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Tropical Haven

Jalakara

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Jalakara

Havelock Island
, Andaman & Nicobar
, India

Jalakara is a gem amongst gems, nestled in the hills and with glorious views across the jungle canopy. With just 7 individual, beautifully designed rooms, Jalakara is The Andamans’ only boutique hotel and it has been created with huge style, flair and love by English owner Mark Hill. The bedrooms are all designed for maximum air flow and are cool, light and chic. Wood, stone and tadlac predominate, with soft, earthy colours that blend beautifully with the surrounding rainforest. Several bedrooms open onto private terraces and some are perched high on the hill with birds eye views. The private villa is superb and has its own garden and plunge pool. The whole style and décor of the hotel is rustic simplicity but ultimately comfortable with everything you could wish for already thought of.

Our Rating: Premium
Property Type: Boutique

Destination

The Andaman Islands boasts some of the best scuba diving in the world; the beaches (public) are sublime; deep sea fishing is exhilarating; the snorkelling is superb; birdwatching in the rainforest, alive with jungle sounds is fabulous; paddle boarding is ideal here on the glass-like sea; kayaking at dawn and dusk, or at night during a full moon with the phosphorescence sparkling, is truly memorable; hiking in the hills is fun and rewarding; mangrove and Dugong safaris are exciting; visiting island villages is inspirational; and just exploring on your own by moped or taxi is a treat. You can be as busy or as chilled as you wish in these unparalleled islands!

Accommodation

Accommodation comprises 6 rooms, made up of 3 Design Rooms, 2 Design Suites and 1 Garden Suite, together with a private villa. 3 bedrooms can be turned into twin rooms. All rooms have bathrobes, air-conditioning, overhead fans, hair dryers, a safe and tea and coffee making machines. They have showers (The garden Suite and Jalakara Villa have bath tubs). Unlimited complimentary water is available. Some rooms are adjoining. Some rooms have garden sitouts. Some rooms are high up with amazing views and quirky roof gardens. Each is different and fun. The rooms do not have TV or DVD players. All rooms look over the jungle towards the ocean.

Design Rooms are approximately 400 sq ft.

Design Suites have a mezzanine day bed, verandah and hammock. Space is approx.. 700 sq ft

The Garden Suite has an open to sky shower, al fresco bath, day bed pavilion and private garden with lily pond.

The Jalakara Villa has a private kitchen and sitting room, together with a sunbathing deck area, plunge pool, private garden, double hammock, private yoga deck. It’s gloriously private and spacious and the louvered blinds allow the natural breezes to waft through.

Given the nature of the building and where it sits, on a hill, wheelchair access is difficult and Jalakara is not ideal for such.

Dining

There is one restaurant serving an a la carte menu, consisting of continental, oriental and Indian food. The food served here is delicious carefully curated by chef-owner Mark. The culinary ethos is farm-to-table with a particular emphasis on fabulous fresh seafood. Dishes are prepared in a fusion style influenced by classical Indian, SE Asian and European cuisine. Signature dishes of black lobster momo and sugar-cured tiger prawns are not to be missed. Dining al fresco by the pool or in the shady dining area is a veritable treat.

Experiences

Scuba Diving, Sea Fishing, Boat trips, Rainforest walks, Birdwatching, Islander Village Experience, Dugong Safari, Mangrove Safari, Snorkelling, Day and night kayaking, Trips to nearby beaches

Why we love this place

Gentle, smiling, local staff will cater to your every need and, if not wanting to come here to ‘fly and flop’ there is a huge amount to do. The Andaman Islands boasts some of the best scuba diving in the world; the beaches (public) are sublime; deep sea fishing is exhilarating; the snorkelling is superb; birdwatching in the rainforest, alive with jungle sounds is fabulous; paddle boarding is ideal here on the glass-like sea; kayaking at dawn and dusk, or at night during a full moon with the phosphorescence sparkling, is truly memorable; hiking in the hills is fun and rewarding; mangrove and Dugong safaris are exciting; visiting island villages is inspirational; and just exploring on your own by moped or taxi is a treat. You can be as busy or as chilled as you wish in these unparalleled islands!

Responsible/Sustainable Tourism

The environment is something very close to their hearts at Jalakara and they feel it essential best practise on a remote tropical island.

Jalakara is built and designed using natural and sustainable materials (woven bamboo, local andaman teak and paduak wood, clay roof tiles, lime plaster, stone, brass and copper) and traditional indian craft construction technology.
No plastic water bottles – mineral water is served in refillable glass bottles in rooms and in restaurant.
All natural (and paraben free) toiletries in rooms in multi-use refillable pumps.
Biodegradable vanity packs (showercaps, earbuds etc.).
“Aircon optional” room design – cross ventilation and fan cooling.
Grey water re-used in gardens.
Rainwater harvesting.
Anaerobic digester sewage treatment plant.
Biomass hot water boilers.
Bamboo straws in the bar.
All vegetables, seafood and meat is grown locally – minimising air miles on supplies (cf Taj which flies in its fish!).
Sustainable line caught and hand-dived seafood. Fished to order for ultimate freshness.
Low energy, long life LED lights throughout property.
Natural cleaning products.
Chemical free natural copper plunge pool in private villa.
Low chemical main pool.

Our Recommendation

Scuba dive – amongst the best in the world. Night kayaking in the mangrove forests or at sea under a full moon, amongst the phosphorescence. “Radhanagar Beach Butler” - recline in style on one of the best beaches in the world”.

Can’t find a suitable itinerary that features a destination, experience or accommodation you fancy? All our group tours and holiday ideas can be personalised, or we can create a tailor made itinerary for you.

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Why Choose Us

  • Destination Expertise
  • Tailor-made Holidays
  • Expert-led tours
  • Quality & Value
  • Trusted Service
  • Responsible Travel
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Our Accommodation Ratings

Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)

Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)

Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)

Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)

Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)