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At the moment: Miavana by Time + Tide versus Kisawa Sanctuary – which one is finest?
I not often evaluate luxurious lodges on my journey weblog. I’ve solely finished it as soon as final yr, by evaluating the 4 Seasons Bora Bora with the St Regis Bora Bora. I did so as a result of most discerning vacationers who wish to journey to Bora Bora will likely be confronted with the dilemma of staying at both the 4 Seasons Bora Bora or the St Regis Bora Bora, the 2 most unique 5-star lodges on the island. At the moment, I’m including one other lodge comparability to my weblog: Miavana by Time + Tida in Madagascar (which debuted in 2017; learn my evaluate right here) versus Kisawa Sanctuary in Mozambique (which debuted 2019; learn my evaluate right here). Each ultra-luxe properties rank among the many world’s finest seaside resorts they usually share loads of similarities (spectacular seaside setting, huge personal villas, nature-focused excursions, top-notch service, and many others …). Furthermore, each resorts are considered the final word seaside getaway after a safari in Southern Africa and they’re in the identical worth vary (we’re speaking right here about room charges that begin at 5000 euros per evening, though that features all meals, drinks in addition to a collection of actions. The query is: which one is finest, Miavana or Kisawa? So, right here’s my detailed comparability of each resorts.
Have you ever ever stayed at Miavana and Kisawa? In that case, what was your expertise and which resort did you favor? Depart a remark.
For ease of navigation, I’ll evaluate the next facets of Miavana and Kisawa (asserting a winner in every class):
1. LOCATION
Miavana by Time + Tide calls the Indian Ocean island of Madagscar its residence. Mysterious and shrouded in fantasy, Madagascar is likely one of the most original, iconic and biodiverse locations on earth. The ultra-luxe property is positioned on the distant island sanctuary of Nosy Ankao, off the north east coast of Madagascar. Nosy Anko is the biggest of 5 islands within the Ankao archipelago, providing turquoise Indian Ocean waters, pristine seashores, and untouched wilderness. Nosy Ankao has an fascinating historical past. A transient location for seasonal fisherman, the island’s one small village misplaced its total inhabitants (of round 10) after they ate turtle meat which was poisoned by seasonal algae. Within the Nineties the island was utilized by ‘pirates’ as a solution to keep away from police management on the roads in northern Madagascar. At the moment, the island is the unique residence of Miavana (aside from the native village whose inhabitants now work on the resort).
Kisawa Sanctuary is positioned in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, a area which broke away from the mainland 1000’s of years in the past and now harbors one of many planet’s richest but least explored subtropical ecosystem. The waters that lap the archipelago are crammed to the brim with an array of reef fish, sea turtles and recreation fish. An assortment of endangered marine life have additionally been documented right here reminiscent of whale sharks, manta rays, leatherback turtles, humpback whales and the very uncommon dugong. Declared a Nationwide Park in 1971, the Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of 5 islands: Santa Carolina, Bangué, Benguerra Island, Magaruque, and Bazaruto. Kisawa is ready on Benguerra Island, the second largest island within the Bazaruto Archipelago, which extends over a mere 11 km (6.8 mi) in size. With simply two intimate ultra-luxe lodges adorning its shores (Kisawa Sanctuary and &Past Benguerra Island), the island presents an invite to flee the cacophony of on a regular basis life.
Winner: Miavana (due to its personal island setting).
2. GETTING THERE
Miavana enjoys a distant setting, which is a part of its enchantment. That mentioned, getting there implies an extended journey: you’ll want to take a flight to one of many two airports in Northern Madagascar (Nosy Be or Diego Suarez), that are solely served by a small variety of airways, adopted by a 30 min (from Diego Suarez) or 60 min (from Nosy Be) helicopter flight. The helicopter flight itself presents breathtaking vistas although of the wild landscapes of one of many world’s final wilderness frontiers, together with hen’s eye views of humpback whales within the ocean under if you’re fortunate. Miavana has full-time helicopter pilots available that use the resorts’ privately owned Robinson R66 helicopters, that are painted turquoise with white stripes to match the resort’s interiors.
