Escape to Paradise: Crossbill Beach Resort, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Crossbill Beach Resort: Island Paradise or Paradise Lost (and Found)? An Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a week at Crossbill Beach Resort in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and I’m ready to spill the chai (and maybe a little bit of beach sand) on the whole experience. Forget your usual, sterilized reviews, this is the real deal, warts and all. Think of it as your digital travel therapist: we're diving deep, folks.
First Impressions (and the Journey There): Accessibility - Ouch, but Adaptable
Landing in Port Blair feels like stepping onto the set of a lost episode of Survivor. The tropical humidity hits you like a wall, and the air hums with the promise of adventure. But before you even think about paradise, let's talk accessibility. This is where things get… complicated.
Accessibility: The resort itself is advertised as having "facilities for disabled guests". From what I saw, this is a work in progress. Navigating the resort with limited mobility could be a challenge. The pathways aren't consistently smooth, there are some steps (hello, uneven terrain!), and while ramps are available, they're not everywhere. The staff were super helpful about assisting, which made a huge difference. Don't count on total independence if you have mobility concerns, but they’ll do everything they can to help you out. This is something that needs serious improvement, tbh. My biggest hope is that they take the accessibility of disabled guests more seriously. They can't claim it's accessible when it isn't.
Getting There: The airport transfer (arranged by the resort, thankfully) was smooth. However, the bumpy roads leading to the resort are, shall we say, "character-building". If you're prone to motion sickness, load up on ginger. This is definitely something to consider.
The Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Bliss and… Well, Let's Just Say "Rustic Charm"
My room, a non-smoking haven of air conditioning (thank the travel gods!), was comfortable enough. I'm not gonna lie, the blackout curtains were my best friend. Hellooooo, sleep! Then the free bottled water, coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea was a lovely touch after a long day swimming.
The Wi-Fi [free] was a game-changer, Wi-Fi in all rooms! which was a lifesaver as I work remotely. I've seen better internet speeds, but hey, you're on a freaking island! The internet access – wireless was reliable and I could even work on my laptop workspace sometimes! The Internet access – LAN was there too, but I didn't use it.
The bathroom was… interesting. The separate shower/bathtub was great, the hair dryer was decent, but the toiletries were a bit basic. I'm a sucker for good bath products, so bring your own, people. And while the slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch, I felt like the interconnecting room(s) available was a cool option for families or groups of friends.
The Highlights: Where Crossbill Shines
- The Beach: Oh my GOD, the beach. Picture this: pristine white sand, turquoise water so transparent you can see the colorful fish darting around. It wasn’t crowded. Seriously, the beach is reason enough to book.
Swimming pool [outdoor]too, but the sea is way better! - The Staff: Bless their hearts. EVERYONE was incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. From remembering my coffee order to going above and beyond to help me find a phone charger, the staff made the difference. The smiles were infectious!
- The Views: Seriously, the
pool with a viewwas breathtaking. Theterracefrom my room just added to the serenity. This resort really nails the whole "escape" vibe.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Beyond the Beach
- Spa & Relaxation: Okay, the
spawas legit. I indulged in amassage(heaven!), and spent far too long in thesaunaandsteamroom(bliss!). They offer aBody scrubandBody wrap. I've never been scrubbed so much in my life. - Fitness Center/Gym/Fitness: I peeked in, but my idea of fitness is walking to the bar. Looked well-equipped though, if you're into that kind of thing.
- Things To Do: I also explored the
shrine- a beautiful spot for reflection. Though I didn't need to do all of it, it was pretty cool.
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Quirks)
- Restaurants: There are multiple
restaurants, including avegetarian restaurant. TheAsian cuisine in the restaurantwas a highlight. Thebuffet in restaurantwas okay, but thea la carte in restaurantwas much better. Thepoolside barwas a lifesaver for cocktails. - Breakfast: The
Asian breakfastwas amazing!. Thebreakfast [buffet]was decent (Western breakfasttoo!). I could even getBreakfast in roomif I was tired. - Other Food Options:
Room service [24-hour]was perfect for those late-night cravings.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal?
- Hygiene, COVID-19, and Safety: Okay, this is important. The resort definitely takes safety seriously.
