Nosy Ankao, Madagascar
Opened
2017
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
The house
Time + TideModernist private-island lodge
The lodge brings modernist architecture to a remote Malagasy island, pairing oceanfront pavilions with helicopter safaris to the mainland.
“The contemporary stone and glass beachfront villas have private decks and pools that are a few footsteps from the ivory beach.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Hand-hewn stone and glass pavilions hold mid-century pieces along the ivory shore.
Remarkable
Butlers anticipate unvoiced requests, preparing evening flower baths and fresh green juices unprompted.
Remarkable
Guests track lemurs through coastal forest and take helicopter safaris over mainland baobabs.
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Indian Ocean
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
This tropical hideaway is favored by A-listers: there are no other resorts and only a small village on the island, most of it is covered in thick jungle.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
A small fishing village shares the island with the lodge, and protected coral reefs ring the surrounding waters.
The rooms
Villas open through floor-to-ceiling glass walls onto private terraces with plunge pools. Bathrooms include open-air showers cut from local limestone.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A curved infinity pool faces the ocean at the Piazza, and timber villa decks hold private plunge pools.
The spa
Massages take place on open-air decks facing the sea, using organic Terres D'Afrique botanicals.
At the table
Thatched pavilions on the sand serve fresh spiny lobster, and drinks are poured at the open-air stone bar.
Miavana is an ultra-luxury lodge on the gloriously named isle of Nosy Ankao, in a secluded archipelago off Madagascar's northeastern coast, so remote that guests arrive by helicopter.
How it began
The lodge replaced a struggling seaweed farm, partnering with local conservationists to plant over 100,000 native trees across the island.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.