Imagine spacious, tastefully designed, private villas all facing pure white sands and turquoise blue waters on a private island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. This exclusive tropical paradise is found on Nosy Ankao, off the north-east coast of Madagascar. Nosy Ankao forms part of nearly 15,000 hectares of protected marine space that along with the neighbouring mainland makes up the Loky Manambato Protected Area.
Miavana means “to bring together” in the Malagasy language and the property achieves this goal by harmoniously combining the stunning beauty of the island with the exquisite villas and the island’s heritage.
Madagascar’s first 5-star eco luxury accommodation was designed by award winning architects and built with complete focus on sustainability by a local team, using local and reclaimed eco-friendly materials. The villas are all solar powered and connected to a back-up generator. The beautiful stonework found throughout the resort was created completely by hand. A lot of time was spent lovingly crafting this island sanctuary with a team of 500 local workers taking 4 years to produce the utmost in luxury and comfort that beautifully blends in with the natural surroundings.
The 14 villas have options of 1-3 rooms and are all right on the pristine beach, guests only need to step out their door to snorkel in the colourful coral reefs. Whales often swim by and even stay to breach and play, sea turtles also nest on the beach and hatchlings make their way back to the ocean across the white sands by the light of the moon.
Days can be filled lazing in a hammock, swimming either in a private pool (one for each villa) or the clear ocean water. Kayaking, kite-surfing, and fly-fishing are also possibilities. At night spectacular sunsets paint the sky with streaks of pink, purple and orange. Staff will even set up a private sleep out under the stars if guests are so inclined.
The main lodge or “village” is a piazza with three separate dining areas, a rooftop bar, an infinity pool that glitters at night, and a museum known as the Cabinet of Curiosities. Ensuring a variety of choice for guests who may wish to venture from their butler serviced villas, perhaps for some scrumptious pizza from the pizza oven or fine dining and wine in the Italian style grotto. The Cabinet of Curiosities contains intriguing gems such as an elephant bird egg, dinosaur bones, and even sunken treasure.
Further attractions include “blue safaris” focusing on comprehensive guided water activities in the surrounding Indian Ocean, exploring the aquamarine bays, beaches, lagoons, and channels of the archipelago. Two helicopters are available to take guests to neighbouring islands for lemur spotting or further exploring.
Miavana is only accessible by helicopter from nearby airports Diego Suarez and Nosy Be, providing an untouched and undiscovered destination for travellers looking for the ultimate in luxury, in a truly unique setting. The resort opened in June and promises to bring together guests and the wild beauty of Madagascar, through its team’s care, knowledge, and charm.