Hand sanitizerwas everywhere. They practicephysical distancing of at least 1 meter. Thestaff trained in safety protocoland thedaily disinfection in common areaswas reassuring. They offeredRoom sanitization opt-out available. The overall effort onCleanliness and safetywas excellent. - I appreciated the
Cashless payment service,Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, andIndividually-wrapped food options.
The Quirks: The Things That Make You Go "Hmm…"
- The Music at the Pool: I love music. It's my thing. But sometimes, the resort played this weird, generic, elevator music that was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly "island vibes." I wish there was a bit more variety.
- The "Essential Condiments" Question: Don’t expect specific brands of condiments. You may need to ask if you need something non-standard.
- The Location: It's remote. Which is great for getting away. But you're not stumbling into any stores on a whim. Plan your shopping accordingly. They do have a
Convenience storeon-site, but selection is limited.
Services and Conveniences: Pretty Good, but Don't Expect Miracles
- The
Air conditioning in public areawas a welcome relief. - The
Conciergewas helpful. - The
Meeting/banquet facilitiesare there but I didn't use any. I can't see any potential forSeminars. Daily housekeepingkept everything tidy.Luggage storagecame in handy.- They offer
Laundry serviceandDry cleaning. - A
Gift/souvenir shopis available for those last-minute purchases.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
- The resort is
Family/child friendly. They haveKids facilitiesand offer aBabysitting service. There’s a designatedKids mealoption as well.
Getting Around:
Airport transfermakes life easy.Car park [free of charge]is a bonus!Taxi serviceavailable.
Things I Didn't Get to Experience (but they offer!):
Couple's room(next time!)Proposal spot(hint, hint, husband!)Meeting stationery(didn't need to host a meeting)Xerox/fax in business center(thank God!)Indoor venue for special events,Outdoor venue for special eventsAudio-visual equipment for special events
The Verdict: Will I Return?
Honestly? Yes. Despite its flaws, Crossbill Beach Resort is a special place. It’s not perfect, and it has some areas for improvement, particularly regarding accessibility. But the sheer beauty of the location, the warmth of the staff, and the feeling of being truly away from it all – that’s what makes it worth the trip. Is it a luxurious, five-star experience? No. Is it a place to make memories and recharge your soul? Absolutely.
In Conclusion: A Compelling Offer For You
Hey, You! Craving Paradise? Escape to Paradise at Crossbill Beach Resort!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Want to trade the everyday grind for sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the ultimate relaxation? Look no further than Crossbill Beach Resort in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Here's the deal:
- Immerse Yourself in Untouched Beauty: Picture this
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram itinerary. This is REAL life, Andaman style, and we're about to get messy at the Crossbill Beach Resort. Prepare for sun-kissed skin, sand in places you really don't want it, and me, rambling like a lovesick sailor on a rum bender.
Crossbill Beach Resort: A Semi-Planned Chaos (And Probably a Lot of Sunburn)
Day 1: Arrival and A Questionable First Impression
Morning - Arrival & The "Welcome Drink" Debacle: Landed in Port Blair, which was already a sweaty struggle. The flight was delayed, of course – because nothing ever runs entirely on schedule in India, and honestly, I kind of love it (except when I'm hangry). The transfer to the resort was a bumpy ride; the driver, bless his heart, seemed to think the potholes were optional. Finally at the Crossbill beach resort, the lobby's open sides immediately gave way to a humid heat. The welcome drink… well, let's just say it tasted vaguely of pineapple and regret (and probably watered-down). Anyway, the view from the balcony was EPIC. Turquoise water, powdery sand, the whole shebang. Sigh. Starting to see the appeal of this whole "island life" thing…
Afternoon - Beach Bumming & The Great Gecko Incident: Found our little slice of paradise! Attempted to look chic in my ridiculously oversized sunhat, but quickly realized lounging is a professional sport. Took a dip. The water was warm, crystal-clear, and basically begging for a vacation. Pure Bliss. That's when the gecko. Oh GOD, the gecko. He was tiny, green, and decided my sun hat was a prime real estate. Screamed. Loudly. Mortified the other guests (I'm certain they saw). Eventually, had my husband remove said gecko, which was a small victory. Still, the memory of it has burned into my consciousness.
Evening - Dinner & The Mosquito Apocalypse: The restaurant was charming, overlooking the beach. Ordered the grilled fish, which was divine except for the fact that I was constantly swatting at mosquitos. Seriously, they were ravenous. I'm convinced they held a meeting, plotting my demise. Eventually, retreated to the room, slathered in repellent, and vowed to invest in a mosquito net that would double as a fashion statement.
