Riake Resort

The central thatched, stone-floored restaurant (and side bar) specializes in international cuisine and serves fantastic breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Other communal spaces include a little library and reading room, a small gift shop, a minimalistic lounge with cushioned chairs and sandy floors (to keep that island beach vibe going strong) and expansive leafy gardens with sprawling lawns. On the beach you'll find several thatched or linen-covered lapas shading pairs of sun-loungers or enormous pillows. Alternatively, simply string up in a hammock and shoot the breeze.

There are five different accommodation options at Riake, including Comfort, Twin and Deluxe Bungalows, and a Comfort and a Deluxe Villa (in increasing order of size and luxury). The eleven rooms (in total) each have a balcony or stone patio, free wifi and a minibar. There's extensive use of wood in the cabins: four-poster wooden beds draped with mosquito nets, wooden chests and a wooden desk and chair. You might feel like this resort was built by survivors of a shipwreck (which is exactly how this island was discovered). A few rooms are even decorated with old wooden canoes. Ensuite bathrooms have basins and spacious showers, but best of all, your front door opens right out on to the beach and the Indian Ocean. The stone patio out front is a great place to soak it all up.

Start by chilling out on the beach and taking a dip in the stunningly warm Indian Ocean. Once you're ready for some action, choose between shooting out on a boat to snorkel with dolphins, or ask the Riake team to arrange a day of SCUBA diving for you. If you visit between June and September, don't miss the opportunity for whale watching. The interior of the island also offers superb hiking with natural pools (take a picnic), canoeing and some unique plant and animal viewing. There are also a few rugged 4X4 routes to explore, or drive your own quadbike on the beach. In addition, Madagascar is home to a rich and diverse culture, influenced by the descendants of Indonesia and Malayasia as well as the Bantu and Swahili tribes from mainland Africa. The community surrounding Riake is incredibly friendly and welcoming, so interacting with the locals is a lot of fun and only deepens the adventure.