Published in Sawubona magazine - Hotspot Madagascar

Island Romance

VentaClub Andilana Beach on Nosy Be, Madagascar, is an idyllic tropical island getaway, where you can enjoy a Valentine's dinner with a difference - on a private island surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

Story : Keri Harvey

Perfect tropical islands are easy to come by. They pepper the Indian Ocean, offering pristine white beaches fringed in rustling palm trees, warm turquoise waters and brightly coloured cocktails. VentaClub Andilana Beach in Madagascar has all this, and then some. And should you wish to explore the rest of Nosy Be, the hotel is within easy access to the sacred lakes, reserves and surrounding tiny islands just off shore.

Nosy Be is known as the Perfume Isle courtesy of its ylang-ylang plantations that fragrance the air with gentle aroma. To reach VentaClub Andilana, guests pass these plantations of gnawled, leafy trees and quaint villages as they head to the northern tip of the island. VentaClub Andilana is literally at the end of the road, just a little away from the hustle of daily island life.

Aside from the postcard perfect tropical island paradise on offer, VentaClub Andilana has also conveniently done away with money. If you choose an all inclusive package, you never have to touch your wallet for the duration of your stay. Absolutely everything is covered in the price: breakfast, lunch, dinner, bed, snacks, tea and coffee, and local alcoholic beverages. Which all makes for a real holiday, free of strings and purses.

The hotel is built in an inverted V-shape, following the line of the coast, and has a huge sea-like swimming pool at the heart of it. So all rooms have a sea view and hug the one-kilometre long private beach. The hotel also has facilities for disabled guests and families with all bedrooms being en suite and air-conditioned, with satellite television, fridges and safes. You will also have your own miniature terrace outside.

It's little surprise that the hotel faces west, so evening beach strolls, cruises or a sundowner drink can be enjoyed against a spectacular backdrop. Gin and tonic in hand you'll see fishing boats passing by on the far horizon and dhows sailing closer to shore. Then as evening falls, the palm trees and quiet lapping of the ocean lend a romantic air to Andilana. A special dinner is fitting and there are three venues to choose from: the Club Restaurant, the Grill Restaurant, which is by reservation only, or Piri Piri, an experience never to be forgotten.

On a tiny island at the end of the beach is Piri Piri, a private open-air diningroom for romantics. At high tide the little island is surrounded by shallow water, so meals are generally served at low tide for easier access. If it's lunch at Piri Piri, the views will be tranquil and panoramic over the azure Indian Ocean: if it's dinner there'll be a sense of seclusion and pure romance - diners alone on a tropical island.

To work up an appetite, there are plenty of activities to enjoy without leaving the hotel. Aqua aerobics, tennis, archery, beach volleyball, swimming and an entire fitness centre are on offer. Or you could go deep-sea fishing, hire a taxi and explore the island or take out a canoe and enjoy another perspective on island life. Of course, the most popular pastime is the day spent on a lounger, beside the ocean, under a palm tree, with a view to forever. That is what island getaways are all about.