If travel is food for the soul, then this destination is going to be an absolute feast for yours, as it most definitely was for mine. If you pull up a map, there is a teeny-tiny almost invisible chain of islands that stretches all the way from Burma to Indonesia. Zoom into that and you reach Port Blair where your flight lands. Catch a fancy catamaran ferry across several shades of blue till you reach the most sensuous shade of blue you’ve ever seen. Look up, you’ve arrived at Neil Island. Take it all in, from the schools of neon fish dodging the rolling waves to the keen-eyed brilliant-blue kingfisher perched above waiting for his moment to make a meal of them, because this truly doesn’t exist anywhere else.
Here is a small piece that our guest wrote for us –
I am here to review a particular resort of interest that has caught my fancy for all its rave reviews, and decided to check it out for myself. Samsara Resort at Neil Island is a SeaShell property, typical of that in all its indulgent luxury and world-class room amenities. But what really struck me, apart from how friendly and welcoming the staff is, is their absolutely gorgeous swimming pool! Lucky for me, my super plush room was pool-facing (as not all Samsara Lagoon rooms are). But if you’ve chosen the Lagoona Pool category of rooms then you’re sorted because all of them are facing this tranquil, calming view of the water surrounded by the carefully looked-after greenery that cocoons this 40-room beach-front Seashell premium resort.
Less than 800 metres from where your ferry arrives, it is almost adjacent to their sister property Seashell Neil. Fortunately I was able to spend a night there as well, a review of which will give you a clear idea of the resort and all its magical wonders. It’s noteworthy that only Samsara guests can access its pool.
Since I was only spending one night here, I decided to make the most of it, and the meals… when they said free breakfast I was truly not expecting THIS spread – from pooris and bhaturas of the North to uttapams and delicious fresh coconut chutney of the south, from chicken sausages and pasta to pancakes of your choice of flavours, omlettes to dosas, cereals, fresh fruits, and sprouts…needless to say, I made the most of it!
Oh, that was just breakfast. My lunch, on arrival, was crab masala served with garlic cheese naan (you could pick your choice of accompaniment). And I’ll tell you, my mouth was literally watering between bites. So good. A couple of virgin Mojitos and fresh coconut water helped quench my tropical thirst.
Once back from a breath-taking snorkel adventure with their in-house PADI certified dive centre, I decided to make the most of their bar and finger-food poolside service with a couple of Pina Coladas, and prawn popcorn with their scrumptious mint and mustard sauce. Unable to stop, I ordered their fish fingers as well and was pleasantly surprised at the uniqueness of their preparation.
Dinner was a whole other affair. A freshly caught grilled Lobster in lemon-butter sauce served with exotic saute vegetables and pimento rice tossed in a continental herb seasoning… absolutely finger-licking delicious. And what an end to such a beautiful experience that I will cherish forever.
I am so looking forward to my next visit back here!
Experience the magical Neil Island with SeaShell and let us know your detailed experience. We will definitely highlight it in our blogs.
FAQs
Q.: How do I reach the Andaman Islands?
A.: Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is well connected with direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Connecting flights are from New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Airlines that frequent here are Vistara, Air India, Indigo, and GoAir.
Q.: Is it safe for solo women travellers to visit the Andamans?
Coming from a solo woman traveller myself, Andamans is truly one of the most beautiful, safest places for a solo woman traveller.
Q.: Is there anything except in-water activities to do at Neil?
A.: Yes, in fact, SeaShell organises a range of activities at Neil. One can try their hand at either snorkelling or diving from the SeaShell in-house PADI-certified Dive Centre after exploring the island.