Whale sharks and lemurs, turtles and chameleons — Madagascar is a biodiversity wonderland, with the added bonus of exceptional beaches, lush volcanic topography and vanilla-scented traditional villages. Just opened this July with eight suites, Time + Tide Tsara Komba is accessed by boat, offering adventure from the moment you arrive, including scuba diving, nature walks and sand-side picnics. Tie in a stay with a visit to Time + Tide Chinzombo in Zambia’s South Luangwa Park — home to unique Cookson’s wildebeest and Thornicroft’s giraffe, and you’ll have a wildlife-packed Christmas holiday that also includes restorative lounger time.