This luxurious island resort in the Indian Ocean ranks among the world's priciest hotels — here’s a glimpse of what staying here is like.

It took just three minutes after arriving on Nosy Ankao, a palm-covered island off northern Madagascar, to spot my first chameleon. I was thrilled, yet the striped lizard, roughly the size of a soda can, remained unfazed. With its lens-like eye, it glanced at me before continuing its slow, jerky stroll across the concrete path.

Upon stepping off the helicopter that brought me from Nosy Be airport, I was greeted with a refreshing ylang ylang-scented cold towel and a large coconut, marking a perfect welcome to Miavana. Opened in 2017, this prestigious island resort in the Indian Ocean is backed by French-Mauritian financier Thierry Dalais, who also invested in the renowned North Island resort in the Seychelles. It’s a hidden gem for the elite, offering a discreet and ultra-private getaway where celebrities like Martha Stewart or Tom Cruise might be neighbors, yet remain unnoticed.

As a travel journalist, I've had the privilege of exploring some of the most breathtaking resorts worldwide. Even before stepping foot in Miavana, I sensed it would be extraordinary. Nestled on the coral-fringed island of Nosy Ankao, which also hosts a quaint village of thatched-roof huts and a few lemurs, reaching this paradise is no easy feat. This difficulty adds to Miavana's allure. After a lengthy journey to Nosy Be, which involves at least one layover for commercial travelers, guests must embark on a one-hour helicopter ride across Madagascar's northern tip aboard a stylish turquoise Robinson R66 helicopter, emblematic of the resort.

The journey was undeniably rewarding: pristine stretches of sugar-white beach, shared by only 14 unique accommodations. Miavana refers to these as "villas," though that term hardly does justice. With spacious living areas, separate lounges, two airy bathrooms, and an outdoor shower, even the basic villas resemble mini-estates. My own two-bedroom sanctuary featured an additional fully-equipped villa that would be considered a luxury stay at most beach resorts; here, it merely served as the second bedroom.

All villas, regardless of type, lead to expansive private gardens adorned with multiple sunbeds and Breton-striped bean bags surrounding an elliptical pool. The interiors, crafted by the South African design duo Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, showcase a breezy blend of wicker, local limestone, and midcentury modern decor, enhanced by nautical elements like copper porthole windows and fist-sized seashells.

With an abundance of private space and more cozy lounge spots than I could count, it was all too easy to drift into a state of beachy bliss. From the sun loungers on my villa's deck, I could gaze for hours at the turquoise horizon, observing nimble birds darting after insects along the jungle's edge and geckos soaking up the sun. Between refreshing dips in my private pool and the crystal-clear ocean right in front of me, I found myself engrossed in my Kindle, learning about the intriguing history of the African island on the horizon. My butler was just a WhatsApp message away, ready to bring fresh pineapple juice, iced lattes, or an elaborate in-room brunch featuring Malagasy vanilla crepes, cheese platters, and smoothie bowls topped with local cocoa nibs. I could easily have spent my midweek stay without leaving my villa at all. As South African resort manager Craig Gemmell mentioned over dinner one evening, many guests do – some staying for more than two weeks.

However, I was eager to explore more of the island and its surroundings. Madagascar, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, hosts many species of lemurs, reptiles, and plants that are found nowhere else. On a guided jungle trek, I encountered several chameleons, countless geckos, and orchids unique to this region. The underwater scenery was equally mesmerizing: while snorkeling near a local reef, I was greeted by a vibrant array of clownfish, parrotfish, and even a solitary green turtle gliding through a coral forest that has so far escaped major bleaching. If my budget allowed, Miavana's helicopter safaris could have whisked me to other parts of the mainland, where the team sets up picnics in lesser-known baobab forests or arranges treks to spot rare black lemurs with expert guides.

Back at the resort, the Piazza, Miavana's beachfront hub, provided plenty of reasons to leave my villa. This area features a stunning communal pool, a sweeping white design surrounded by loungers and billowing gauzy curtains, as well as a small museum filled with taxidermied insects and remains of now-extinct local species, including the Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus and elephant bird eggs. The restaurant is also located here, and during my five-day stay, the menu offered no repeat dishes. One afternoon, I enjoyed a lavish spread of Malagasy curries and grilled fish for lunch, followed by a perfectly cheesy margherita pizza for dinner. On another day, I could choose from short rib ramen, mezze platters, or tandoor-roasted cauliflower, with the chefs always willing to accommodate off-menu requests, whether it was blinis and caviar or an exquisitely prepared beef Wellington. If I craved a specific brand of soy sauce for my sushi, they would make it happen.

Of course, all of this comes with a hefty price tag. With room rates starting around $3,400 per person per night, Miavana makes many five-star hotels seem like bargains. It's one of the priciest resorts globally, but this cost covers numerous perks: all meals and drinks, including top-shelf liquors and a selection of premium wines. Guests also enjoy complimentary scuba dives, boat cruises around the archipelago, and guided island excursions.

Nonetheless, it's difficult to assign a value to such a remarkable destination. "What truly sets Miavana apart is its close proximity to some of the planet's most extraordinary wildlife," says Bjorn Behlert, senior travel consultant for Africa at luxury tour operator Scott Dunn, who frequently books his clients here. "From the tops of baobab trees to the depths of coral reefs, surprises await at every turn. Its incredible biodiversity, paired with a genuinely unique luxury experience, is one of the many reasons guests keep coming back to this secluded island resort," he adds.

Scott Dunn specializes in customizing luxury travel and offers a five-night package at Miavana, which includes helicopter transfers, all meals, top-shelf drinks, a variety of water activities, boat cruises, fishing trips, spa treatments, and a round-trip business-class flight from New York. The package starts at $36,900 per person.