Back in 1994 the BBC filmed a series called Castaway (a type of forerunner to Survivor) where Joanna Lumley had to survive on an archetypal desert island. Tsarabanjina was the island they chose and little wonder too as it ticks all the boxes when it comes to paradisiacal tropical islands – fantastic powder soft white beaches surrounded by coral reefs and some of the most sparkling blue water on the planet; luxuriant vegetation in the interior; a wonderfully secluded and isolated position. Now a small lodge has been built on the island so you can enjoy all of this natural magnificence for yourself and in real comfort too!

Tsarabanjina lies a 90 minute speedboat ride from Nosy Be in the Mitsio Archipelago, home to some of the best scuba diving in Madagascar. The picture-perfect resort is made up of 21 bungalows looking out on the sea with a private terrace built from rosewood and a thatched roof. Half of them are built overlooking the island’s northern beach and the rest are situated on another idyllic stretch of beach to the south. That’s actually one of the nicest features of this little island (which can be walked around in less than an hour) – the fact that there are a number of gorgeous little beaches so you can always find somewhere to escape to away from other guests if you so wish. ticks all the boxes when it comes to paradisiacal tropical islands – fantastic powder soft white beaches surrounded by coral reefs and some of the most sparkling blue water on the planet

If you do want to socialise with fellow guests though, then head to the bar which is positioned below the main restaurant overlooking the azure waters of the lagoon – it boasts a sand floor (one of our absolute fave’s!) so you can twiddle your toes about in the sand whilst enjoying an icy beer before heading upstairs to savour another great seafood meal in the restaurant! The bungalows are quite simple but perfectly comfortable for all that. Hidden away in the lush vegetation directly off the beaches, each of them is unique and bears the name of a flower, a tree or a fish. They are comfortably sized (45 sqm) and consist of a main bedroom equipped with fans, a bathroom with shower and a separate toilet, and a private terrace with deck chairs and a coffee table - and snorkelling equipment for your personal use throughout your stay.

As you can imagine in an environment of such unspoilt, isolated beauty, the emphasis here is firmly on relaxation – so just chill out on the magnificent beaches or perhaps treat yourself to a massage. If you’re in a more active mood then there are watersports galore here – from a PADI dive centre to snorkelling, water skiing, fishing, kayaking and sailing – as well as land based fun like volleyball and tennis to be enjoyed. There’s even a boules court where can wile away a couple of hours or you can explore the island, watch the fish eagles overhead and the dolphins feeding offshore. If whales are spotted in the vicinity, impromptu whale-watching excursions are organized.

Mauritius owned Constance Hotels have made recent improvements to the food and public areas, as well as soft refurbishments to the bungalows themselves, and service levels are now greatly improved, without affecting the relaxed atmosphere that is so refreshing. This really is a very special place to escape to!

Unmatched feeling of isolation on one of the most gorgeous islands in the Indian Ocean!

Beaches are quite simply magnificent - and you've got a choice of beaches too!

Great scuba diving and deep sea fishing in the surrounding waters, amongst a host of activities available

We're total suckers for bars with sand floors. All together now, sink those toes in - aaahhhh

Getting between the 2 beach areas is a bit of a slog - and southern beaches aren't serviced by bar staff if you're desperate for a cold one!

Accommodation is comfortable rather than luxurious - but who cares when you're in such a beautiful place!