Escape to Paradise: Ocean Terrace Andaman - Your Dream Nicobar Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Ocean Terrace Andaman - My Messy, Wonderful Nicobar Ramble (SEO Optimized, Kinda)
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I just spent a week at the Ocean Terrace Andaman, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Not a perfect one, mind you. Life, and hotels, are rarely perfect – and honestly, that's part of the charm. But this place? It has some serious charm. And a whole lot of stuff that makes it worth your time, especially if you're craving a Nicobar escape. (And hey, before I forget, this is my real-deal, honest review, so let's get into it.)
Accessibility: The Good & The "Could Be Better"
First things first: getting to the Nicobar Islands? That’s a journey in itself, and the hotel doesn't exactly control THAT. BUT, I've researched some of the transport options and the best option is by government's ship or helicopter, these options are best if you want to avoid air travel.
Now, for those of us needing a little extra help, the hotel does offer facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn't need them myself, but I saw a ramp leading up to reception and the elevator was there, which is a huge plus. I'd recommend contacting them directly beforehand to get precise details on room accessibility, because, let's be real, sometimes "accessible" means something different in other places than expected, I wish I had done that.
On-Site Goodtimes: Food, Drinks, Chill Zone, and… More Food!
Alright, let's talk about the fun stuff – or, at least, the potentially fun stuff. Because honestly, the food situation was a rollercoaster. But a delicious one, albeit with a few bumps.
- Restaurants & Lounges: They've got a few dining options. The main restaurant has views of the ocean, but there's no specific "lounge" as you'd imagine in a super-fancy resort. But hey, who needs a lounge when you have the Indian Ocean right outside your door? The restaurant is where the good stuff is .
- Dining Vibe: The buffet breakfasts are definitely a highlight, the buffet had some good things, and also the buffet in general is good for those who would want to stay for longer, because of the variety the buffet offers.
- Food Breakdown:
- Asian Cuisine: The restaurant had Asian dishes, like noodles with some kind of spicy sauce.
- International cuisine: The food was good, and I was able to get some fries and a burger, which I am not complaining about.
- Buffet: The buffet was the best.
- Coffee: The coffee was great, and easy to access.
- Snack Bar: The snack bar was near the pool, and had some great snacks.
- Vegetarian options: They have a decent selection of vegetarian options.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Time to Unwind?
Okay, where the Ocean Terrace Andaman truly shines is in its relaxation offerings. This is where I saw my budget. From the pool with the unbelievable view, to the spa… oh, the spa.
- The Pool: The swimming pool is gorgeous, and you have to see it.
- Spa & Sauna: The spa itself is a haven. I got a massage, and basically melted into a puddle of bliss. Body scrub? Done. Body wrap? Sign me up! It's not a super luxurious spa, but it's exactly what you need to de-stress. And the sauna is a game-changer after a long day – my skin felt amazing.
- Fitness Center: They have a fitness center! It's not huge, but has enough equipment to get a decent workout going. It's great that it exists, and gives you something to do to kill time.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe & Sound?
This is hugely important, especially these days. And Ocean Terrace Andaman scores well here.
- Cleanliness: The rooms are spotless. The common areas are regularly cleaned. I felt safe every step of the way.
- Safety Measures: They’re taking things seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocols, and professional-grade sanitizing services. The staff is all so lovely and go out of their way to make sure you're happy.
- Rooms are Sanitized: The rooms got sanitized, and they take your safety seriously.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms:
My room was great. Spotless, comfortable, and with a view that steals your breath.
- Room Details:
- Air Conditioning: Absolutely essential.
- Free Wi-Fi: It works without problems
- Bathroom: Everything was clean and working well.
- Seating Area: It was lovely to hang out and look out of the window.
- Bed: The bed was comfy.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras
They’ve got a good range of services to make life easier:
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry: The laundry service was efficient, though I had to pay extra for it.
- Concierge: Very helpful, and always up for a chat.
For the Kids:
This place is family-friendly!
- Babysitting: They offer babysitting services.
- Kids Facilities: They have kids facilities.
Things to Do: Beyond the Beach
Okay, so you’re not just gonna sit around all day (though, trust me, the urge is strong). Here’s a glimpse:
- Beach: Go to the beach.
