Escape to Paradise: Tilar Siro, Andaman's Hidden Gem (CGH Earth)
Escape to Paradise: Tilar Siro, Andaman's Hidden Gem (CGH Earth) - An Unfiltered Review (and a Plea for Your Vacation!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the chai on Escape to Paradise: Tilar Siro, that elusive CGH Earth property in the Andaman Islands. Forget the glossy brochure – this is the real deal, warts and all (and trust me, even the warts are kinda gorgeous in this place). I'm talking honest-to-goodness travel ramblings, the kind that'll make you laugh, maybe sigh, and hopefully, book that damn flight.
First Impressions & The Getting There…Oh Lord, The Getting There:
So, accessibility. Let's be real, getting to the Andamans is a journey. Thankfully, the hotel itself is pretty good once you're there. They offer Airport Transfer (thank GOD, because after the flight, you're basically jelly), and it felt… luxurious. Car Park [free of charge] is a HUGE win, especially if you're like me and prefer to spend your money on… well, everything else. There’s also Car Park [on-site], so you can park on their property. I didn't see a Car power charging station, but I'm not sure if anyone needs one in the Andamans!
Now, the hotel itself? It’s stunning! The exterior corridors and the general layout felt open and airy - perfect for that island relaxed vibe. I didn't have any specific access needs, but the presence of Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator and the general design gave me a feeling of inclusivity. Definitely a plus.
The Room: My Little Slice of Tropical Heaven (and How I Nearly Burned the Curtains)
We’re talking Air conditioning, obviously. Essential. Like oxygen and Wi-Fi (more on that later). My room? Oh, it was a non-smoking sanctuary, thank heavens. It featured Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (YES!), a Bathroom phone (totally useless but oddly comforting), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (crucial for the early sunrises!), Carpeting, a Closet big enough to house my entire wardrobe (much needed, obviously), a Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (more tea!), Desk, Extra long bed (heavenly!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (more views!), In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (spoiler alert: mostly awesome), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (tempting!), Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator (crucial for keeping the beer cold!), Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (luxe!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens.
Seriously, they’ve thought of everything. Well, almost everything. There was a slight incident involving the ironing board and some very flimsy curtains. Let's just say I nearly caused a tropical inferno before realizing the "ironing facility" was actually a death trap. No smoke damage though! Just a heart attack for me.
Internet: The Great Wi-Fi Gamble (and the Joy of Getting Off-Grid)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: internet. The hotel boasts Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – which is true, but with a very important asterisk. It was… spotty. Like, "barely able to load a picture of a kitten" spotty. I’m going to be honest though, that forced digital detox was kind of amazing. Embrace the slower pace. Read a real book. Stare at the ocean. The hotel also has Internet Access - LAN, and Internet services so if you absolutely must connect, workarounds were available.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Time I Ate EVERYTHING)
Oh. My. Goodness. The food! This is where Tilar Siro truly shines. Forget bland hotel fare. We’re talking deliciousness overload. They offer Asian breakfast, and Asian cuisine in restaurant, but most of all the International cuisine in restaurant and the Western cuisine in restaurant(YES!). The Breakfast [buffet] was legendary. Seriously, I ate enough to fuel a small army, including the Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and Coffee/tea in restaurant. There's also an A la carte in restaurant so you're not stuck with a buffet if you don't like it.
And the Poolside bar? Pure bliss. Sipping cocktails, watching the sun go down… sheer perfection. There's also a Happy hour, so you can save a little money and drink more. Win-win! Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver (especially when you've consumed a suspicious amount of cocktails). Also, I appreciated the Breakfast takeaway service and the Alternative meal arrangement options. They've got you covered! There's even a Vegetarian restaurant – which I didn’t try, because, well, everything else was begging to be tasted!
Ways to Relax, Ways to Get Pampered (and the Near-Death Experience in the Sauna)
Alright, let’s talk self-care. Tilar Siro is loaded with ways to unwind. They have a stunning Swimming pool [outdoor] (with a Pool with view, mind you!). I spent approximately 80% of my waking hours in that pool. Pure bliss.
Then there's the spa. Ohhhhhh, the spa! I got a Massage. It was heavenly. They also have a Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath. If you are looking for a place to truly escape, go to this spa. Pure relaxation!
Be warned: I did venture into the Sauna. And nearly passed out. So, maybe pace yourself. Hydrate. Don't be a hero.
