Madagascar, previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 400 km off the East Coast of Africa. It is the dream destination for outdoorsy tourists, with 5% of all known animal and plant species located here, as well as being home to incredible, epic landscapes like no other.

Swallowed by a tropical garden that covers an impressive 15 hectares and incorporating two beautiful white sand beaches, one of which is almost a kilometre long, lies Hotel Andilana Beach – Madagascar’s most popular four star resort. Overlooking the exclusive bay of Nosy Be, the hotel offers you a gorgeous location for a blissful break away for families and couples alike.

If you are looking for a desert island getaway, then Constance Tsarabanjina is the ideal hotel for you. Located on an uninhabited private island just off the Madagascan coast, the hotel boasts 25 beautiful thatched bungalows nestled among the jungle overlooking powdery white sand beaches, clear blue warm seas and untouched reefs. There are no televisions in the bungalows and limited internet connectivity, giving you a real escape from reality for the duration of your break. A true taste of paradise.

Isalo Rock Lodge in South Western Madagascar is a modern 60-room retreat tucked neatly up high in the Sandstone Mountains, overlooking the Isalo National Park. With breathtaking views from the lodge, and wildlife such as lemurs and giant chameleons in the surrounding area, this hotel is one that will ensure that you leave having experienced one of the most memorable adventures you could possibly imagine.

Offering a luxurious and chic atmosphere, L’Heure Bleue is located right on Madirokely Beach and boasts eight luxury lodges and 10 waterfront bungalows. Backed by a hill that overlooks the bay of Ambatoloaka, the luxury lodges feature large private terraces and beautiful views and the waterfront bungalows combine traditional architecture with comfort and unparalleled charm. L’Heure Bleue has received a number of awards since its complete renovation in 2012 for its eco-construction, design and decoration.

The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of Grandidier’s Baobabs which line a dirt road that runs between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region, and is one of the most visited locations in Madagascar. The road is around 260m long and features a grove of around 20-25 of baobabs which tower over nearby rice paddies and meadows that are snuggled between almost 10 acres of land. The trees are estimated to be up to 2,800 years old and once stood among a dense forest which has been since cleared due to the demand of the human population.

Tsingy Rouge Park is a red laterite stone formation that was created by erosion of the Irodo River and can be found in the region of Diana in Northern Madagascar. Its several hundred small sandstone needles make this a particularly photogenic trip, especially when they are touched by the sunshine. However; due to natural events and the material these needles are made out of, over time they disappear. Not to worry though, as “new” Tsingys appear time and time again due to further erosion in the gorge which await discovery for centuries in hibernation beneath the earth.

The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga features a Royal City, a burial site, and a host of sacred locations and is the best-preserved monument of the precolonial Merina Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was first occupied in the 15th Century and has since been one of the most important spiritual and historic site for the natives of Madagascar. To this day, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga remains a place of worship to which pilgrims come from both Madagascar and the rest of the world.

Please note that this list is not extensive:

• Turkish Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Air Mauritius
• Air France
• Kenya Airways
• South African Airways