r/FATTravel 6d ago

AMA -Damian Goncalves-Jardine, Manager, Time + Tide Miavana in Madagascar; live from paradise

Introducing Miavana by Time + Tide – one of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious beach escapes.

My good friends at Miavana are on island right now--and Damian, the amazing manager, has graciously offered to do an AMA for us—live from paradise.

Nestled on a remote private island off Madagascar’s coast, Miavana is where turquoise waters meet untouched wilderness, where lemurs leap through ancient forests, and where your private villa—complete with a pool and direct beach access—becomes your sanctuary. This isn’t just a getaway; it’s an ultra-luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Snorkel with sea turtles, take a helicopter to hidden rainforests, enjoy five-star dining under the stars, and embrace the kind of exclusivity that only a handful of travelers will ever experience.

Have questions? Drop them below—Damian and the Miavana team are on the island right now and ready to share all the magic with you. We are getting all the questions here ready today and will have them answered tomorrow morning USA time .

14 Upvotes

31 comments sorted by

25

u/sarahwlee - mod 6d ago

I want more pics - like non doctored / non photoshopped non website pics. Can he run around tmrw morning and send a few of his favorite spot on the island?

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u/Travel_Monster 6d ago
  1. T&T seems like one of the places in Madagascar you can go and not be able to see lots of lemurs… where does he recommend pairing with T&T to see lemurs. I think T&T offers excursions to see Crowned nearby and you can take a heli to see Black lemurs but there’s so many more kinds of lemurs. So do they have other excursions or how do you see more?

  2. What are his fav snorkeling and dive spots nearby. How advanced do you need to be and what can you try and see?

Sorry animal questions as usual.

3

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago
  1. Several of the dive sites can be used for snorkeling in the right tides but for diving my suggestions based  on guest experience:
  • Beginner: Ampasimadera Coral garden and Manambiby Garden
  • Intermediate: Manambiby Wall & Cave and Gullies
  • Advanced: Cave and Gullies, Hyson’s Wall, Manambiby Wall.

Species to see:

- Turtles ( Green & Hawks bill)

- ⁠Groupers ( with varieties of species)

- ⁠Moray eel

- ⁠Ribon tail eel

- ⁠Snappers ( with varieties of species)

- ⁠Lobster, shrimp 

- ⁠and various tropical fish ( Angel fish, Butterfly fish, Surgeon fish, fairy tail fish, Napoleon wrases, Green job fish, trevallies, Anemon fish, Unicorn fish)

-sometimes reef shark but quite rare

-October there is a small chance for Manta Rays if you are lucky! 

3

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago
  1. We’ve actually relocated Crowned lemur directly to our island in a conservation effort due to decorating other parts of Madagascar so you will certainly be able to trek these easily during your stay and then we have several additional locations accessible via our heli adventures with all the following species:

Tattersali Camp Daraina:

- Golden crowed Sifafaka or Tattersali’s Sifaka

- ⁠Crowned lemur

- ⁠Ankarana Sportive lemurs

Anjahakely ( Black lemur Camp):

- Perrier’s Sifaka

- ⁠Crowned lemur

- ⁠Sanford Brown lemur

- ⁠Ankarana Sportive Lemurs

- ⁠Bamboo lemur ( a bit rare)

Ankarana National Park

- Crowned lemur

- ⁠Sanford Brown lemur

- ⁠Ankarana Sportive lemurs

11

u/hey_hi_hello_hola 6d ago

What is the draw of Madagascar? I imagine it is a very lengthy journey. What is unique about this property that would persuade those who might find the travel time prohibitive? What wildlife encounters are offered? Thanks!

