Tsarabanjina
Tsarabanjina is a tiny private island in the Mitseo Archipelago off Madagascar’s North West Coast, about 40 miles from Nosy Be. With lush forest surrounded by white sandy beaches it is best known as Joanna Lumley’s castaway island in the BBC series of the same name.
Accommodation & Facilities
Tsarabanjina has 25 rosewood villas with thatched roofs. The South Beach villas have fans and an Evening Breeze cooling system over the beds, while the North Beach Villas are fully air-conditioned. The three family villas can accommodate two adults and two children each. One of the villas is on South Beach and the other two are next door to each other on the North Beach. For smaller families of three, a single bed can be added to all the double villas to make triples. The villas all have en-suite bathrooms, a mini bar and a kettle, and a verandah with day beds and hammocks, which look across the white sand out to the blue sea. There is a relaxed dining room and bar with a sandy floor, encouraging guests to feel at ease and relaxed with their surroundings.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times and although there isn’t a children’s menu all the dishes are freshly prepared and homemade so can be adapted to suit children’s tastes. The chefs are happy to accommodate parent’s requests. There is no formal babysitting at the resort but with advance notice it can be arranged and is normally provided by the spa therapists during their free time at a rate of US$20/hour.
Wildlife & Activities
Diving and snorkelling is very good in this area. Petanques, volleyball, beach tennis, and guided walks are included, while deep-sea fishing, sailing, bird watching trips, and boat trips are also available.
Specifically for children ….
Trips popular with families include excursions to see the lemurs and chameleons and visits to the local villages. The minimum age for diving is eight years old, and life jackets and flippers are available for children.
