When I booked my spontaneous trip to the Andaman Islands, it was all because of Port Blair. The chance of a lifetime to fly from Chennai (Jonny) to Port Blair (Blair) and fulfil my name in travel was too hard to resist. However, I had no idea of the paradise that was to await me here on the gorgeous Andaman Islands.
The Andaman Islands are part of India of course, but you get a separate permit on arrival and a new passport stamp. It kind of felt like going to Jersey or Guernsey from England. The Andaman Islands are actually closer to Myanmar than they are to mainland India. My flight touched down in Port Blair on a stonking hot day and I spent my first day and night here exploring the capital city. My city – Port Blair.
After that, I wanted some peace and tranquillity and to escape the capital city, so I found the Peerless Sarovar Portico Resort which is by the coast in a very quiet place called Corbyn’s Cove. I booked in for two nights here and was about to enjoy some pure travel bliss. It’s a backpacker’s dream to stay in resorts like this. I found some true relaxation and harmony here, these were my favourite things about my stay at the Peerless Sarovar Portico Resort.
1.Almost Private Beach
A few hundred metres out the front of the resort here is Corbyn’s Cove. The Peerless Sarovar Portico Resort is the only resort opposite this beach so in essence, it’s a private beach. The waters are hot, blue and gorgeous.
I loved my time here. Quiet swims, a bit of reading and relaxing and in the shade out of the hot rays of the sun. It is a paradise.
2.Two Quiet Local Bars
On-site there is the restaurant Corbyn’s Delight, attached to it the Sea Sip Bar. And beach-side out the front is the Waves Bar where I enjoyed a fresh afternoon beer and started getting some typing done, in the absence of internet.
3.Huge Leafy Gardens
You kind of know you’re in paradise here when you step out the front door of the property.
There is a path way down to the beach, on either side leafy gardens. You can play volleyball here too, and there are swings and plenty of space to relax or for children to play. It’s a good family resort too – kids will love the freedom and parents will love the relaxation.
4.Comfortable Luxury Rooms
So far in India, my room at the Peerless Sarovar Portico has been the most comfortable and the most luxurious. A huge, clean double bed. A large ensuite bathroom. A spacious desk from which to write. A cosy balcony. Air conditioning. Tea and coffee. A fridge. A fan. TV which even had UK football on it.
5.Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast was a huge buffet selection with a mix of continental and Indian cuisines on offer. As expected, I tried and sampled almost everything on offer and even better – they vary the menu each day.
I ate here on the first night for dinner too at the on-site Corbyn’s Delight – had a tasty Paneer meal and a Kingfisher beer.
I was so impressed by the Peerless Sarovar Portico Resort, it remains a highlight from my 13 years of travel since leaving my hometown. I got some great sections of my book written up and had time to reflect on my backpacking journey.
The only negative aspect to it is the Wi-Fi and it’s not even their fault. Port Blair sadly has really slow and inconsistent Wi-Fi. The worst I’ve seen since Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and North Korea. This meant I couldn’t make as many people jealous with my Instagram photos and Facebook updates and I had to delay my posts and backdate them, which always feels a tad false. However, as I work online and need to constantly check e-mails, Wi-Fi is important for me. Some people love to come here to get away from all that, and it is certainly a place to do that. I got on with writing my book offline in the meantime.
Here are the details for booking the Peerless Sarovar Portico Resort:
P.O. Box No. 21, Corbyn’s Cove
Port Blair – 744 101, Andaman Islands, INDIA.
Phone : 03192 – 229311 / 229313 / 229321 / 229323
Fax : 03192 – 229314
e-mail : [email protected], [email protected]
http://www.peerlesshotels.com/port-blair/
Here are some videos I made during my stay here at the Peerless Sarovar Portico Resort:
(to be uploaded when I get fast Wi-Fi)
Hi Blair,Im Ankit from Mauritius and to be honest Cant wait to visit these paradisal Islands.I love your rviews about them and have heard about them a lot I think the reason y these islands are so spectacular is cause they are close to foreigners to ane xtent and being close to phuket and indonesia no direct flights and only Indians Can visit freely and even the wealthy ones who can afford to fly here.
I love such islands and I think Andamans are just that Phuket sadly is ruined by tourists I was there last year in december and the beach was filled with used condoms and bottles and trash.
Nice report.
Hi Ankit, thanks for the comment. Yes, Andaman Islands were beautiful. I had a great time, have a safe and happy trip. Jonny