For the more energetic, there's a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness, but after the beach and the pool, I was good.
Cleanliness, Safety & Covid-19 Considerations (Because, You Know, Real Life)
This is where Tilar Siro really impressed me. Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, perform Daily disinfection in common areas, have Hand sanitizer readily available everywhere, and the staff are Staff trained in safety protocol. They also have Individually-wrapped food options so you feel safe, and Rooms sanitized between stays. It's reassuring to know you're staying somewhere that takes these things seriously. The Safe dining setup was also impressive. I felt completely safe. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available for those who prefer.
Services and Conveniences: From Babysitting to Souvenirs (and the Existential Dread of Laundry)
Beyond the obvious amenities, Tilar Siro offers a whole host of helpful services. They have a Concierge (super helpful), Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. There's also a Cash withdrawal facility, though you'll probably mostly use Cashless payment service. Be glad you don't have to do the Hot water linen and laundry washing yourself.
Things to Do: Beyond the Beach (and the Time I Tried to Become a Photographer)
Obviously, the beach is the main draw. And it's stunning. But the hotel also has options for Things to do. I took a long walk, and I tried to take photos of everything. It was not a success. The light was never quite right. The birds kept photobombing me. The sea was just too gorgeous to capture on camera. Anyway.
They also had the Audio-visual equipment for special events for Seminars, Meetings, and Meetings/banquet facilities. So if you need to work while you're there, at least you can do it in paradise. They have a Business facilities and Xerox/fax in business center.
And for the Kids…:
They have Babysitting service and are Family/child friendly, so that is great!
Final Thoughts (and the Reason You Should Book Now!)
Escape to Paradise: Tilar Siro isn't perfect. There were a few hiccups. The Wi-Fi was a little temperamental. And the curtains are definitely not fire-resistant. But the imperfections are part of the charm. This is a place to truly disconnect, unwind, and reconnect with yourself (and maybe the person you're traveling with).
**Here's
Malacca Sunset Suites: Unbelievable Sea & City Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is Tilar Siro Andamans: Diaries of a Disappointed But Still Kind-of-Amazed Traveler (and the Mosquitoes' Buffet).
Day 1: Arrival in Paradise (Hah!) and a Near-Death Experience with a Mango.
Morning (or, as I call it, the "Wake-Up-and-Pray-My-Luggage-Made-It" phase): Touch down in Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair. The air hits you like a warm, humid hug. A hug that immediately tries to eat you. The heat. My God, the heat. The pre-booked transfer to CGH Earth's Tilar Siro is supposed to be seamless. "Luxury!" the brochure promised. What I got was a driver who may or may not have been convinced we were actually going to Goa. He was incredibly friendly, though, and the roads weren't the smoothest, making me reconsider my life choices. And that view… breathtaking!
Afternoon: Tilar Siro Check-In & Bungalow Bliss (Mostly): The resort! It is beautiful. Seriously, the bungalows are nestled in the jungle, wooden decks overlooking the sea. Instagram heaven! Except… I swear something bit me before I'd even unloaded my backpack. A tiny, persistent mosquito, probably laughing at my naive excitement. That first mango I ate? Divine. Until I sliced it a little too close to my hand. Blood. Mango juice. Another near-death experience. That was the day for it!
Evening: Dinner Disappointment (and a Glimmer of Hope): Dinner at the resort restaurant. The food was good, but I had a slightly elevated sense of what I was expecting, and the service… well, let's just say "island time" is a real thing. I had to flag down a waiter at one point just to get a glass of water. HOWEVER, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky turned a riot of color. Even the mosquitoes seemed to take a break, it was quiet, and the view was gorgeous. I am so happy.
Day 2: Havelock Island Hopping (or, the Day My Sunscreen and I Became Enemies)
Morning: Ferry Fiascos and Underwater Antics: Okay, ferry to Havelock Island. The brochure said "smooth sailing." Ha! The boat was a little crowded, the air conditioning was less effective than a wet paper towel, and I swear I saw someone actively seasick. But! We made it. First stop: Elephant Beach. Snorkeling. I'm not going to lie, I was terrified of the coral. But then, the water's crystal clear. And I saw fish that looked like they'd escaped from a Disney movie! I was so happy to see the beautiful landscape.