Attending to Kisawa Sanctuary is loads simpler as in comparison with Miavana. The resort is accessible by helicopter from the close by airport of Vilankulos, which receives day by day business flights from Johannesburg (JNB) and Maputo (MPT). After touching down in Vilankulos, a Kisawa airport host meets and assists visitors via immigration, and introduces them to the third-party helicopter firm. The flight to the resort takes solely about 5 to 10 minutes and presents unimaginable vistas of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Alternatively, visitors also can attain Kisawa from Vilankulos by personal boat, a journey which takes about half-hour and which may also be organized upon reserving.
Winner: Kisawa (as a result of getting there may be much less time consuming). When your journey originates in Johannesburg, it should take a 90 min flight to Vilankulos adopted by a ten min helicopter flight to succeed in Kisawa in comparison with a 3 hour flight to Nosy Bay, adopted by a 60 min helicopter flight to get to Miavana. Kisawa additionally has the benefit that it may be reached with out backtracking by way of Johannesburg Airport after a safari since Airlink presents direct flights from Kruger Worldwide Airport to Vilankulos on chosen days; attending to Miavana after a South African safari will at all times contain a bit extra planning: Airlink solely flies twice every week to Nosy Be and these flights leaves within the morning (so you should have the spend the evening earlier than the flight in Johannesburg).
3. VILLAS
Miavana options 14 supremely luxurious seaside villas, providing one, two and three bedrooms. Area is not any difficulty as these palatial villas are huge in dimension. And what’s extra, they’re dotted on the island’s western aspect alongside the magnificent seaside, affording spectacular views of the ocean, mainland Madagascar (on the horizon), and the sundown. Every villa contains a personal pool, lush backyard, trendy eating and residing space, well-stocked kitchenette, master suite with ensuite lavatory, and a school room which will be transformed right into a kids’s bed room. Every villa additionally comes with its personal bicycles and electrical buggy to discover the island.
Kisawa Sanctuary options 12 huge personal residences that are a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom luxurious villas. A few of the residences are positioned on the calmer cove (lagoon) aspect whereas others shelter within the dunes on the ocean aspect, but all are rigorously positioned inside their very own secluded plot of a minimum of one acre of beachfront, sand dunes and forest. Since there may be a lot area between dwelling, most privateness and optimum appreciation of the pure atmosphere are ensured. Every villa contains a lounge, bed room with kingsize mattress, two dressing rooms, an outsized lavatory, and a separate paviolion housing a shaded lounge & eating space, out of doors kitchen, and personal swimming pool. Every residence has its personal devoted Mini Moke during the visitor’s go to.
Winner: The big villas at Miavana and Kisawa are equally spectacular, so there’s no clear winner right here (though I did desire Kisawa’s Mini Mokes in comparison with Miavana’s electrical buggies).
4. STYLE & DESIGN
Miavana contains a glamorous decor and structure, designed by Johannesburg-based architects Silvio Rech & Lesley Carstens. Actually translating ‘to reconcile’, Miavana’s design blends barefoot seaside luxurious with mid-century modernism, which is a welcome reduction for the heavy Balinese type with thatched pavilions that you just discover at many different tropical seaside resorts. The ethereal and lightweight, Le Corbusier impressed interiors characteristic impartial tones of ivory and lightweight brown, matching the resort’s seaside, rock partitions, and decks. The minimalist magnificence is counterbalanced by a couple of sprinkles of turquoise (e.g. curtains, daybeds, deckchairs) that convey a decisive island vibe.
An African impressed design is likely one of the pillars of Kisawa. Born out of a need to mix in, somewhat than interrupt, Kisawa’s method to craftsmanship and design primarily concerned the native individuals from Benguerra and the neighbouring islands. In consequence, the expert work of native weavers, thatchers, carpenters and textile makers is showcased with satisfaction all through the property. Celebrating the wealthy cultural historical past of Africa, distinctive artwork and antiques have been sourced from throughout the continent, making certain the preservation of heritage artefacts and their remaining provenance. These helpful works sit alongside domestically made bespoke furnishings, all coming collectively to supply a considerate and genuine sense of place, and a reference to the pure atmosphere.
Winner: Miavana. I most popular the modernist type of Miavana as in comparison with the African design of Kisawa, however that’s only a matter of private style after all.
