Million Air Winter 2023/24

WILDLIFE

Miavana by Time + Tide, Three-bedroom Villa MADAGASCAR

Set on a remote private island o ff the coast of Madagascar and gently lapped by the waves of the warm Indian Ocean, Miavana by Time + Tide is a haven for marine activity. A diving hotspot, the protected waters around the island are home to myriad undiscovered coral reef, brimming with fi sh in every color of the rainbow. Further a fi eld, there’s also whales, dolphins, sharks and turtles to spot, and the PADI-approved dive center means divers of all abilities can enjoy the waters. There’s more on land too, with lemur walks, turtle egg monitoring and bird-watching all on o ff er. After a long day of adventure, retreat to your secluded villa — the biggest of them all is the Three-bedroom Villa, covering 10,980 sq ft. This sprawling accommodation is out fi tted in hues of white and turquoise, mirroring the palette of the landscape beyond. Each features its own pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a kitchenette, as well as dedicated round-the-clock butler service. From $3,700 per night. Contact Julie Tucker, reservations manager, julie@timeandtideafrica.com, +27 606 424 004, miavana.com

Lapa Rios Lodge, Lapa Villa OSA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA

Up high in the canopy of the Osa Peninsula rain-forest is Lapa Rios Lodge — a 17-bungalow lodge that is less hotel, more conservation center with rooms (albeit very, very swanky rooms). The lodge launched in 1993 and has become a stalwart of the responsible tourism community, actively encouraging guests to meaningfully interact with the vast yet precarious ecosystem inside which the property exists. The experiences ono ff er are all at once authentic, inspiring and intimate, with the geographically diverse peninsula counting the likes of jaguars, macaws, monkeys, turtle and tapir among the hundreds of species that call it home. When it comes to accommodation, the four Lapa Villas are jaw-dropping: Perched just above the canopy, where leaves break to reveal sky, the suites have sweeping views down to the ocean — a view best enjoyed from the plunge pool submerged into the deck of the outdoor terrace. From $2,444 per night. Contact Greivin Álvarez, sales supervisor, info@laparios.com, +1 800 963 1195, laparios.com

Kisawa Sanctuary, Kisawa Residence BENGUERRA ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE Located within its own 741-acre reserve on the southern tip of Benguerra Island, o ff the coast of Mozambique, Kisawa Sanctuary brings new meaning to the word ‘paradise.’ All palm-tree-fringed white-sand beaches, with water so blue it begs belief, the resort is not just beautiful but also carefully considered, with the project creating a positive impact for the people and species of Mozambique. Kisawa has just 11 residences, each occupying its own private stretch of beach, but the Kisawa Residence is easily the top spot. The earthily styled accommodation is made up of two interconnected bungalows and features its own in fi nity pool, day area, kitchen and two generous living rooms. Venturing out into those crystal-clear waters, guests can discover a hidden world beneath the waves: Turtle, tuna, bull and tiger sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, dolphin (three types!) and the rare dugong all frequent the Bazaruto Archipelago. From $5,865 per night. Contact Silvia Manganaro, director of sales and marketing, silvia.manganaro@kisawasanctuary. com, +39 334 2040 660, kisawasanctuary.com

Necker Island, Great House Master BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, CARIBBEAN Famously purchased for the modest sum of $180,000 in the 1970s, Richard Branson’s Necker Island has a cultlike following in the world of private island lavishness. Fast forward 44 years, and the sublime island is not only the entrepreneur’s home but also one of the most coveted, most luxurious and most exclusive vacation destinations in the world. Naturally, each accommodation is on another level, but the Great House Master Suite is up there with the best. Occupying the entire top fl oor of the Balinese-style Great House, the suite has 180-degree views of the island and features three outdoor terraces, an outdoor tub and a roomy living area. Cradled by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the island is great for ocean exploration, with reef, wreck and night dives all available. Not trained? PADI courses can be arranged. Back on land, sugar-pink fl amingos, cheeky lemur and chatty parrots rule the roost. From $113,000 per night for exclusive use. Contact Katrina Gomez, sales manager, katrina.gomez@virginlimitededition. com, +1 929 526 3034, virginlimitededition.com

Photo Elsa Young