Afternoon: Radhanagar Beach Meltdown (and Sunburn Salvation): Radhanagar Beach. Supposedly one of the best beaches in the world. And… it is. Stunning. But, well yes, an absolute beauty but also, I'd forgotten to reapply sunscreen. Bad. Not the end of the world (yet), but my skin was screaming. The sand felt like melted butter underfoot, and the water was the bluest I'd ever seen. But a bit of a sunburn was definitely not what I wanted. I spent the rest of the afternoon slathering myself in aloe vera and silently cursing my lack of foresight. I felt absolutely miserable.
Evening: Dinner, Reflections, and the Return of the Mosquitoes: Dinner at a beach shack on Havelock. Fresh seafood. Delicious. I was in a better mood after the aloe vera therapy. As I walked back to the ferry, I felt okay. I felt pretty good. The return ferry… well, let's just say it was like reliving the morning, but in reverse. However, when I got back to the resort, I was relieved to finally relax. I could sleep in my bungalow, watching the waves outside and being thankful for the end of the day.
Day 3: Diglipur Diaries (or, the Day I Got Lost and Found My Humanity)
Morning: Driving to the Road to Diglipur: Another long drive to the northern part of the island, Diglipur. Supposed to be wilder, less touristy. The drive was a long one. I fell asleep. As I opened my eyes, I didn't recognize anything. We were lost. The driver was apologetic. Then, he asked the locals for help, and they were all excited about it. We were brought tea!
Afternoon: Ross & Smith Island Beach: The Island of the Turtles: Ross & Smith Island is another beauty. Beautiful, but it's not as easy to get to as I thought. The water looked pretty, almost clear. Some animals were also wandering around. I saw, what looked like, a turtle.
Evening: Dinner, Reflections, and the Return of the Mosquitoes: Dinner at the local's restaurant in Diglipur. The food was delicious. I was in a better mood after taking pictures of the landscape. As I drove back to the resort, I was relieved. In my Bungalow, I can sleep, and relax.
Day 4: Back to Reality (and a Final Plea to the Mosquito Gods) and the Resort's Last Glimmer of Hope.
- Morning: Goodbye, and Thank you: Breakfast at the resort. I had a final swim in the pool, reflecting on my trip. And as I left, I was sad to leave. The sun was shining. After the heat and mosquitoes, this was the last time, probably, that I would be visiting for a while. And so, everything ended, and I was sad.
- Afternoon: Departure, Forever: I'm going back home. This trip was awesome.
- Evening: A Farewell to Paradise (and Mosquitoes' Paradise) and Looking Back: As I boarded the plane, I reflected on the trip, and realized that the beauty of nature, the happiness of the people I met, and everything that happened was great. Even the mosquitoes! Thank you.
Final Thoughts:
Tilar Siro. The Andamans. It's a beautiful, maddening, mosquito-infested paradise. Come prepared. Bring copious amounts of sunscreen, insect repellent, and a healthy dose of humor. You'll need it. And be prepared to be humbled by the raw beauty of the islands. It's worth the bites, the delays, and the occasional existential crisis. Ultimately, it’s a trip that sticks with you, even the bits you'd rather forget – and perhaps, especially those.
Escape to Paradise: Your Royal Chiangkhan Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Tilar Siro, Andaman's Hidden Gem - FAQs (With All the Messy Truth!)
Okay, so… is Tilar Siro REALLY paradise? Like, Instagram-filter-level paradise?
Alright, alright, let's get real. Paradise? Depends on your definition. Is it a perfectly manicured beach? Nope. Is it a place where you can truly switch off, surrounded by raw beauty and the sounds of the jungle? YES. My first reaction? Utterly humbled. The pictures? They don't *quite* capture the feeling of the humidity clinging to your skin as you emerge from the boat, the salty tang in the air, the dense, green embrace of the forest. I mean, there's a certain… *untamed-ness* that Instagram glosses over. And that’s *amazing*. I'm talking monkeys chattering from the trees above your bungalow, the constant hum of life, the fact that your phone signal is basically non-existent (bliss!). It's not picture-perfect, it’s *alive*. You are very, very remote.
