Hotel Reviews of Island Vinnies

5.44
BobYourUncle, Bangalore | 27^th October 2007
Hotel Review of Island Vinnies
Comments: Havelock Island is about as far as you can go from mainland India as any other freely accessible territory in the country. That in a word puts things in perspective. Add to that the relative seclusion and the beautiful beaches and you have a fantastic location.
We went there as a family and a friend recommended we stay at 'Dive India' because the Government-run Guest House was fully occupied. Island Vinnies is more popularly known as the 'Dive India Resrt' presumably because it caters to the fancies of divers - bith professional and amateurs. I understand that this is a popular choice for foreign student divers because it works out cheaper to be certified here.
When our friend asked if we would like to stay in tents, the kids were really excited because they had never done this before. I was a little apprehensive considering the fickle weather during this time of the year (early October). But the accomodations (albeit a little cramped) and the spartan facilities were unique - and lived up to their statement - 'not same, same - very different'! In a phrase staying here is a welcome change.
Best Experience: Don't expect a front office when you enter the resort - but you'll find one of the 'bell boys' running up to meet and escort you to your tent. As you enter, you may be welcomed by the friendly barking of the house dogs - Sammy and Fodo. Once you are in your tent, you will never be approached again unless you want something. So there is absolutely no disturbance - no television, no newspapers, no intrusions. If you do get bored, you could walk across to the dining area and some old novels and magazines - presumably left behind by some kind visitors.
Island Vinnies stretch of the beach is quiet. You can walk for quite a distance without coming across another soul. All the other inhabitants - divers mostly - have gone away in the morning for their dives and will return only well into the afternoon. So you have the facility almost entirely to yourself.
The meals are not very exciting but very filling. They have a good breakfast (much needed if you are a diver, I guess). If you expect to come back late from your exploring, you must order at the kitchen before you leave, so they can keep your meal ready when you get back. In the opinion of my kids the must haves on the menu are the 'funky fries' and chocolate pancake. For some strange reason beer is not freely available but they do have at least one brand from your choice of poisons.
As all resorts are in this part of the country there is an emphasis on environmetal friendliness. There are instructions at all locations, including in the en-suite toilet, to be an eco-friendly tourist.
Worst Experience: As I have said in my other reviews, nothing serious that will turn you off. Having said that we visited the other resorts down the road - Silver Sand and The Wild Orchid - which seem to be a little better organised. Expectedly, the costs are relatively more there.
While the resort staff tend to leave you alone, I wish they would be a little more communicative. Having reached there unannounced and uneducated, we had no idea they offered scuba diving and snorkeling till it was time to leave. So if you want to know specifics you better had ask.