Madagascar became an independent nation on June 26th, 1960.
While there are more than fifty different countries found within the African Union, few are able to rival the spectacular biodiversity found within Madagascar. Located a few hundred kilometers east of Mozambique, this island nation has earned worldwide acclaim for its high concentration of lemurs—a type of primate that can be found nowhere else on earth—while other endemic species span from the red fody to the common tenrec. Though the nation’s tourism industry pales in comparison to nearby countries like Seychelles and Mauritius, the recent influx of high-end luxury resorts is turning the island into a top-tier tourism destination—a fact that Craft Travel founder Julia Carter knows all too well.
“Madagascar is so compelling because despite having such strong name recognition, very few people truly understand what the destination offers,” says Carter. “Many travelers will initially have their interest piqued by Madagascar’s lemurs, but they soon realize that there is so much more, from additional wildlife and adventure to culture and some of the world’s most stunning, unspoilt beaches. ‘Unspoilt’ is really the word that comes to mind when describing Madagascar: there is truly endless discovery and we are now in a moment where there is a near-perfect convergence of minimal tourism with top-notch hotels.” And when it comes to exploring the island, Carter has compiled a detailed travel guide that’s rife with essential information—but for those in search of bucket-list-level luxury accommodations, potential visitors should keep two particular properties in mind.
Madagascar is the fourth-largest island on the planet.
In the northern reaches of the country, Miavana by Time + Tide provides guests with an idyllic escape just off the coast of the mainland, operating on a scenic private island that’s only accessible by helicopter. The property comes equipped with 14 plush villas perched just steps away from the beach, with amenities ranging from private pools to complimentary bicycles to a private butler service—but of course, there’s a lot more to do around the island than just lounge in your room. Wildlife aficionados are welcome to book a scuba session in search of sea turtles and manta rays, while those who prefer the comfort of dry land can embark on a guided lemur trek to discover the island’s local troop of crowned lemurs, a species that was transported to the island in collaboration with the Bekaroaka Lemur project to protect the animals from hunting and habitat fragmentation.
Meanwhile, the western edge of Madagascar is also rife with top-tier accommodations, with Tsara Komba Lodge serving as a particularly charming property found just south of the tourist hub of Nosy Be. Upon arrival, guests are welcome to stroll along the pristine beach and bask in the beauty of the property’s many verdant palm trees, while The Divine House—the property’s main lodge—comes equipped with its own restaurant that crafts elaborate dishes packed full of fresh seafood and produce from the on-site organic garden. While the property serves as the perfect spot for some much-needed rest and relaxation, guests are also welcome to peruse their lengthy activities list and book a day trip, with destinations spanning from Nosy Mamoko—a small island that’s home to giant tortoises—to the birdwatcher’s paradise of the Mitsio Archipelago.
Home to vast deserts, lush rainforests and karst-covered badlands, Madagascar has long been renowned for its dazzling array of unique landscapes teeming with flora and fauna—and in the modern era, this sprawling nation has amassed its fair share of high-end resorts as well. Today, the country stands as a top-tier destination for all forms of travel, offering ample opportunity for outdoor adventure and relaxation alike. Whether you’re hoping to swim alongside colorful reef fish, marvel at some of the earth’s rarest primates or just relax beachside with a cocktail in hand, this dazzling nation is certain to leave you with lasting memories to cherish long after you’ve returned home.