thinking decision to send her to London to live with her aunt — believing deeply in giving her a chance at a better life. Arriving with no English and unfamiliar surroundings, Nathalie had to adapt quickly. By 16 years of age, she was living independently and navigating the bustling streets of Hackney, East London, taking on various part-time jobs to support herself while continuing her education. She learned not only the language, but the values of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief — qualities that continue to define her leadership style today.
Now as the CEO of Mahafaly Hotel in Madagascar, Nathalie channels that same passion and determination into every aspect of the guest experience. Known for her exceptional problem-solving skills and a natural ability to make people feel welcome and valued, she leads with heart, empathy, and a hands-on approach that sets the tone for the entire Mahafaly journey.
Mahafaly is more than a hotel — it’s a reflection of Nathalie’s story, and her belief that no matter where you come from, with love, courage, and commitment, you can build something extraordinary.
Diego Matos is a 35-year-old business professional originally from Salvador, Brazil, with a background in Business Studies from London, England. Over the past 10 years, he has built a solid career in Dubai, where he developed deep expertise in Operations Management across multiple industries.
But Diego's journey began far from boardrooms and business schools. Raised in the favelas of Salvador by a single mother, Diego’s early life was marked by hardship. Access to basic necessities like food, electricity, and clean water was a daily challenge. At just 12 years old, he began working as a waiter in a beach bar, doing whatever it took to support himself and learn the value of hard work.
His mother, Maria, made the difficult decision to leave Brazil and move to London, where she worked tirelessly to provide a better future for her sons. After a year apart, she brought Diego to London — a turning point that would change his life.
Arriving in a new country without speaking a word of English, Diego was determined to adapt. By 16, he was working in retail, balancing jobs with his studies, and steadily building the foundation of the professional he would become.
Now, as CEO of Mahafaly Hotel & Resort in Madagascar, Diego brings every lesson from his journey into the heart of the business. His passion lies in crafting exceptional guest experiences that go far beyond comfort.
With a relentless commitment to service, attention to detail, and a deep respect for local culture, Diego ensures that every guest who walks through the doors of Mahafaly feels not just welcomed, but truly seen and cared for.
MEET DIEGO CERQUEIRA - FOUNDER & CEO
THE BUILDING YEARS
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The journey to bring Mahafaly Hotel & Resort to life was anything but easy. Managing a project of this scale from afar—while living and working full-time in Dubai—presented constant logistical and emotional challenges.
Every decision, every delay, every invoice had to be managed remotely, often late at night after long workdays. Financially, it was a balancing act. As construction costs rose, we often found ourselves digging deep into our personal savings just to keep progress moving.
The pandemic years were especially difficult—COVID forced us to halt construction more than once, and with no income coming in, there were moments we genuinely didn’t know how we would carry on. But with patience, sacrifice, faith and unwavering family support, we pushed forward—brick by brick, month by month—never letting go of the dream that Mahafaly would one day open its doors and welcome the world.
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OUR MISSION & VISION
Mission -
At Mahafaly Hotel & Resort, our mission is to "make happy" – embodying the essence of Mahafaly. We are committed to providing a warm and distinctive boutique hospitality experience in Antsirabe, Madagascar. Our focus is on creating cherished memories for every guest through luxury, innovation, and genuine care.
Vision -
Our vision is to be recognized as a premier destination in the hospitality industry, setting new standards in Madagascar. We aspire to transcend conventional accommodation by offering an immersive experience that resonates with all our guests. We seek to create immersive, unforgettable experiences that reflect the soul of Madagascar—its vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and stunning natural beauty. Every detail, from our architecture to our personalized service, is crafted to inspire and delight. We envision Mahafaly not just as a place to stay, but as a destination in itself—an iconic haven where luxury meets innovation, and where every guest feels genuinely valued, cared for, and connected.