One of the best island property

Suitable for – all ages

Approximate cost – Rs. 15,000 to 35,000 depending of the room type

Highlights:

Property is located on a hill in Betelnut plantation at the highest point on the island – Sunset can’t get any better than here
With only 7 rooms, the stay is absolute private
Each room is unique with architecture that stands out
Food and drinks are simply outstanding – indeed best in Andamans
Small get together by the Infinity pool or music lounge adds to the charm
Host of activities to choose from
Hospitality at its best

Points to Note:

No TV in rooms
Wifi is patchy
Property is not on the beach but just a short distance away

About the Property:

They love boutique hotels but they also love private villas – thus the concept for jalakara was to take the best bits from each and roll them into one. Jalakara offers the informality, homeliness and bespoke possibilities of a private villa with the private space, service and staffing of a small hotel.

Aspire to a house party experience where guests naturally meet over sundowners at the pool bar or making a pot of coffee in the main villa kitchen.

Guests are encouraged to unplug and log off from the digital excess of modern life and reconnect with themselves. Log on to the beautiful tropical surroundings and the analogue pleasures of zero pollution, good food, good company, playing games, reading, swimming, massage, hassle free beaches and the great outdoors.

Jalakara is very boutique (petite) with Seven rooms. They have a dedicated team who defy the logistical challenges of their remote, off-grid, island location to deliver friendly, informal but efficient service.

While there is no fawning service, gold taps or pillow menus – instead they offer the rare luxury of staying somewhere authentic, raw and beautiful in a spectacular setting, where the smiles are genuine, the food freshly picked & everything is designed to make you feel awesome!

Rooms:

Each of the seven rooms comes with its unique interiors and is one of its kind.

The Private Villa – Private villa clad wrapped in woven teak and cantilevered into the hill. This loft-like space features a living area with private kitchen and lounge which opens onto a majestic bedroom, vast bathroom, dry sand garden and private yoga deck complete with copper infinity plunge pool, sun loungers and a double hammock.

The Garden Suite – Romantic double height contemporary space with antique colonial furniture and design bathroom featuring open-to-sky shower and al fresco bath tub. Glass screen doors open onto a secluded private garden, with lily pond, daybed pavilion and stunning views towards the rainforest.

Sunset Suites (2) – Double height contemporary space with sweeping block printed curtains and mezzanine daybed; glass screen doors open onto a private verandah with a hammock and armchairs looking west across miles of rain forest. Ensuite bathroom with shower.

The Sky room – High Design on the roof of the main villa. A teak pavilion with glass panelled walls, blue polished concrete floor and sheer cotton sari curtains combine harmoniously to create a unique space. Accessed via a private staircase with an outdoor balcony overlooking the main villa lily pond. En suite Bathroom with shower and views towards the jungle.

Garden room – Beautifully secluded room on the ground floor of Jalakara’s “tower”. Glass screen doors open directly onto a private verandah and garden complete with lily pond, and deck chairs. En suite Bathroom with shower and views towards the jungle.

Tower room – Romantic room on the first floor of Jalakara’s tower with a stairs leading to a private roof garden complete with double sun lounger and a 360 degree panoramic view across the forest to the sea and distant Islands. En suite Bathroom with shower and views towards the jungle.

Amenities:

Swimming pool
Spa
Board games
Badminton
Boules
In-house theatre
Music by the pool

Things to do:

Multiple water activities – Snorkelling, Diving, Kayaking, Fishing etc
Nature treks
Bird watching
Stargazing
Yoga
Cooking classes

Food:

Food & drink are very important at Jalakara – the menu & cocktail list is designed and overseen directly by Jalakara’s owner British chef Marko Hill Together with Head chef Nazre & resident mixoligist ujjal. Be assured that you will enjoy some of the best meals at Jalakara.

The dinner menu focuses on the tropical abundance of the Andaman Islands and the amazing fresh seafood. Highlights include Jalakara’s signature three-way papaya and coconut curry, spiny lobster platter with nimbu hollandaise and sugar cured tiger prawns.

Alcohol is served at Jalakara – although the selection of beer, wine & spirits available in the andamans Isands is limited.

Cocktail list makes up for this with both invention and expert execution. It is really only the selection of wine that leaves a lot to be desired (if you are looking for fine vintages and champagnes).

Bearing this in mind they are happy for the guests to bring special bottles of their own to enjoy at jalakara. The same goes for cigars (although they do keep a few cubans at the ready in case of emergencies!)