If you’re looking to have your own explorer-esque moment, the tiny islet off the coast of Madagascar called Tsarabanjina is where to start. Begin at a slow pace, climbing up hills and down to sapphire waters, white sandy beaches surrounded by wildlife. Exploration is often encouraged at Constance Tsarabanjina, the 5-star hotel that occupies this islet. In fact, the islet of Tsarabanjina is very sacred, on the small peninsula of the eastern beach is found the tomb of the Sakalava kings of the Mitsio islands.
The hotel has a definite rustic-chic charm to it, with grass-thatched roofs and large wooden structures, the architects wanted the hotel to blend in with the aesthetic of the surrounding environment. The 25 villas are split into two categories: North and South Beach. Each villa has a unique simplistic design and faces out to the sea. One of the most popular villas is Villa Number 14 on North Beach and Villa Number 1 on the South Beach. They are the most private of each of the villas due to their location.
The Hotel is all-inclusive and often times for me that means eating a very repetitive meal. This is not the case at this Constance, they have a rotating menu of the freshest seafood and seasonal delights. Choose from lobster, prawn, crab, squid, octopus and fish, which can be served to you sashimi style or grilled. They are also famous for their Zebu (Malagasy Beef) and duck dishes.
One of the highlights of this islet is it’s abundance of activities in such a small proximity. Madagascar is known for some of the best diving in the world and Constance does not disappoint. There is a PADI Diving Center on the Island and a resident Marine Biologist who accompanies the crew on all snorkeling and diving trips. If you’re more a sport fisherman, there are also many guests constantly flocking the island for big-game fishing. Tsarabanjina is also home to the country’s national bird, the Malagasy Fish Eagle, as well as many other species.
Come explore Tsarabanjina and find out what you’ve been missing at every other island hotel. Perfect for travelers at any age trying to find their inner Robinson Crusoe.
Photos courtesy of the hotel