- Things To Do: There are a lot of things to do the whole time, from swimming on the beach, to laying on the bed and reading a book.
- Exploring: You can explore around too.
The Bottom Line: Is Escape to Paradise a Paradise Escape?
Honestly? Yes. It's not flawless. There are those little imperfections, but that’s okay. What matters is the experience. The stunning views. The helpful staff. The chance to switch off and reset.
Here's Something to Grab Now!
Ready to escape to Paradise?
We're offering a special deal for a limited time:
- Book a stay at Ocean Terrace Andaman for 4 nights or more and receive a complimentary massage at the spa, including a free glass.
Click to book now and starting planning your escape!
Key Words: Nicobar Islands, Ocean Terrace Andaman, Andaman accommodation, spa, swimming pool, beach, relaxation, India travel, travel, hotel.
Unbelievable Taibo House 012: Your HCM City Dream Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your meticulously planned, robotic itinerary. This is a descent into my messy, sun-drenched, possibly slightly sunburned (let's be honest, guaranteed) experience in Ocean Terrace, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster, because that’s exactly what it's going to be.
Ocean Terrace: My Soul's Attempt (and Maybe Failure) at Paradise
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Mosquito Massacre)
- Morning (Probably): Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair). Ugh, airports. They all smell vaguely of stale coffee and existential dread, don't they? The humidity hits you like a warm, wet hug. A slightly clingy hug. Seriously, bring the bug spray. I learned this the hard way. More on that… later.
- Transfer & Check-In: A pre-booked car (thank god for that!). The drive to Ocean Terrace is… scenic. Lush, unbelievably green. My jaw actually dropped. Twice. First, at the beauty. Second, at that rogue pothole that nearly launched my dental fillings into the stratosphere. Check-in wasn’t seamless. The room? Promised an ocean view, delivered sort of an ocean view, obscured by enough foliage to make it a challenging game of I-Spy-the-Sea. Fine. Just… fine.
- Afternoon: The Mosquito War Begins: Okay, so apparently, the mosquitoes in Andaman are the size of small birds, with a thirst for blood rivaling Dracula's. I foolishly thought, "Bug spray? Pfft, I'm practically a wilderness expert!" (I once successfully assembled a flat-pack bookcase. Twice. Okay, with help the second time.) Turns out, I needed industrial-strength stuff. Within minutes of stepping onto my balcony, I was under siege. Swarms. I flailed. I swatted. I screamed internally. They. Won. The itching. Oh, the itching.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: A Stroll & a Soul-Soothing Meal: Giving up on the mosquito battle, I decided to embrace the beauty. Took a short walk on the beach. The sand was blinding white and the water ridiculously turquoise. It was beautiful. Like, properly, postcard beautiful. Ate dinner at the hotel restaurant. Grilled fish. Simple, fresh, and the perfect antidote to mosquito-induced rage. The sunset was… I can't even. Pure, unadulterated, Instagram-worthy magic. Almost made me forgive the mosquito attack.
Day 2: Cellular Jail & A Meltdown (and a Lobster) aka "The Day My Heart Broke (and Then Ate Lobster)
- Morning: Cellular Jail - The Weight of History Hits Hard: Visited Cellular Jail. This is not a fun visit. It's gut-wrenching. The stories, the tiny cells, the weight of suffering… It hit me like a ton of bricks. I got choked up more than a few times. I was ashamed how little I knew about this period. It's a stark reminder of human cruelty and resilience. Feeling numb after, I needed a strong dose of something, so…
- Late Morning - Early Afternoon: The Meltdown: I was supposed to go snorkeling, but it turned out that "boat not running because of weather which is normal" meant, "boat not running, deal with it". This, combined with the Jail visit and a persistent mosquito bite that felt like it was trying to eat my entire leg, led to a full-blown, ugly cry on the beach. Yes, I cried. In public. In front of passing tourists. I was a mess. The beauty of the place, the history, everything - it was all too much. Luckily, an elderly woman in a bright red sari, handed me a tissue and just smiled. She didn’t speak a word of English, but her eyes said, "Honey, we've all been there."
