Hotel Snapshot
On Madagascar’s remote northeastern coast is Nosy Ankao, where you’ll find Miavana by Time + Tide. It’s remote and wildly exclusive, with just a sprinkling of sprawling villas set amongst wind-whipped palms and indigenous Ficus trees. Here, privacy reigns supreme for the handful of guests on the island at any one time, as do the on-tap ocean adventures, in-villa wellness journeys and highly personalized and discreet service, thanks to the two round-the-clock butlers who cater to every whim. It’s little wonder that celebrities choose this island for its sanctum. When you do catch a glimpse of another guest, it’s from the side of a boat cruising offshore or a lantern-lit table over dinner, if you choose to dine at the main lodge, that is. For those seeking seclusion, there’s no reason to leave your villa to indulge – dining happens in-villa, a boat meets you on your own patch of sand for ocean pursuits, and the spa therapist comes to you. For Miavana, the advice is simple: pack light, stay as long as humanly possible, and relish being far, far away from maddening crowds.
Design and Character
Designed by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Miavana feels unmistakably calm amidst the rugged wilderness that surrounds it. Hand-chiseled stones were carried to shore one by one to create Miavana’s fortress-like, towering buildings that curve and open towards cerulean-blue skies. In the Piazza, a gin-clear moat lures you across towards a glistening pool, fire pit, and Toulou’s Bar – ascend the stairs for sundowners and panoramic island views. There’s something wildly soothing about the minimalist villa interiors, doused in a signature aquamarine alongside flowing linen, hand-axed rosewood, island textures, and stone.
The Rooms
Just a skip from the ocean, you’ll find 14 villas with one, two and three bedrooms. Flooded with natural light and a delightfully cool sea breeze, the villas feature spacious living and lounging areas, kitchens, private pools, and an ensuite bathroom that opens directly onto the ocean. Each villa has a study that can be converted into a kids’ room – complete with age-appropriate toys and entertainment, plus a second bathroom. At just 10 square kilometers, the island is easily explored via the villa’s complimentary bikes or electric beach buggy.
The Food & Drink Situation
Fresh-caught seafood hauled from the ocean, local Malagasy ingredients, bold traditional flavors with a contemporary spin. Everything is hyper-personalized from the curated in-villa bar that boasts French champagne, top-shelf spirits and cold-press juices, to the hand-made power snacks, and freshly baked pastries. While dining can take place in-villa or marooned on a beach under lantern light, the Piazza creates a space for gathering – or dancing under the stars. There’s the sea-facing Toulou’s Bar, Silvio’s for woodfire pizza, and a fortlike wine-cellar for celebratory affairs. Don’t miss the rock lobster omelet for breakfast.
The Amenities
There’s no doubt that a spirit of adventure is deeply ingrained in Miavana, with access to over 15,000 hectares of protected marine area. From the white sand beach with the ancient trade winds blowing, you’ll need to remind yourself that the rest of the world exists. What will bring you back into the modern moment is the impressive lineup of toys, anchored just offshore. On water, boating, fishing, snorkeling, diving, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding are unlimited. On-island, you can hit the ocean-facing gym, join guide Johnson on a trek through the orange wood forest to spot chameleons and a handful of protected crowned lemurs, visit the island’s village, pop into the boutique or browse the Cabinet de Curiosities, filled with sea treasures, relics and artifacts.
Off-island, guests can charter a helicopter to see Madagascar’s ancient baobab trees and endangered lemur species in Anjahakely (home to the critically endangered Perrier’s Sifaka) or Daraina. For a castaway-style experience that will delight your inner child, make time to visit nearby Manamphao Island. You’ll arrive by boat to a private picnic and flowing champagne on an uninhabited postcard-sized island strewn with giant shells and curious natural finds.
Spa and Wellness Scoop
For those who opt to languish – and why wouldn’t you – there’s a dizzying holistic spa menu to swoon over. And while it may come as a surprise that such an idyllic location has no dedicated spa, Miavan’s insitchu wellness concept speaks to those who value uncompromised privacy. After all, luxury here is measured in time, isolation and freedom. And that’s precisely what you get. Expect organic Terres d’Afrique products infused with African botanicals, one-on-one yoga sessions anywhere on the island, and Ayurvedic treatments alongside traditional massages, reflexology and body treatments. There’s even a kids’ spa and yoga menu. For the deeply committed, the seven-hour Miavana Journey begins with private Hatha Yoga and segues into a series of six treatments that flow from head to toe, concluding with a ylang-ylang bubble bath and an island-brewed ginger tea.
Location & Neighborhood Recommendations
To reach the tiny island off Madagascar’s northeast coast, guests will board a scenic helicopter charter from Nosy Be (60 minutes) or Diego-Suárez (30 minutes) airports. A perk of the transit is seeing the mainland’s landscape evolve from the verdant tropical west coast to the ancient Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict National Park and finally the flat, palm-studded stretch that meets the sea.
Once over the ocean, you may catch a glimpse of a lone dhow boat amidst a great blue expanse. It’s an island so isolated that it’s almost impossible to comprehend its existence in our modern world.
Fast Facts
Location: Nosy Ankao Island, Madagascar
Vibe: Castaway-style seclusion meets private island luxury
Rating: Five-star
Pricing: From 3,700 USD per person per night
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The sprawling villas, closeness to nature and the feeling of absolute remoteness
Dining: Beachfront Piazza, Silvio’s woodfired pizzas, Toulou’s bar with rooftop views
Amenities: Private island, private pools, in-villa wellness, gym, two dining options, museum and onsite conservation expeditions, unlimited watersports, boutique with local finds and resort wear
Nearby Attractions: 15,000 hectares of protected marine area at your disposal for responsible adventures, plus a host of ancient forests and natural wonders to explore on mainland Madagascar, all just a helicopter flight away.
Airport: Nosy Be (60 minutes) or Diego-Suárez (30 minutes) airports.
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