5. COMMUNAL AREAS
Miavana contains a magnificent beachfront public space, known as the ‘village’ or ‘piazza’. The piazza’s central stage is an open-air lounge and eating pavilion beneath an intricate palm-leaf-woven roof. Seemingly floating on a clear-blue water pond, this pavilion is flanked on one aspect by a bar which mimics a ruined fort (with rooftop terrace) and by an excellent, curved infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean on the opposite aspect. The piazza additionally boasts a seaside pizzeria and a classy indoor restaurant with well-stocked wine cellar. The latter is topped by 4 domes, every pierced with a round glass skylight, permitting celestial beams of sunshine into the area.
Aside from a wonderful pool space, which is positioned proper subsequent to the spa & health club within the dunes overlooking the Indian Ocean, Kisawa doesn’t have a communal visitor space. Most visitors of Kisawa will keep at their villa throughout their vacation, solely venturing out for dinners, spa therapies and excursions (however that’s additionally the case at Miavana).
Winner: Miavana
6. SPA
Situated amongst the dunes on the coronary heart of Kisawa, is a wellness middle devoted to rest and wellbeing. The spa – which works by the identify Pure Wellness Middle – presents particular person therapies or personalised packages rooted in Ayurvedic medication – one of many world’s oldest varieties ofholistic medication, combining therapeutic massage therapies, vitality and sound therapeutic work, meditation, acupressure, yoga, reiki and breath work. For therapies, the spa makes use of 5 signature important therapy and blended therapeutic massage oils which have been developed in collaboration with licensed natural therapeutic oil specialists in Thailand. A cutting-edge Japanese Iyashi dome sauna makes use of light infrared warmth to advertise therapeutic. Subsequent to the spa is a completely outfitted health club, the place Pilates reformers can be found for visitors to make use of alone or with knowledgeable tuition.
Miavana by Time + Tide lacks a spa facility. Spa therapies will be offered although by expert therapists within the privateness of your villa. The resort does have a health club although.
Winner: Kisawa
7. FOOD
As you’ll be able to anticipate for a resort of this caliber, meals at Miavana is scrumptious (with all meals and most drinks included within the nightly charge). Daily, the resort’s excellent culinary staff creates beautiful meals that convey collectively the best native substances with world class talent. Dishes vary from gentle and contemporary to indulgent and delectable, with flavors pulled from across the globe. Every day menus are designed in keeping with the newest island harvest and particular consideration is given to any dietary necessities you’ll have. Company can select to dine within the privateness of their villa or beneath the celebs within the resort’s beautiful essential piazza.
All-inclusive Kisawa Sanctuary has 4 on-site eating places, which is insane once you understand that there are solely 12 villas. Nevertheless, not all eating places are open every evening, though that’s probably not a difficulty (the employees will suggest a meal plan for every day in keeping with the opening occasions of the eating places). On the 4 culinary areas, the ethos stays the identical: a dedication to domestically grown produce, the observe of natural, seasonal gardening strategies, working a zero-waste coverage and utilizing no processed substances. Kisawa has constructed a community of farmers and fishermen from throughout the Inhambane province, making certain contemporary native produce day by day. Led by Culinary Director Jospeh Moubayed, the a number of venues provide all kinds of dishes, with a deal with Mozambican and African flavours.
Winner: Miavana. Though Miavana has just one restaurant in comparison with the 4 eating venues at Kisawa, I did desire the meals at Miavana (which is actually high-quality eating and complex). Whereas meals at Kisawa is unimaginable good, the resort’s delicacies focuses on wholesome and locally-inspired home-style cooking however I’d not describe it as really fine-dining (aside from the principle eating venue, which serves a extra subtle delicacies).
8. BEACH
Fringed by an exceptionally lovely white sand seaside, Miavana represents an insanely lovely island haven the place visitors can get pleasure from distinctive bespoke experiences in final privateness. The countless, untouched, pristine seaside is lined by a background of palm timber and provide views throughout the Indian Ocean in the direction of the mainland of Madagascar. The seaside right here is protected by a sprawling coral reef, so it makes for light waves and tranquil waters that are good for a swim. The island on which Miavana is positioned is flat, aside from a couple of dunes at its middle (which aren’t seen from the seaside).
