This Resort In Andaman Will Give You The Ultimate Sense Of Calm

Andaman, the still (thankfully) untouched island, has never failed to leave people feeling calm and clear-headed. While Goa gets hyped up and, budget permitting, the immediate thought often is “I could just go to Thailand instead”, I’m honestly grateful for this very common Indian mentality because it keeps Andaman exactly as it is: just as beautiful, just as uncrowded, and just as peaceful.

You land in Port Blair, take in its city side, and slowly acclimatise to the fact that you’ve finally reached an island where the AQI barely even touches 50. Then comes the usual trail, heading to Havelock Island to unleash your part water-baby, part adventure-seeker side with scuba diving, snorkelling, and more. And finally, you arrive at Neil Island to unwind to the absolute maximum, because this island is almost entirely free of the chaos of the world. No honks, no rush, just walks through greenery, a quietude that doesn’t make you anxious, and sunsets that feel nothing short of heavenly. It’s the kind of place where you don’t want to compromise on your stay. And that’s exactly why I stayed at Symphony Summer Sands.

Symphony Summer Sands is a resort and spa in the heart of Neil Island that offers an experience you’ll carry in your mind and heart, well, forever. Interestingly, the property is divided by a road. On one side, you’ll find the reception, a seemingly endless pool that runs right in front of the rooms with no partitions (complete with a bridge), and the restaurant and bar area all in one space.

Across the road is where things get even better, rooms that feel more like private villas (because they actually are), especially the one I stayed in, which came with its own private pool. And if that wasn’t indulgent enough, the room also opened out to a beach view, yes, a private beach. At that point, it was clear this deserved a proper deep dive. So let’s break it all down, bit by bit.

Since I’ve already spilled the fact that my room came with a private pool and a beach view, it’s only fair to say that even the inside of the room was so good, you’d happily lounge around all day. The space was expansive, with a hut-style roof and soaring ceilings that felt like they touched the sky. The bed, absolutely comfortable, sat right in the centre, with a storage section and wardrobe behind it, creating a neat partition that led to the washroom through a sliding door. And the washroom was massive; so big it felt like it could fit a single bed. I spent a lot of time in the shower area; it was pure tranquillity, and I genuinely didn’t want to step out.

Beyond that, there was a living-room-style space with a plush sofa, multi-sized tables, and a large-screen TV. The in-room bar setup had pretty much everything you could think of (and then some). Half the walls, from head to toe, were all windows, making the beach view even more surreal, while on the other end sat the private pool, spotless. As someone who tends to nit-pick, I truly couldn’t find a single flaw, and I’m really glad about that.

The resort has 62 rooms divided into five distinct experiences: Casa Earth, Casa Air, Casa Aqua, Neil Ocean Suite, and Beach Mansion, all equipped with full amenities and that unmistakable luxury feel.

Price Per Night: INR 6,824 onwards, going up to INR 15,925 (discounts may vary)

They also have their own multi-cuisine restaurant, Organikhaa, right within the resort, and it’s nothing short of a culinary delight. Helmed by expert chefs, the menu features a wide range of delectable dishes that’ll leave you genuinely sad when your plate is empty (and very tempted to go back for seconds… or thirds). All the ingredients are locally sourced and organic, so you can happily overindulge without a hint of guilt.

Then there’s the Waters Wet Bar by the pool, serving up exotic cocktails and premium beverages you’ll want to sip on all day long. The lighting adds to the vibe, making it feel extra dreamy as the day rolls into evening. They also offer floating breakfasts decked with chocolate pancakes, omelettes, and five-plus other delicious treats, all served right in front of you, floating in the pool.

Before I dive into the experiences, there’s one thing I cannot skip mentioning, the staff. They’re professional, courteous, always available, and some of the nicest people you’ll come across. Highly polite and attentive to every little request, they made sure we remembered not just the stay, but also the warmth with which we were treated.

Coming to the experiences, you can opt for a magical candlelight dinner with the beach right in front of you and a blanket of stars overhead. And to help you feel even more rested beyond the stay, there’s the in-house Neil Oceanic Spa, where you can choose from a range of treatments designed to truly revitalise you. Oh, and if you happen to visit during a festive season, the resort transforms its garden area with celebrations, dance performances, DJs, and more, making the experience all the more memorable.

Going to Andaman is, without a doubt, one of the most peaceful decisions you can make for yourself, but to elevate that experience manifold, Symphony Summer Sands truly delivers. And if Neil Island isn’t on your itinerary, the brand has you covered with Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort and Hotel Shompen in Port Blair, as well as Symphony Palms Beach Resort in Havelock Island.

Social Media: Symphony Resorts, Symphony Summer Sands (Neil Island)