Jalakara

Jalakara sits on Havelock Island in the Andamans, on what was a banana and betel nut plantation backing onto tropical rainforest. Marko Hill and his wife Atalanta named it from a Sanskrit word for fountain. The about page is clear about the size: three rooms, three suites and one private villa, with a team of fifteen. There is no in-room television. Guests are asked to unplug, and to use the analogue pleasures of the garden, the pool, books, games, swimming, massage, and the beaches. The well-being page lists yoga on request and a spa. A morning group session, 7.30 to 8.30, covers breathing, stretching and surya namaskar, at Rs 1000 a person with a minimum of two people, if the teacher is booked in advance. Massages include deep tissue, a house blend they call three senses with oils mixed at Jalakara, classic Swedish, Thai yoga, and shorter back, head and shoulder, and acupressure foot work. The property is residents only. Dining and the rest of the house require a confirmed reservation. Enquiries are printed at enquiries@jalakara.info and +91 92894 80779. A nightly rate is not printed as a single figure on those pages. Reserve with the hotel. MindReach does not take the booking.