Day 2: Sensory Overload and a Stolen Moment
Morning - Snorkeling Shenanigans (and Near-Drowning): Took a boat trip to a nearby reef for snorkeling, which should have been a highlight. But the ocean looked so amazing. My mask kept fogging up. Swallowed a ton of saltwater. At one point, I swear I saw a giant fish that looked like it wanted to eat me. Panicked. Flapped around like a dying starfish. Thank God my husband saved the day. Phew. Found a beautiful sea turtle though, totally worth the near-death experience. But let's be clear: snorkeling is HARD.
Afternoon - Beach Stroll & The Unexpected Serenity: Stepped on a crab. It was a tiny crab. Felt terrible. Needed to center myself. Walking along the beach for a while, and the sheer beauty of the place hit me. The way the light danced on the water, the sound of the waves… just breathtaking. Found a secluded spot, curled up on the sand, and just breathed. No phones, no schedules, no pressure. Just me and the ocean. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated peace. Wish I could bottle it up.
Evening - Sunset Drama & Seafood Overload: The sunset from the beach was absolutely gorgeous. Saw flaming orange colours I've never seen before, and the way the sun reflected on the water… just amazing! Decided to order a whole bunch of seafood again for dinner, and the food was delectable. Ate so much I nearly exploded. Decided to try a new cocktail, and it tasted like sunshine and coconut. Perfect.
Day 3: Diving, Dumplings, and Departure (Already?)
Morning - Diving (Attempted): Signed up for a scuba diving lesson. BIG MISTAKE. Or maybe not? It was… intense. The feeling of being underwater, breathing through the regulator, was both terrifying and exhilarating. It was exhilarating because I felt like I was witnessing an alien world, but terrible because I kept fighting to come up. I was totally out of my depth, if you'll excuse the pun. After what felt like an eternity, the instructor basically dragged me back up to the surface. But saw a few amazing coral and fishes, so… semi-worth it, I guess?
Afternoon - The Beach Shack That Changed Everything: Wandered off the beaten path and stumbled across a tiny little shack selling dumplings (Momos). They were the BEST dumplings I've ever tasted in my life. Ate three plates. The woman who owned the shack was so lovely, smiling and chatting with a genuine kindness that radiated. This place, it's what really makes the adventure come alive.
Evening - Farewell Dinner & The Bitter-Sweet Goodbye: Packing up, it’s a bittersweet feeling, thinking back on all the moments. The resort itself, the beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, the people I met, the food… it’s all a part of me now, whether I like it or not.
Final Thoughts/Random Ramblings:
- The "Things I Loved" List: The sunsets. The beaches. The food. The unexpected moments. The freedom from the everyday grind. The almost-but-not-quite-perfectness of it all.
- The "Things I Could Have Done Without" List: The mosquitos. The gecko incident (still traumatized). The near-drowning experience. The persistent humidity.
- Overall Vibe: Exhausted. Sun-kissed. Slightly bewildered. Completely and utterly charmed.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Even with the geckos and the fear of drowning, Crossbill Beach Resort, and the Andaman Islands in general, is a little slice of paradise. It's a place that'll stick with you, even when you're covered in sand and mosquito bites, because you had a real, genuine experience. That's the human thing. And, honestly, sometimes the imperfections are better than the perfection.
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Escape to Paradise: Crossbill Beach Resort FAQs (For Real This Time!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Crossbill Beach Resort REALLY paradise? Or is it just Instagram-pretty?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. Paradise? It's got *moments*. Those sunsets? Swoon-worthy. The turquoise water lapping at the pristine sand? Yeah, that's Instagram-worthy for sure. But here's the thing… perfection is boring, right? I went expecting a fully fabricated utopia and found… well, something much more interesting. Like, one morning the water was filled with jellyfish, and I screamed like a little girl. (And I'm a grown-ass woman!) Later that day, I was swimming with a sea turtle, and I cried ACTUAL TEARS OF JOY. So, is it paradise? Depends on the day, your tolerance for minor inconveniences (more on those later), and your ability to find the beauty in the messy bits. And trust me, there are messy bits.
What's the vibe like at the resort? Chill? Party central? Somewhere in between?
