All along the island’s coastline, the edges of the tropical rainforests meet with warm golden sands, and cobalt-blue waters that gently lap onto the palm-fringed shores, creating an idyllic and tranquil ‘paradise island’ like ambience. Spend lazy, laid-back days swinging in a hammock between the palms and watching for whales and dolphins or explore the myriad of sea life living on the colourful coral reefs around the island on snorkelling and diving adventures.

While Nosy Be has the best-known beaches backed by chic boutique hotels, escape the crowds and venture out to one of the little offshore islands for pure tranquillity. The sleepier islands such as Île Sainte Marie on the east coast, Nosy Komba off northern Madagascar, or the private islands of Tsarabanjina and Nosy Iranja have beautifully secluded stretches of footprint-free sands and crystal-clear waters.

For the best of both worlds, head to the Masoala Peninsula and national park, where the lush mountainous forest with its rare endemic wildlife tumbles down to deserted golden sand beaches at the Bay of Antongil, which is one of the best places to see majestic humpback whales gathering during breeding season.