Malagasy island magic

If staying on a secluded tropical island is your thing, head to tiny Tsarabanjina, which was made famous by Joanna Lumley when she was marooned there for 9 days and resorted to making a pair of shoes out of her bra. Fortunately you can now experience this little slice of paradise in the comfort of the recently built Tsarabanjina Lodge, where footwear will be the least of your worries…

Alternatively, a short flight from Antananarivo, the laid back island of Il Sainte Marie off the east coast has shed its gritty pirate past and is now a friendly place where you’ll find sandy beaches lined with coconut palms, wonderful coral reefs and small, intimate hotels. The channel between the island and the mainland is a hot spot for whale watching as large groups of humpbacks make their way from the Antarctic to breed in warmer climes between June and September.

Moving further south, the new Eco Lodge near Fort Dauphin is perfect if you’re looking to add a little something extra to your idyllic beach flop. Explore the mangroves in a kayak, take trips to see the humpback whales and marvel at the multitude of lemurs in the nearby rainforest reserve. Or head to the small village of Salary for excellent diving and snorkeling and fabulous beaches.