Okay, vibe check: mostly chill. Like, *major* chill. Think hammocks, books, the gentle sound of waves (until the aforementioned jellyfish incident). They *do* organize bonfires on the beach a few nights a week, which can get lively, but it's not Ibiza. Think acoustic guitars, maybe a few too many cocktails (guilty!), and conversations that meander into the wee hours of the morning. I met this amazing couple, they were on their honeymoon, spent hours talking about the proper way to eat a mango and the best way to haggle for a sarong. Perfect.
The food. Tell me *everything* about the food. Is it safe? Is it good? Is it… edible?
Food! Oh, the food. It's…a journey. First off, yes, it's generally safe. I didn't get the dreaded Delhi belly (thank god!). Secondly, it *is* good. Amazing, actually, when they nail it. The seafood is, unsurprisingly, the star. The grilled fish? Heaven. The curries? Spice-tastic. But let's be realistic, sometimes things don't quite hit the mark. There's a chef, bless his heart, who clearly has a thing for over-salting the pasta. And the breakfast buffet… well, let's just say I had a *very* intimate relationship with the instant coffee. But hey, it's part of the experience, right? Don't go expecting Michelin star quality, but embrace the adventure of trying new flavors and dishes!
What about the rooms? Are they as luxurious as the photos suggest? Or are they glorified huts?
Okay, rooms. The photos are… flattering. They’re not *lies*, exactly, but the reality is…rustic charm, shall we say? I stayed in a beachfront bungalow. Woke up to the sunrise, which was glorious. The bed was comfy enough, the aircon worked most of the time. The bathroom… well, the shower pressure could be better. And the occasional rogue mosquito managed to sneak in. But honestly? I didn't care. Who spends all their time in a room when you're surrounded by that kind of beauty? I spent most of my time on the little porch just watching the ocean. That's paradise right there. Just don’t expect a marble bathtub and a walk-in closet. Embrace the sand between your toes and the sound of the waves. It’s a tradeoff I was happy to make.
Is it easy to get to the resort? Airports, transfers, etc.?
Getting there… is an adventure in itself. You fly into Port Blair (India), which is a whole experience in itself. Then, it's a ferry or speedboat ride to Havelock Island. The ferry, I didn't take it. Speedboat is faster, but a little bumpy. Then, a jeep ride to the resort. It's not the quickest journey, let's put it that way. Be prepared for travel days. Pack snacks. Download some podcasts. Accept that you're not going to get there *instantly*, and embrace the journey. The views from the speedboat are amazing, so keep your camera at the ready! Think of it as pre-relaxation.
Activities! What is there to *do* besides, you know, sitting on the beach and looking pretty?
Activities! Okay, the sitting-on-the-beach-and-looking-pretty thing is a perfectly valid activity, and I highly recommend it. But if you want to get moving, you got options. Snorkeling and diving are AMAZING. The coral reefs are literally bursting with color. I saw more fish than I could count! You can hike, (though I only did a little bit of that. Too hot, okay?). They offer boat trips, explore the local villages. There's even a yoga class (which I, predictably, chickened out of). Or, you could spend a whole day just swinging in a hammock. No judgment here; I did both. Oh, and there's this great little place nearby to learn how to cook local dishes. But mostly, I just chilled. And swam. And ate. Life is good.
Okay, let's talk about the bugs. Mosquitoes? Leeches? What's the insect situation?
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving into the unglamorous side of paradise. The bugs... They exist. Oh, they *exist*. Mosquitoes are a thing. Pack the DEET. Seriously. Apply it religiously, especially at dusk and dawn. The resort does try to spray, but the little buggers are persistent. I came home with bites, many, many bites. Itching like crazy is a part of the experience, apparently. I even saw some sand flies. And, yes, there were some, thankfully small, leeches. I felt them a few times while hiking. A quick flick, and they were gone. Not a horror story by any means, but still a little yuck. The biggest annoyance? Those pesky ants! They found their way into EVERYTHING I left unattended. Don't leave any food out. And if you are staying at the resort, make sure your doors and windows are tightly closed. You'll appreciate the extra layer of protection. So, expect bugs, prepare accordingly, and try not to freak out. It's nature, baby!
Would you go back? Honestly?
Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, the mosquito bites, the over-salted pasta... yes, I would go back in a heartbeat. The beauty of the place, the genuine warmth of the staff, the feeling of being completely disconnected from the outside world… It's addictive. It's a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and rememberHidden Stay
