MAD FOR MADAGASCAR

HOME TO THE “AVENUE OF THE BAOBABS” and more wonderfully unique plants and animals from lemurs to sifakas, the east African island has until now, been bereft of ultra luxury – but not anymore. On the adorably named Nosy Ankao, one of five islands in a reef-enclosed archipelago on Madagascar’s northern swathes, Miavana (www.

timeandtide.com) has opened its doors as the isle’s first ultra-exclusive lodge, with just 14 one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas set on a remote beach – all designed by architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens (the design duo behind North Island in the Seychelles). Guests arrive by helicopter with soft adventure aplenty, from rainforest treks, lemur safaris, helicopter day trips or the so-called “blue safari”, which explores the archipelago’s bays, beaches, lagoons, and channels. Elsewhere on the exotic island, there’s more wildlife and nature immersion with two boutique properties – frequented by GCC royals, in fact – belonging to The Madagascar Classic Collection (www.madaclassic.com), with a particular focus on sustainability. Mandrare River Camp is a luxury tented camp set on the banks of the Mandrare River, where guests can explore two distinctive forests home to five species of lemur, countless birds and reptiles, and meet members of the Antandroy tribal communities. For families keen on a beach experience, Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge has four luxury bungalows and one two-bedroom family bungalow set on a long, private beach in the village of Sainte Luce – think humpback whales, mangroves, fishing and forest exploration.