Constance Tsarabanjina
Just off Madagascar's north coast, this ultra relaxed hideaway in the Mitsio Archipelago is the definition of a Robinson Crusoe island.
25 thatched bungalows with uninterrupted views of the ocean are spread along the north and south beaches under shady palms, and a hammock rests in the corner of the private verandas. Each bungalow has been built using locally sourced materials and tastefully decorated with Madagascan artefacts.
Enjoy deliciously fresh seafood at the mezzanine level restaurant and watch the sunset from bar, complete with a beach sand floor for the definitive barefoot luxury atmosphere. Activities on the island are plentiful and include tennis, snorkelling, diving, sailing, waterskiing and deep sea fishing, or you can really indulge yourself with a massage.
Why We Love It
You won't be roughing it on your own and fishing for your supper like Joanna Lumley was back in 1994 on this very islet. These days there is a fantastic team of staff and excellent chefs who will pamper your every need.
Tsara Komba Lodge
Located on the secluded island of Nosy Komba off the northwest coast among one of the world's richest ecosystems, Tsara Komba is the ultimate getaway.
Nestled amidst lush tropical rainforest and dotted with fine sandy beaches, the lodge overlooks a quiet bay where fishermen go about their daily activities. There are just eight comfortable lodges which have been stylishly designed using local materials and the high ceilinged thatched ensure they remain cool.
The 'Le TK' restaurant serves 100% organic fare, subtly blending island grown produce and fresh fish with exotic spices drawn from Madagascar's colourful heritage. There is also a surprisingly good selection of French and South African wine available given the island's remoteness and there is a small bar where you can unwind with one of their delicious cocktails.
There are lots of land and sea based activities to keep you occupied during your stay, from scuba diving and pirogue sailing classes to hiking and visits to cocoa plantations on the mainland.
Why We Love It
- There are no televisions, telephones or air conditioning in the rooms in order to minimise any impact on the environment and the hotel works hard to promote sustainable development.
Nature Lodge
Nature Lodge is the perfect place to stay for anyone wanting to explore the Amber Mountain National Park, or who loves a good view, because the panorama of lush hills and the Bay of Diego in the distance is something else.
There are 12 charming bungalows on raised platforms with thatched roofs, terraces and en suite bathrooms and surrounded by manicured gardens. A short wander away is the restaurant with another expansive terrace. Guests sit on rosewood crafted chairs and can enjoy good quality meals made form fresh local ingredients. The bar and lounge offer lovely views of the sun setting over the mountains.
Original Travel can arrange trips into the Amber Mountain National Park itself to explore waterfalls, lakes and - needless to say - woodland with lemur populations.
Why We Love It
The hotel has a lovely laidback atmosphere and children from the local village congregate outside the reception to say hello.
The Litchi Tree
A little corner of France in Joffreville, the Litchi Tree is a charming guesthouse near the entrance to Amber Mountain National Park.
There are just six charming bungalow rooms set in the beautiful gardens with en suite facilities and comfortable double beds.
The main building has a colonial era feel to it with a restaurant where the owner, Frenchman Hervé Dumel, brings a little Gallic flair to the kitchen in producing some of the finest food on the island, accompanied, as one would expect, by a decent selection of French wines.
Original Travel can arrange guided walking and birdwatching trips to the nearby Amber Mountain National Park.
Why We Love It
Very much a guesthouse rather than a hotel, owner Hervé and the charming staff make any stay a pleasure.
Miavana
This luxury lodge sits on a stretch of pristine beach on the remote island of Nosy Ankao.
Part of a privately owned five-island archipelago, Nosy Ankao lies off Madagascar's northern shores, a region of astonishing marine biodiversity. Set on the island's western side, Miavana offers panoramic views over the pristine white beaches and gin-clear waters.
A collection of one to three bedroom villas boast uninterrupted views of the ocean through floor to ceiling glass, and offer plenty of space with indoor lounging areas and a study, as well as an outdoor shower.
Indoor and outdoor dining areas and a well-stocked wine cellar can be found in Miavana's main lodge, along with a pool and bar.
Step from your private deck directly onto the beach, to spend afternoons strolling along the unspoilt sands, snorkelling in the shallows or diving the aquamarine bays, lagoons and exceptional reef encircling the archipelago, as part of the hotel's guided 'Blue Safari' excursions.
Deep-sea fishing, as well as turtle, whale and dolphin spotting are also on offer. Indulge yourself with a soothing in villa spa treatment after a long day out on the water, or venture further afield to catch glimpses of Madagascar's world-famous lemurs on intrepid forest rambles on neighbouring islands.
Why We Love It
Don't miss the main lodge's 'chamber of curiosities': a room brimming with the weird and wonderful items salvaged from around the island.