You arrive dramatically by boat at this small, owner-run lodge set into a lushly forested hillside on the island of Nosy Komba, just south of the main tourist island of Nosy Be. After clambering onto the beach and climbing the hill past the wonderfully positioned restaurant and bar you will find eight simple en-suite bungalows built from local materials and linked by wooden walkways (at night these walkways are prettily lit by lamplight making for a magical ambiance) – they are not elaborate; but they are equipped with mosquito nets and locally-made furniture, and are scrupulously clean. Whilst they lack air-conditioning or fans, being nestled into the hillside and shaded by giant palms and vanilla trees temperatures are not as hot as you might expect. A real bonus are the gorgeous views over the beach and fishing boat littered sea beyond.

But our favourite room at this lodge is the gorgeous Tsaramanga Suite - an enormous, 100m2 suite tucked away around the corner from the rest of the lodge where it enjoys a wonderfully private position perched on some boulders just above the fine sandy cove. It is difficult to think of a more spectacular or private setting – just perfect for a honeymoon! There is a massive four poster bed clad with romantic mosquito nets from where you can look down on the sea below through the wide-opening shutter doors. The massive veranda spreading the width of the suite is littered with comfortable furniture from where you can chill out with an ice-cold drink and soak up the gorgeous views. It is difficult to think of a more spectacular or private setting – just perfect for a honeymoon!

The restaurant of the Jardin Vanille also enjoys panoramic views and boasts a comfortable bar and lounge area – it boasts polished wooden floors, a high thatched roof and is decorated with shells from the nearby beaches. As you can imagine given the French influence, it is renowned for serving a very good, varied set menu on which fresh seafood and well-prepared vegetables are prominent. For many guests they rate it amongst the best food encountered on their travels through Madagascar! Don’t worry either about any potential language issues, as Hervé, the owner, understands English and the manager speaks English, too. Below the restaurant two decks are being built- one for lunch and a second for drinks as the sun goes down.

Below the lodge there is a lovely sandy beach that is accessed via the wooden walkways from the hotel. A short stroll further, 2 coves along you’ll come across another beach that has an offshore reef that is accessible straight from the beach. The snorkelling is good and you may even enjoy marine turtles for company! That’s not the only wildlife you’ll see either when staying at Jardin Vanille – the lodge is set amidst lush tropical vegetation that is now frequented by semi-habituated Black lemurs, so you’re pretty certain of getting up close to these adorable animals.

For the more active traveller, the lodge can also arrange excursions to the nearby marine island reserve of Nosy Tanikely, scuba diving and pirogue trips. The area is noted for its deep-sea fishing, and you can also go fishing in a pirogue with some of the local village fishermen. The walk through the forest, up the mountain, should also not be missed.

Beautiful hillside position with great views over the beach and turquoise bay below

Tsaramanga Suite is a fantastic honeymoon option - huge, private and just above the beach!

Excellent food consistently delivered by restaurant - enjoy while drinking in the spectacular view!

Great chance to see Black Lemurs and other wildlife in the forest surrounding the lodge

Steep wooden walkways mean its not for the mobility challenged

Standard bungalows may be too simple for some - scrupulously clean though

No pool to escape the heat during low tide