Set inside a large protected conservation space, Kisawa Sanctuary straddles 5 km (3 mi) of unspoiled shoreline that includes a glamorous white sand seaside that’s lined by big sand dunes. Within the japanese, ocean-side a part of the property, the wild seaside contains a highly effective surf and crushing shorebreak, whereas the southern and western lagoon-side a part of the sanctuary contains a extra calm seaside, lapped by light waves. When strolling on the seaside, solely a handful of Kisawa’s thatched roofs are seen amid the African bush, creating an virtually surreal castaway expertise.
Winner: Kisawa. The seaside at Kisawa ranks among the many most lovely seashores I’ve ever seen at a resort throughout all my years of touring across the globe. The fantastic thing about the property’s dunes, white sands and indigenous forest is jaw-droppingly spectacular.
9. EXCURSIONS
Nosy Ankao – residence of Miavana – varieties a part of practically 15,000 hectares of marine area that together with the adjoining mainland makes up the Loky Manambato Protected Space. It signifies that actions on the resort are countless. There are alternatives to snorkel or dive the encompassing reef or enterprise out deep-sea fishing past it. Guided boat excursions across the bays, lagoons and seashores present helpful perception into this beautiful and numerous ecosystem. Dolphin watching is feasible from October to Might, whereas humpback whales will be noticed between July and October. 4 species of turtle are present in these waters and they are often seen nesting between Might and mid-July. One other spotlight to not be missed is a guided trek in Miavana’s native forest seeking the highly-endangered Topped lemur, a primate often called Madagascar’s most iconic animal. Should you really feel the necessity to ‘get off’ the island, then helicopter journeys to the mainland will be organized at an extra price. This consists of excursions round northern Madagascar, which is residence to fabulous landscapes and two well-known Nationwide Parks.
Set amid a nationwide marine park within the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago, Kisawa has entry to a few of the most on the earth. The resort’s schedule of visitor experiences – which modifications month-to-month to replicate the season and visiting wildlife – ranges from journey and water sports activities to conservation and group constructing centered actions. For instance, Kisawa presents completely different ranges of PADI licensed personal and group diving experiences that vary from naked pores and skin snorkelling with turtles and reef fish to deep sea diving with black, blue and striped marlin, sail fish, yellowfin tuna, bull and tiger sharks and manta rays. Additionally from July to October, the Mozambique Channel turns into the perfect breeding and nursing floor for humpback whales, and visitors can witness these majestic mammals breaching & rolling in unique expeditions. One other extremely beneficial tour at Kisawa Sanctuary is an exploration by personal boat of the Bazaruto Archipelago, which incorporates stops at idyllic seashores and towering sand dunes.
Winner: Miavana. Each Miavana and Kisawa provide a variety of beautiful excursions, nevertheless it’s exhausting to beat Miavana’s personal helicopter excursions (Kisawa additionally provide a restricted vary of helicopter excursions, however these excursions are contracted to a 3rd occasion helicopter firm).
10. WEATHER
While a vacation in Madagascar – residence of Miavana – will be loved year-round, the principal moist season is from December via to the month of March. Typically involving cyclones, it’s in all probability finest averted! One of the best time to go to Madagascar is subsequently between the months of April via to November, with July to September thought of the prime months to go to with dry, sunny, albeit usually windy climate.
One of the best time to go to Kisawa Sanctuary and the Bazaruto Archipelago is through the dry season, which runs from April to November. These are the cooler however drier winter months, with sunny climate and nice temperatures through the day (nights can get a bit chilly although in July and August). From December to April, the Bazaruto Archipelago is kind of sizzling, which can make touring uncomfortable. From February to March is hurricane season, so should you do go to throughout this time, be ready for infrequent downpours of rain.
Winner: Miavana and Kisawa get pleasure from the same local weather and seasons, so there’s no clear winner. In the course of the drier and sunnier winter months (June to September), temepratures generally is a bit colder at Kisawa, particularly at evening, whereas Miavana might sometimes endure from extraordinarily windy situations.
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