- Afternoon: Lobster Therapy (and a Lesson in Island Time): After the emotional downpour, I decided I deserved a treat. A big treat. Found a local shack that served fresh, grilled lobster. Honestly, the best lobster I've ever eaten. It was pure indulgence. While waiting for my lobster, I had a chat with the owner. He just shrugged when I asked about island time. Turns out “soon” means “when it feels like it, maybe in an hour, maybe tomorrow”. I forced myself to chill, and, sure enough, after many "soons", my lobster was served, and my heart slowly stitched itself back together, one delicious bite at a time.
- Evening: Planning (and Failing to Plan) for Tomorrow: Back at the hotel. I spent the evening wrestling with the idea of what to do tomorrow. Should I go to Havelock? Explore the local market? Take another boat? The options felt endless. Too endless. Then a sudden downpour (monsoon season, remember?) and the power went out, meaning the hotel Wi-Fi was gone. My research plans were scuttled. Fine. No plans. Let the island… do things to me.
Day 3: Scuba Diving (and Finding a Different Kind of Peace)
- Morning: Overcoming Fear & Descending: Scuba Diving was a MUST DO. Absolutely terrifying before going. I’m claustrophobic. I'm a control freak. Going into the ocean and breathing through a regulator seemed like a recipe for a panic attack. But I did the training, I took a deep breath, and… went. The initial descent was… intense. Pressure, bubbles, the vastness of the ocean. Then, suddenly, the fear melted away.
- Mid-Morning/Afternoon: The Underwater World: IT. WAS. MAGICAL. Coral reefs bursting with color, fish of every shape and size, it was like being in a giant, animated aquarium. I saw a sea turtle! Okay, I almost bumped into it. So humbling! Even my fear of the ocean disappeared. It was quiet. Peaceful. Completely different than my chaotic thoughts. It was something extraordinary. I could breathe. I could also nearly drown myself. My buoyancy skills need work. My instructor was incredibly patient, and after a moment of panic, so glad I was able to overcome my fears.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Regrets & a Sunset Again: I wish I had done it sooner. The rest of the day was spent reliving the experience. Feeling calm, a little sunburnt, very tired, and deeply, unexpectedly moved. Watched another sunset, slightly less dramatic than the first, but still gorgeous. Back to the hotel and realized I maybe made a very stupid decision. Turns out the restaurant was out of lobster. Gutted. But I learned. Plan ahead for the lobster.
Day 4: Departure (and the Promise to Return, Mosquitoes Be Damned)
- Morning: One last breakfast. One last panoramic view of the endless ocean (this time, without the mosquitoes!). Packing, saying a reluctantly goodbye to the view.
- Afternoon: Final Thoughts: Airport again. I am surprisingly calmer this time. I am not sure if it was the trauma of Cellular Jail, the experience of the lobster, or the magic of scuba diving, but I am leaving a much better person. I saw beauty. I felt terror. I was humbled and found myself.
- Departure: Goodbye, Ocean Terrace, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It wasn’t perfect. Messy, certainly. And riddled with mosquito bites. But I'll be back. Next time, I'm bringing industrial-strength bug spray. And maybe a lobsterman on speed dial.
So, you're REALLY going to the Nicobars? How DO you even get there? (And is it worth the hassle?)
Alright, buckle up, because getting to Escape to Paradise: Ocean Terrace Andaman is NOT a hop, skip, and a jump. It's more like a multi-legged journey involving planes, possibly some ferry wrangling, and a whole lotta patience. You're looking at flying into Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andamans (that's your first hurdle). From there, you'll likely need to coordinate with the resort about onward transportation, which could be a ferry to Car Nicobar (or a charter if you're REALLY lucky, and loaded, ha!).
Now, the ferry… let’s just say, pack Dramamine. The Andaman Sea *is* notoriously choppy. I went once, and the seasickness wasn't fun. I swear I saw the guy in the seat across from me turn a shade of green that hadn't been invented yet. My husband, bless his heart, was fine – smugly reading a book. I felt terrible. I should have listened to my gut and sprung for the charter. On the flip side, the journey itself - aside from the occasional hurling - offers some stunning views of the islands. Just… hydrate. And maybe bring a barf bag.
