One of the key lessons many of us learnt during lockdown was how important shared experiences and personal interactions are to our well-being and quality of life. Which is why Robb Report has compiled the ultimate list of giftable experiences, which treat recipients (and anyone they’d like to bring along) to incredible—and, in several cases, one-of-a-kind—activities around the globe. Next on the series, spend some well-deserved quiet time in the pristine islet of Nosy Anko, Madagascar.
Indian Ocean isolation
On the western fringe of the Indian Ocean lies an islet called Nosy Anko, one of a tiny, mostly uninhabited archipelago off the northeast coast of Madagascar. This 1,012-hectare private island is home to the Miavana resort by Time + Tide, a luxury travel company specialising in remote African locations – and there are few more secluded than Nosy Anko. Madagascar remains one of the most isolated and untouched places on Earth; according to the World Wildlife Fund, about 95 per cent of the country’s reptiles, 92 per cent of its mammals and 89 per cent of its plant life exist nowhere else on the planet.
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Miavana, which is accessed by helicopter from Madagascar, is available as a full-island buyout for up to 44 guests. The experience will include the full-time services of a kitesurfing instructor and a Robinson Crusoe picnic on the palm-fringed, white-sand beach of Manampou, a nearby uninhabited island. The similarities to Crusoe will surely fade as staff set up a gourmet lunch on the beach while guests arrive by jet ski or helicopter.
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Staff are on hand to arrange kayaking, water-skiing, heli-surfing, surf-skiing, fishing, whale-watching, snorkelling, paddle-boarding and a range of diving experiences. On land, guests can take part in guided treks in search of lemurs, chameleons and rare orchids and enjoy yoga classes as well as sample local rum while exploring the island’s village.
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The accommodation consists of 14 beachfront villas, each with a private pool, a beach buggy, beach cruiser bikes and a personal butler. Guests may choose to dine 24/7 around the main pool and rooftop bar, at the island’s pizzeria or privately; local specialities include mangoes, vanilla, pink peppercorns, yellowfin tuna and caviar.
From US$149,600 per night for full buyout for a minimum of four nights, including helicopter transfers from Madagascar, excluding US$300 per person per night for conservation levies; michele@timeandtideafrica.com
Previously published on Robb Report.
