Marvellous Miavana in Madagascar is remote and exclusive
Miavana is the work of Johannesburg-based architects and designers Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens
You don’t have to own a private jet to stay at Miavana Resort. But it helps.
Because that’s the sort of clientele who head for this idyllic island escape, cast adrift off the east coast of Madagascar. And perhaps that’s why it flies under the radar, spoken of in hushed tones in members’ clubs and private jets, rather than shouted about on social media. For while the hoi polloi head for the colourful jumble of resorts off Nosy Be, those in the know hop on a private helicopter to the island of Nosy Ankao.
It’s the largest of five islands in an archipelago off the northeast coast of Madagascar, with most travellers flying into Nosy Be or Diego Suarez airports for the heli-flip to the island. Once home to pirates and fishermen, since 2017 it has hosted one of the most exclusive resorts in the Indian Ocean, a tropical bolt-hole offering the last word in seaside luxe.
Beyond a small island community and a coterie of staff catering to your every need, Miavana is as close to a five-star (six?) Robinson Crusoe escape as you could hope for. The island’s powdery white beaches are shared by just 14 villas, spaced well apart to ensure exclusivity for the A-list guest list.
That same sense of considered luxury defines Miavana too. The one- and two-bedroom villas are a dreamy seaside haven, all breezy airy spaces with muted touches of local stone; a place where Malagasy woodwork, mid-century pieces and subtle nautical touches all come together without clashing. Vast lounge areas spill out onto wide decks — private plunge pool, of course — and lush gardens all to yourself. The beach is mere steps away for a dip in warm Indian Ocean waters.
Minibar? Well yes, except here it’s a fridge stocked with fine wines, a selection of drinks and handcrafted bean-to-bar Madagascan chocolate. Need something refilled? Each villa has a dedicated butler waiting at the end of a WhatsApp line.