Booking: This part is... tricky. You're not just going to roll up and knock on the door. Contacting the resort website, or a good travel agent is your best bet. Expect to plan well in advance, especially if you're aiming for peak season. It’s a commitment. But oh, the reward... *sigh* Still, consider the journey part of the adventure. Makes the destination that much sweeter, right?
Okay, I'm THERE. What's the resort ACTUALLY like? Is it as dreamy as the photos?
Honestly? Yes. And also, no. The photos are stunning, no doubt. Ocean Terrace is built on an actual *terrace* overlooking the ocean, hence the name, and the views are GORGEOUS. Seriously, breathtaking. It's the kind of place where you wake up and think, "Am I dreaming?"
The rooms are spacious, often with private balconies or patios, and designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The air conditioning works (thank GOD!), and the beds are comfy (praise be!). However, remember this is the Nicobars, not the Maldives. You might stumble upon a stray gecko in your room (he's probably just as terrified of you as you are of him), or the occasional power outage. It's *rustic* luxury, not polished perfection.
The food: Generally, it's good. Fresh seafood is, obviously, a must-try. They'll happily cater to dietary requirements if you inform them ahead of time, but don't expect Michelin-star-level dining. It’s more about the experience – eating fresh, local ingredients while looking at the water. And the staff are lovely, they will go out of their way for customer satisfaction.
Critters: Speaking of animals… be prepared to share your space with the local wildlife. I remember one evening, while sipping a sundowner on my balcony, a crab the size of a small dinner plate sidled out of the bushes! Pure terror, then laughter. Embrace it. It's part of the charm. Just try not to leave food lying around. Trust me on this one.
What is there to DO? I'm not sure about just… sitting.
Well, you *could* just sit. And honestly, sometimes that’s the best part! Just staring out at the ocean, letting the stress melt away… pure bliss. But if you're the active type, you're in luck.
Snorkeling and diving: This is the big one. The Nicobar Islands are renowned for their pristine coral reefs and incredible marine life. You'll see more colours than you thought were possible. I went snorkelling. I’m not the best swimmer, but I saw vibrant fish, and healthy coral, and it was a *wow* moment. I regretted not diving, which is offered, so much - just don’t be me! Seriously consider it. The Dive center offers a variety of courses. Don't forget to learn the basic hand signals first.
Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: If you're into that, then go at it. The water is generally calm, but check the weather, of course. It is even better at sunset, or sunrise.
Island hopping: Explore the nearby islands, each with their unique character. Just remember, the transportation is not always super reliable. Plan, plan, plan.
Honestly for me, the best activity was just wandering along the beach, picking up shells (yes, I did!), and watching the sunsets. It was the kind of peace you rarely find in life. If, after experiencing this place, then you still want to do something other than sit, then feel free. But be ready to be at peace.
What's the food situation like? Are there options besides... fish? (Because sometimes I get fish-ed out.)
Okay, let's be honest: you *will* be eating a lot of fish. It’s fresh, it's delicious, and it's pretty much everywhere. But the resort generally does offer other options. They're generally accommodating with dietary requirements, if you let them know in advance. But don't go expecting a five-star culinary experience with endless choices every night.
Breakfast: This tends to be a buffet affair with a mix of Indian breakfast staples (dosas, idlis, etc.) and some Western options (toast, eggs, fruit). Fuel up here, because you'll need the energy for all that relaxing you'll be doing! I, personally, load up on fruit.
Lunch and Dinner: Expect a mix of Indian, and sometimes continental cuisine. Fresh seafood is the star, often grilled, or curried. They usually cater to a wide variety of preferences.
The drinks situation is generally good, offering a selection of beers, and some basic cocktails. If you're particular about your wine, consider bringing your own bottles. It is your paradise, after all.
Alright, the practicalities: Can I use my credit card? Is there Wi-Fi? (And how do I avoid a complete digital detox melt-down?)
Okay, let's get real. This is not a credit-card-swiping, instant-connectivity kind of place. While most resorts will have credit card facilities, they are not always reliable. Carry cash. ATMs? Forget about it.
Wi-Fi: Expect spotty Wi-Fi, at best. Embrace the digital detox! I actually found it liberating. At least for a few days. I admitWorld Of Lodging
