There are places in the world where time seems to stand still, where nature rules and luxury takes on a new meaning. Miavana by Time + Tide, on the private island of Nosy Ankao off Madagascar’s northeastern coast, is one such place. Accessible only by helicopter, this ultra-luxury lodge offers barefoot elegance paired with one of the most biologically diverse landscapes on earth. It is a destination that blends conservation, culture and castaway seclusion—ideal for clients who want more than just a luxury escape.
A Sense of Arrival
The adventure begins before you even touch down. Guests arrive via helicopter transfer from Diego Suarez (approximately 30 minutes) or Nosy Be (around 45 minutes). The bird’s-eye view reveals the Indian Ocean in dazzling shades of turquoise, coral reefs fringing small islands, and eventually Nosy Ankao itself—home to Miavana and nothing else.
From the moment you land, the architecture feels as if it grew from its surroundings. Designed with sand-colored stone, reclaimed wood and sweeping glass, the buildings melt into the island’s contours. Shoes quickly become unnecessary. Life slows to the rhythm of the tides, with the island’s sandy paths and ocean breezes setting the pace.
Villas: Private Sanctuaries by the Sea
Miavana features just 14 villas, all absolute beachfront and positioned for sunrise views. The villas range from one to three bedrooms, offering space for couples, families and multi-generational groups.
Indoors, the design balances understated elegance with comfort: vaulted ceilings, open-plan living and dining spaces, deep soaking tubs and indoor-outdoor showers. Outdoors, each villa boasts a private plunge pool, spacious terrace and direct access to the beach. The villas are remarkably oversized, with separate lounge areas and vast interiors that blur the line between suite and residence. They are so spacious that even a family of five can be accommodated with ease in a 1-bedroom villa—a rarity in the world of ultra-luxury island resorts.
Freedom is part of the design: Every villa includes bicycles and a golf cart so guests can explore the island independently. Yet autonomy is paired with seamless service—every booking comes with a private butler, who tailors the experience to each group. From arranging villa dining and snorkeling excursions to planning treasure hunts for children, the butler ensures each stay feels entirely personalized.
For those seeking maximum privacy, the 3-bedroom villas—complete with kitchens, dining rooms and expansive living spaces—function like private island residences.
Dining: Madagascar on a Plate
The culinary program at Miavana celebrates Madagascar’s unique cultural mosaic. French technique, African spices and Creole influence come together in menus that are tailored daily to guest preferences.
Seafood is a star, often caught within sight of the resort—lobster, crab and freshly grilled fish. Zebu beef, fragrant curries and vegetables sourced from local farms round out the offerings. Dining is never static: Guests might enjoy a multi-course tasting menu at the piazza one evening, a barefoot beach barbecue the next and a private dinner in their villa the following night.
Meals are included in the stay, as are curated wine pairings and creative cocktails that highlight island botanicals. For families, the kitchen is quick to adapt menus to younger palates, while still introducing children to new flavors in approachable ways.
Adventures: Ocean to Forest
Miavana’s greatest asset is its seamless access to both marine and terrestrial adventures. The lodge sits within a protected marine reserve, and its surrounding waters offer world-class snorkeling and diving. Guests can also kayak through mangroves, paddleboard in calm lagoons or try catch-and-release fly fishing.
From July to October, humpback whales migrate along the coast, offering unforgettable sightings. Whale sharks also pass through between October and December, while sea turtles nest on Nosy Ankao’s beaches from November to February.
On land, Miavana is deeply tied to conservation. Guests may trek with guides to see crowned lemurs, golden-crowned sifakas or vividly colored chameleons in the nearby Loky Manambato Protected Area. Birdwatchers will find rare species here as well, making Miavana a top destination for ornithology enthusiasts.
The lodge also offers helicopter expeditions that showcase Madagascar’s extraordinary landscapes: baobab forests, Tsingy de Bemaraha’s jagged limestone pinnacles and Amber Mountain National Park’s waterfalls and crater lakes. These excursions add a sense of discovery rarely possible from a single resort base.
Conservation & Community
Miavana is as much about protecting Madagascar as it is about showcasing it. Time + Tide has invested heavily in restoring ecosystems and supporting local communities. The resort has reintroduced lemurs to Nosy Ankao, established turtle-monitoring programs and works on coral reef restoration.
Through the Time + Tide Foundation, guests can also engage with community initiatives on the mainland, including education projects and sustainable fishing programs. For advisors, this offers a key selling point: Every stay contributes to conservation and community impact, aligning luxury with purpose.
Balance and Bliss
When relaxation calls, Miavana’s spa delivers serenity with a Malagasy twist. Treatments use locally inspired ingredients such as ylang-ylang oil, vanilla and mineral-rich salts. Beach yoga, guided meditation and tailored fitness programs provide balance after active days. The setting—with ocean breezes and the sound of waves—amplifies every treatment’s restorative effect.
Castaway Adventures for the Whole Family
While Miavana is often positioned as a honeymoon retreat, it is surprisingly family-friendly. Spacious multi-bedroom villas, child-friendly menus and tailored activities ensure younger guests are embraced.
Children can join treasure hunts, learn Malagasy words, help with turtle monitoring or explore the island by bike. The dedicated watersports area is another highlight: Kids can spend hours tubing in the turquoise lagoon, while families can take to the water together for wakeboarding or paddle sports. These activities add excitement and energy, balancing the quieter moments of nature discovery with pure, playful fun. Private butlers adapt itineraries to children’s ages, making the experience educational and adventurous without ever feeling restrictive. Babysitting services allow parents to enjoy spa treatments or romantic beach dinners.
For families, Miavana is a safe, natural playground, combining unstructured freedom with thoughtful guidance.
Advisor Insights
Miavana is more than a luxury island—it’s an experience that transforms guests through immersion in nature, culture and conservation. Advisors should highlight not only the beauty but also the exclusivity and depth of experience.
Special Considerations:
- Best Time to Visit: May–November for dry, cool conditions. July–October brings humpback whales, while October–December offers whale shark encounters. Turtle nesting peaks November–February.
- Diving Conditions: Visibility is best in the calm, non-windy months (October–December and March–May). June–September can be windier, reducing visibility but ideal for dry, temperate land-based exploration.
- Access: Miavana is helicopter-only, with transfers included on longer stays. Flights operate from Diego Suarez (30 minutes) or Nosy Be (45 minutes).
- Connectivity: WiFi is available in the villas and common areas.
- Climate Control: Villas are fully air conditioned, complemented by ceiling fans and natural breexes.
- Length of Stay: Four to seven nights are ideal to balance both marine and land excursions.
- Signature Touches: Every group has a private butler; each villa includes bicycles and a golf cart for independent exploration.
- Ideal Clients: High-net-worth couples, families and multi-generational groups seeking complete privacy paired with conservation-driven experiences.
This story originally appeared in worldstompers.com, a family travel website created to inspire families with kids to expand their idea of adventures. You can follow the adventures of the Bazavilvazo family @worldstompers on Instagram and The Worldstompers on Facebook.
For more of @worldstompers’ travels to far-flung destinations, click here.
