Madagascar is emerging as one of the Indian Ocean’s most exciting frontiers for luxury travel, and Time + Tide Tsara Komba leads the way. Set on the volcanic island of Nosy Komba, this intimate 8-suite lodge combines barefoot elegance with authentic cultural immersion. Here, your clients will enjoy waking to views of lush forested slopes, watching fishermen return with their catch at sunset and experiencing the rhythms of island life—all while surrounded by Time + Tide’s signature warmth and refinement
Arrival and Setting
The journey to Time + Tide Tsara Komba is part of the allure. After arriving at Nosy Be, guests are whisked through fragrant ylang-ylang plantations and across a bustling harbor before boarding a boat bound for Nosy Komba. The short crossing unveils a dramatic approach: the forest-clad volcanic slopes rise steeply from the sea, with the lodge tucked discreetly along the coastline. By the time your clients step ashore, the mainland’s bustle feels a world away.
Accommodations: Intimacy with a View
With just eight suites—six Ocean View Rooms (969 sq. ft.) and two Ocean View Suites (1292 sq. ft.)—Time + Tide Tsara Komba embodies exclusivity. The suites are scattered along the hillside, offering sweeping sea views from spacious private terraces.
Built from local wood and thatch, with interiors dressed in soft, earthy tones, each suite strikes a balance between authenticity and refinement. Airy bedrooms open to sea breezes, while bathrooms feature modern comforts without breaking the lodge’s eco-sensitive ethos. Privacy is a hallmark here: even when the lodge is full, guests feel enveloped in their own tranquil world.
This is not a place of blaring music or oversized resorts; Time + Tide Tsara Komba is deliberately intimate. Your clients will enjoy the sense of seclusion, while still benefiting from the attentive service of a staff trained in the Time + Tide tradition of quiet, thoughtful hospitality.
Dining: A Celebration of Madagascar’s Bounty
At Time + Tide Tsara Komba, dining is an experience in itself. Meals are served in the elevated main lodge, L’Atelier des Saveurs, where an open terrace gazes across the bay. Guests may also choose al fresco tables overlooking the gardens, or a private dinner set directly on the sand.
Under Chef Tina O’Hary’s direction, menus lean into Madagascar’s natural abundance. Freshly caught reef fish, lobsters and prawns are paired with produce and herbs harvested from the property’s Eden Garden, a flourishing organic project with more than 200 species. Expect flavors of vanilla, wild pepper, lychee and cacao to thread through the culinary journey.
Breakfast might begin with flaky croissants—which can be described as a work of art—alongside tropical fruits and made-to-order hot dishes. Lunches are light yet inventive, perfect before an afternoon swim, while dinners evolve into multi-course showcases of Malagasy- and French-inspired cuisine. For clients who value gastronomy as much as scenery, Time + Tide Tsara Komba will exceed expectations.
Forest-to-Reef Experiences
What sets Time + Tide Tsara Komba apart is its seamless access to both lush forest and thriving reef. Guests can begin the morning hiking into the island’s interior, guided by naturalists who know the calls of black lemurs, the colors of rare chameleons and the perfume of endemic flowers. These walks also pass through small plantations of vanilla and pepper, tying the ecological to the cultural.
For time on the water, the lodge arranges boat trips to some of Madagascar’s most pristine snorkeling and diving areas, including nearby marine national parks. Here, your clients will enjoy crystal-clear visibility, colorful coral gardens and the chance to spot turtles, rays and even seasonal whale sharks. These excursions balance beautifully with more gentle activities closer to the lodge, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or enjoying a sunset cruise with a homemade punch in hand.
Cultural immersion is woven in as well. Visits to the fishing villages of Nosy Komba give guests a window into island life, while handicraft markets showcase local artistry. It’s this combination of forest treks, authentic cultural experiences and world-class marine excursions that makes Tsara Komba such a rich and rewarding stay.
Relaxation and Community Connection
For many guests, the greatest pleasure is simply doing very little. Hammocks strung between palms invite long afternoons with a book, while private terraces become perfect spots for meditation, sketching or whale-watching during migration season. With no televisions or urban distractions, Time + Tide Tsara Komba encourages a rare luxury: The chance to unplug and truly connect with nature—and with one another.
Equally special, however, is the way the lodge integrates into the daily life of Nosy Komba. From the beachfront, guests watch fishermen paddle back in the late afternoon, their pirogues heavy with the day’s catch. Each morning, schoolchildren walk along the shoreline on their way to class, their laughter carrying across the bay. Women wander past selling handmade baskets, spices and embroidered linens—a gentle reminder that this is not just a resort, but a vibrant community.
These scenes are not orchestrated; they are the natural rhythm of island life. For your clients, this proximity offers a rare kind of authenticity—the opportunity to experience luxury alongside the hum of a real community, creating a stay that feels both enriching and grounded.
Practicalities for Travel Advisors
- Inclusions: Full board with daily meals, housekeeping, kayaking and paddleboarding are included in a stay.
- Exclusions: Boat transfers from Nosy Be, scuba diving, bar expenses, in-room spa treatments and conservation levies are additional.
- Transfers: Guests typically take a 30-minute road transfer from Nosy Be Airport to Hell-Ville Port, followed by a 20–30-minute boat ride to Nosy Komba. Time + Tide can arrange fast-track and meet-and-greet services.
- Seasonality: May through August offers calm seas and pleasant winds, though the lodge is open year-round. Humpback whales are best spotted between July and September.
- Connectivity: WiFi is available only in the common areas, encouraging clients to disconnect during their stay. Advisors should prepare guests for limited digital access.
- Climate & Comfort: There is no air conditioning in the suites, though ceiling fans and natural breezes keep rooms comfortable. Timing a visit during cooler, less humid months (typically May to September) is recommended.
- Accessibility: Because the suites are hillside with steps and uneven paths, Time + Tide Tsara Komba is less suited for clients with mobility limitations.
Why Recommend Time + Tide Tsara Komba?
Time + Tide Tsara Komba fills a unique niche in the Indian Ocean market:
- Exclusivity with Character – With only eight suites, your clients will enjoy privacy and personalized service.
- Biodiversity on the Doorstep – Few places in the world allow guests to hike with lemurs in the morning and snorkel among turtles in the afternoon.
- Culinary Excellence – Meals rival those of the finest city restaurants, elevated by Madagascar’s distinctive ingredients.
- Community & Conservation – Guests witness and participate in the daily rhythms of Nosy Komba, from fishermen to schoolchildren, fostering a genuine connection with place.
- Seamless Pairings – The lodge combines beautifully with a safari in Zambia, a gorilla trek in Rwanda or even a twin stay at Time + Tide Miavana for clients seeking a grand island circuit.
Final Thoughts
In an era when luxury travelers crave more than indulgence, Time + Tide Tsara Komba stands out as a property that is as meaningful as it is beautiful. It offers the tranquility of a boutique island hideaway, the wonder of Madagascar’s biodiversity and the refinement of world-class hospitality.
For your clients, this is not just a beach stay—it’s a journey into one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems, guided by a team committed to conservation and connection. Whether as a standalone destination or part of a broader East Africa and Indian Ocean itinerary, Time + Tide Tsara Komba is an island that leaves its mark on both memory and heart.
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.
