Ultra-luxury private island resort on Nosy Ankao featuring exclusive villas with private pools, world-class diving, helicopter excursions, and exceptional wildlife experiences. One of Africa's most exclusive island retreats with bespoke service and pristine beaches.
Miavana by Time + Tide occupies the entirety of Nosy Ankao, a remote private island in the Mitsio Archipelago off northeastern Madagascar, roughly 90 minutes by helicopter from Antananarivo or a short transfer flight from Diego Suarez (Antsiranana). The island spans approximately 10 square kilometres of pristine tropical wilderness where dense coastal forest meets white-sand beaches and turquoise coral-fringed lagoons. Opened in 2017 and operated by the Time + Tide hospitality group, known for responsible luxury camps across Africa, the resort consistently ranks among the Indian Ocean's most extraordinary private island retreats.
The property features 14 standalone villas distributed along the coastline, each designed to maximise privacy and ocean exposure. Every villa includes a private plunge pool, an expansive deck, and open-plan interiors blending driftwood tones with contemporary finishes. Layouts run from one to three bedrooms, with the largest configurations suited to small families or travelling groups.
Dining at Miavana is communal and convivial, centred on a hilltop restaurant and a beach dining venue. Menus draw heavily on the sea, with daily catches prepared with European and Malagasy influences. Private beach dinners can be arranged on request. The island spa occupies treatment rooms set within the forested interior, offering therapies using locally sourced botanical extracts. A sea-view yoga platform accommodates guided and independent practice.
Water-based activities are the resort's defining draw. World-class kitesurfing takes advantage of consistent northeast trade winds, and the surrounding protected marine reserve shelters coral gardens inhabited by whale sharks, manta rays, and hawksbill sea turtles. The fully equipped diving centre provides professional instruction for all ability levels. Above the water, guided lemur treks through the island's forest interior complement nocturnal turtle walks during nesting season.
The Time + Tide Foundation maintains active conservation programs on Nosy Ankao including turtle monitoring, coral restoration, and community development initiatives in nearby fishing villages. Guests are invited to participate in foundation activities as part of the property's responsible travel ethos. With a maximum of 28 guests in residence at any time, the resort maintains an exceptionally intimate atmosphere throughout the year.
Amenities
- private island
- helicopter transfers
- spa
- diving center
- fine dining
- private pools
- marine conservation
Location
Nosy Ankao Island, Northeast Madagascar
-13.3833, 50.3167 View on map
Highlights
- Private island resort with 14 villas, each featuring a personal plunge pool and ocean deck on Nosy Ankao, northeastern Madagascar
- World-class kitesurfing, diving, and snorkelling in a protected marine reserve with whale sharks and manta rays
- Guided lemur treks and nocturnal turtle monitoring through the island's tropical forest interior
- Island spa with forest treatment rooms and sea-view yoga platform
- Time + Tide Foundation conservation programs including turtle monitoring and coral restoration
Tips for visiting
- Helicopter transfers from Diego Suarez take approximately 30 minutes and are the primary access option; arrange these with the resort well in advance of arrival
- Pack lightweight UV-protective clothing for water activities as tropical sun on open water is intense
- Book as far ahead as possible — the 14-villa capacity fills quickly, especially during July–September humpback whale season
- Northeast trade winds peak between May and October, making this the prime kitesurfing window
- Sea turtle nesting season runs October to March; request an evening beach walk with the conservation team at check-in
When to visit
May through October brings dry, sunny weather with northeast trade winds ideal for kitesurfing and diving; July to September is peak humpback whale season. December through April is the wet season with higher temperatures and occasional cyclonic swells.
Accessibility
Access to Miavana requires helicopter or light aircraft transfer from Diego Suarez, followed by travel on sandy paths between villas across the island. The resort is best suited to guests with full mobility. Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the resort directly prior to booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How do guests reach Miavana by Time + Tide?
The resort is accessible exclusively by helicopter or light aircraft. Most guests fly to Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) from Antananarivo and take a helicopter transfer arranged by the resort. Direct helicopter transfers from Antananarivo are possible but take considerably longer.
What wildlife can visitors expect to see on Nosy Ankao?
The island hosts brown lemurs, mouse lemurs, and other forest species. Marine encounters include sea turtles, dolphins, reef fish, whale sharks, and seasonal humpback whales that pass through surrounding waters between July and September.
Does Miavana accommodate children?
The resort welcomes children aged seven and above. Dedicated activities including lemur spotting, beach games, and introductory snorkelling can be arranged. Families with older children generally find the adventure-focused programming a strong fit.
What is included in the all-inclusive rate?
Rates cover all meals, non-premium beverages, and most on-island activities such as guided nature walks, snorkelling, and non-motorised water equipment use. Scuba diving, helicopter excursions, and offshore fishing trips carry additional charges.