There are few places on earth so beautiful they feel sacred. Everything is rare, remarkable, pristine. It’s a wonderland of serenity, and a blissful topical Eden of deserted beaches and lush forest. This is Miavana by Time and Tide – a remote and exquisite place that epitomises relaxed luxury and pure escape.
On a private island off the coast of northern Madagascar, Miavana is in a 15 000 hectare marine reserve where turtles, dolphins and manta rays swim. So snorkelling is surreal in these warm waters and you’ll be surrounded by clouds of colourful tropical fish. There’s game fishing too – catch and release – for giant trevally, mahi mahi and dogtooth tuna. Or you could paddle board, kayak, kiteboard or simply swim in the turquoise shallows.
Just 14 lavishly spacious villas dot the shoreline and enjoy cocooned privacy from the world. There are one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations, all designed by the renowned dynamic duo of Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. Doors open up completely to welcome the island inside, and maybe a tropical breeze. All villas have plunge pools too, though the Indian Ocean is just beyond your deck and beach garden.
As the design connects you to the earth, so does the décor. It’s a subtle reflection of the surrounds in aqua and sand colours. The natural refinement of this property will enchant you with its unsurpassed service and attention to detail, warm hospitality and magnificently curated local and global cuisine served in the piazza, restaurant, lounge and bar. Most ingredients are locally sourced, sustainable and everything is always super fresh. Lunches are often fire cooked and there’s enticing variety too.
In the pioneering spirit of Miavana and Madagascar, take a helicopter flip for a Robinson Crusoe picnic, or trek to see golden crowned lemurs in the island forest. Maybe, simply enjoy a spa treatment in the location of your choice, because the whole beautiful island is your spa. Later, visit the quirky Cabinet de Curiosities housing rare treasures from an elephant bird egg to ancient tribal costumes, a vast butterfly collection and rare fossils. It will transport you to a different world. That is the unusual and enchanting essence of magical Madagascar, where rare and extraordinary is the ordinary. So expect the unexpected, but be warned that Madagascar will keep calling you back to enjoy her charms.
What we love!
- the exquisite cut stone, turreted shower open to the sky in the main bedroom.
- that it’s family owned
- being off the beaten track in such luxury
- unique and rare wildlife
- immersive experiences that make lasting memories
- the wave steps into the main infinity pool
- that it’s plastic free and eco friendly
- great support of community education and healthcare
What you need to know…
- family friendly and loved by honeymooners and couples too
- there’s a bespoke children’s activity programme tailored to each child’s interests
- the island has two distinct seasons: Summer from November to May is hot and ideal for diving, fishing, snorkelling, seeing turtles and lemurs. Winter from June to October is cooler and trade winds blow, making it ideal for kite surfing, seeing whales, manta rays, nesting terns and lemurs.
Getting there:
Airlink flies to Antananarivo and Nosy Be – Private jets fly to Diego Suarez. Transfer to Miavana is by helicopter.