This long, narrow island off Madagascar’s east coast might be just the piece of heaven you’re looking for. Also known as Nosy Boraha, its lush islets, bays and coves will provide the same privacy and mystique they did for the legendary pirates that held out here after their plunders in days gone by. The waters are endowed with significant coralline growth and offer first-class diving; or if you prefer being ‘onboard’, take a traditional pirogue ride in the calm bays – from July you can witness the migration of substantial groups of humpback whales and for history lovers, a visit to the pirates’ cemetery of Saint-Pierre is a must.