In fact, along with its even more secluded counterpart Tsarabanjina, Nosy Iranja perhaps best lays claim to the title of Madagascar’s finest island lodge! The setting is absolutely idyllic with stunning beaches surrounding a lush tropical island covered with coconut palms, Filaos trees and tropical flowers. The bird life is diverse and remarkable and the island is also home to huge coconut crabs.

Situated about 90 minutes speedboat ride from Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja actually consists of two islands which are connected by a pristine 1500m sandbank that is exposed during low tide – walking along this sandbank taking the odd dip along the way is an unforgettable experience! The northern (bigger) island, Nosy Iranja Be, is home to a delightful lighthouse designed by Gustav Eiffel as well as a small village inhabited by local fishermen.

The southern island, Nosy Iranja, is where the lodge is found though - 28 luxurious chalets dotted around the coastline, each with their own incredible sea view. The chalets are best described as very comfortable rather than luxurious – an authentic feel being lent by the use of traditional building materials and local craftsmanship. They’re very spacious and not short of features either though, with each of them boasting ceiling fans, safes, minibars, CD players, en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet, tea/coffee making facilities, electric razor plug, hair dryer and dressing room. One of the highlights has to be the private terraces from which you can look out on your own private garden or great ocean views from the comfort of your hammock or deck chairs – there’s also nifty foot showers to get rid of the beach sand. the perfect spot for honeymooners to just soak up the sun, swim in pristine turquoise water and luxuriate in each other’s company!

If you’re looking for a place to just chill out and feel the stresses of urban life melt away, then Nosy Iranja is a tough act to beat! The beaches are quite simply superb – to the south are 2 pretty deserted beaches offering great swimming but where you can escape from the bulk of your fellow guests should you wish. It’s the perfect spot for honeymooners to just soak up the sun, swim in pristine turquoise water and luxuriate in each other’s company! Then there’s the main beach in front of the resort which overlooks the sandbank – this has the additional bonus of being serviced by waiters should you want something ice cold and refreshing and also offers the comfort of loungers and umbrellas which are missing from the pristine southern beaches. Ultimately the choice is yours!

The island has many attractions and amenities, perhaps the most notable being that it is an important breeding reserve for hawksbill and greenback turtles – you may even be lucky enough to see them laying eggs or hatching on the unspoilt beaches. If you’re the active sort you’ll be delighted by the full range of water sports available - including sailing, water skiing, kayaking and deep sea fishing, as well as scuba and fantastic snorkelling opportunities in the pristine waters surrounding the island. On land there’s volleyball, archery, badminton and a small outdoor gym – of course the perfect beaches also provide great walks or the option of simply lazing in the sun!

The restaurant and bar area overlook the sandbank and also give you the opportunity to watch the sunset with an ice cold beer or exotic cocktail mixed by the friendly barman. After a delicious dinner boasting the freshest seafood all that remains is to retire for the night where you can dream up ways to extend your stay at this paradise island!

Fantastic beaches - some of the very finest in the entire Indian Ocean!

Walking along the sand bank that connects the 2 islands is perhaps the most blissfully unforgettable stroll you'll ever take!

A wealth of great activities are available to allow you to really enjoy the island and its surrounding waters

Now owned by South Africa's respected Legacy Hotels group - so standards are considerably improved over a few years ago

Boats carrying day-trippers to see the island mean it's not as isolated as Anjajavy or Tsarabanjina

Chalets are comfortable rather than luxurious - but you're likely to spend most of your time enjoying the spectacular outdoors!