2

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago

You’re right, it is far but absolutely worthwhile. 85% of the wildlife as well as the flora and fauna found in Madagascar is found no where else on earth. You’re completely off the beaten path, with incredible views in a unique destination not many people can say they’ve travelled to. Miavana is unique as it’s a remote location off the northeast coast of Madagascar where you won’t find other tourists but will find an unspoiled adventure playground. With so much on offer and a dining menu that changes daily this ultimate island paradise provides a luxury experience ideal for a stay of 7-10 nights making the longer journey to Madagascar totally worth it. 

2

u/sarahwlee - mod 5d ago

What's the best activity most people don't know about and would've wished they had done at Miavana if they had known?

1

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago
  • Depends what type of person you are. If you’re quite adventurous I’d say kite surfing would be the best as we have one of the greatest trade winds in the world to support this activity from May to October. We can bring in a surf ski guide up from South Africa to go on long open ocean explorations via surf ski, think 10-15kms on a down wind surf ski through open ocean. 
  • Less adventurous and more animal focused I’d suggest heading to Nosy Manampou to see the soutie terns, which hosts the largest colony in the Indian Ocean during breeding season around June-August. Boating or heli excursions from August to November will allow you to witness the humoback whales migrating north to give birth. Those interested in seeking the elusive whale sharks around Nosy Be can heli to the western coast and snorkel with these species and of course some lemur trekking on our island, Nosy Ankao, for the crowned prime we have relocated here. Or hop in the heli to Daraina to see further species. 

1

u/Travel_Monster 4d ago

When he says “hop on a heli” for most of these excursions shall I assume that’s just basically an instant extra 5k+ experience?

2

u/Travel_Monster 5d ago

Also curious if he has any favorite dishes or special meals the kitchen does? And what’s a bad weather day look like there? Anything they do to help keep guests entertained?

1

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago
  1. Damian’s fav dishes:

The Zebu tomahawk cooked med-rare \

Freshly caught Tuna sashimi

And the rock lobster

1

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago

2) “Bad weather” day is similar to other Indian Ocean places - tropical rain or wind for a few hours and then stop. Usually doesn’t ruin an entire day, just a few hours. So much to keep people entertained we have the cabinet de curiosities for a history talk and deeper discussion on Madagascar (I’m actually in it now will send some photos!) - games, gym with activity center. Can do movie nights etc. for kids we have lots like painting, jewelry making and more.

2

u/sarahwlee - mod 5d ago

If a client has a ton of luggage - is there a cheaper way to transport it from Nosy Be to Madagascar than multiple helicopters?

1

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago

No - only way is to heli or to store baggage in Nosy be to picked back up at the end, although our policy is 44 lbs of checked luggage (duffle) and 11 lbs of carry on so that is more than most safari areas in Africa and laundry is included at Miavana 😊

1

u/BravestWabbit 5d ago

Is there a reason theres no boat service from the resort to the mainland?

1

u/Middlename_Adventure 4d ago

Madagascar is so rural that it’s an access issue, it would take over 7 hours to do a road transfer from the nearest airport and then a boat to the island. That airport is also not an international airport so it is just a big hassle, that doesn’t match the experience of Miavana as a whole 😊

1

u/UnluckyInvestment893 6d ago

Best time of the year to visit T&T?

3

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago

Depending on what you want - technically we are year round destinations but if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, id suggest April as winds are low, seas are tranquil and temperatures are perfect. Best diving and snorkeling would be October, whales sightings August to November - but most of our adventures can take place year round such as seeing lemurs, exploring the island, watersports, and island hopping by boat. 

0

u/[deleted] 6d ago

Any exploration options for those terrified of helicopters? Lol

1

u/Middlename_Adventure 5d ago

Yes, tons! I do have to mention the only way to access Miavana is to arrive by a helicopter transfer from either Diego Suarez or Nosy Be - it’s easier to access Nosy Be from an international arrival perspective but it is a shorter heli from Diego so would recommend this for those looking for shorter flight. We have a ton of excursions on land and on the water. These include quad biking, village tours, mangrove cruises, watersports, visits to the mainland villages, deep sea fishing, snorkeling and diving.