Tsarabanjina Island - Madagascar
We flew direct with SA Airlink to Nosy Be in Madagascar and we were picked up at the airport and given very cold towels and ice water by a super friendly and informative guide. The drive to our boat pick up took about 15 minutes through a village of ramshackle and skew houses made of Palm leaves. The boat transfer to the island took around 90 minutes and just as you're beginning to get tired of being on a boat the island looms out of the horizon to give you the first glimpse of what will later show itself to be possibly one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
The beachfront villas are the epitome of luxury while retaining a very rustic charm. The ocean is less than 100 meters from the edge of your terrace and the sound so loud that the first night I woke up thinking there was a storm brewing with winds gusting. The view is so blue and intense it makes your heart beat a little faster. The hotel staff bring a new level to the words service - the entire hotel is geared towards making relaxation the total focus of your stay. You are instructed to leave your shoes behind, there is no need for them after your arrival, as no matter where you go your toes are in the sand. There is a unique vibe created when eating fine dining 3 course dinners barefoot and in shorts. Its this feeling of you can live luxury while maintaining your 'you - ness'.
While relaxation is the focus at Constance Tsarabanjina there is a daily list of things to do, should you want to participate in the activities. Snorkelling was at the top of our list - with seas so clear and blue and in such abundance in ocean life it was an insane experience. The off the boat snorkel took us around a mile out to sea with clear visibility up to 30 feet. Blue spotted rays, Lionfish and even a Barracuda sporting a rusty hook lip piercing along with the tropical fish all around you. My husband took the stand up paddling (SUP) class and nailed the art of getting up off the board, whilst I sat sipping the most delicious gin cocktails on the beachfront bar terrace. There were lectures on Madagascar, lessons on how to prepare the local Iced Tea (that I drank by the gallon) and the most beautiful private dinner that they arranged for me as a surprise from my husband to me. There is no television, and there is not a single car on the island, Wi-Fi is barely useable and is only available in the bar area.
For romance, a dream honeymoon, or for a break from your busy life style or perhaps a time to reconnect with nature, yourself and your loved one - this is THE place to be head to. I felt like I could breathe again for the first time in a very long time!