How do I even *get* to this mythical place? (Because frankly, it sounds like a mission.)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. It *is* a bit of a journey. First, you fly to Port Blair, the main hub in the Andamans. From there, you take a ferry (the 'Makruzz' is generally the smoothest) to Havelock Island. Then, you're met with a car and then, finally, a *boat* ride! The boat ride itself is something else. Think turquoise water, dodging playful dolphins, and the feeling of pure, unadulterated escape. The last leg of it, where you are dropped on a secluded strip of sand, really sealed the deal for me. The only sound was the crash of the waves. It's a mission, sure, but honestly? The feeling of isolation and the knowing you *earned* your way there... Worth. Every. Single. Second. I had to deal with a grumpy ferry passenger, who, understandably, was not happy with the choppy water, but even that added some character to the whole experience!
What's the vibe like at Tilar Siro? Is it all yoga retreats and silent contemplation? (Because I'm more of a "loud laughter and cocktails after sunset" kind of person.)
Okay, deep breaths. It's definitely *not* a sterile, silent retreat. While there IS yoga and beautiful beaches for quiet time, it's much more about relaxed, genuine connection. There's a real community feel. Think barefoot luxury meets rustic charm. I had a particularly delightful conversation with the chef, who shared stories about the local ingredients and his passion for the food. Speaking of which… The food! Oh, sweet mercy. The food! It's incredible. Absolutely fresh, locally sourced, and bursting with flavor. After my first meal, I was already planning my next one. And yes, the cocktails at sunset are a must. The staff are incredible, so friendly and helpful. They go above and beyond. They are a huge part of what makes this place so special. Honestly, if you're looking for a party scene, this isn’t it. It’s far more about embracing the chill and the natural beauty, but there's enough social interaction to keep things interesting. Definitely not *silent* contemplation. The only silence you will find is the one you are looking for.
The bungalows look amazing in the photos, but what are they *really* like? Do I need to worry about… bugs?
The bungalows are heaven. Seriously. They're beautifully designed, blending seamlessly with the environment. Think open-air bathrooms (which is *divine*), comfortable beds, and private decks with breathtaking views. The first night, I felt a little exposed, like I was sleeping right under the jungle's watchful gaze. But the next morning, waking up to the sunrise filtering through the trees... Utterly magical. And yes, the bugs… they are there. It *is* the jungle. You will find some ants, probably. A gecko or two might join you for dinner (they’re actually quite cute, and keep the *other* bugs at bay!). Just embrace it. It’s part of the experience. The staff diligently keeps the bungalows clean and mosquito nets are provided, so you’re not going to be overrun. Just, you know, don't leave food lying around. I did that once, and well... let's just say I learned a valuable lesson about ant colonies.
What activities are there? Will I get bored? (I can only lie on a beach for so long…)
Bored? Never. Okay, maybe for like, five minutes, when you're initially adjusting to the lack of internet. But then you discover the magic. Snorkelling is a must – the coral reefs are teeming with life. Scuba diving is also readily available, although personally, claustrophobia and I don't mix well. There are kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, hiking trails through the jungle (be adventurous!), and of course, the beach. The beach! I spent hours just wandering, collecting shells, and staring at the turquoise expanse. One day, I decided to hike to a hidden waterfall. The hike was challenging, muddy, and I definitely got lost… twice. But the waterfall at the end? Spectacular. It was a real-life Indiana Jones moment, minus the snakes (thankfully!). You can do as much or as little as you like. It's the perfect place to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Let's talk food. Spill the beans. Is it all bland resort dishes, or something more exciting?
Oh, the food! Seriously, pack stretchy pants. It is *sensational*. Forget bland resort fare; this is the real deal. The chefs are amazing. Fresh, local ingredients are the stars. Seafood? Forget about it, it's basically pulled straight from the ocean to your plate – grilled to perfection. They catered to my dietary requirements, which I was impressed with. Indian dishes burst with flavor and spices that I never knew existed. I dream of the fish curry now. Every morning I felt like I was going to a fancy restaurant. I also learnt the art of eating with your hands (a very messy but fun experience). I had fresh fruit that tasted like sweet sunshine. It's one of the main reasons I'd go back. Seriously.
Is it worth the cost? (Because let's be honest, it ain't cheap.)
Okay, here's the honest truth. It's not a budget travel destination. It’s an investment. But... is it worth it? For me, absolutely. Here's why: the level of service is impeccable. The focus on sustainability and conservation is outstanding. And most importantly, it's a chance to unplug, reconnect, and experience something truly special. I am still dreaming about the peace in that place. You're paying for the whole package. The experience. The memories. The feeling of pure bliss. In my opinion, the cost is justified. It’s not just a fancy stay, it's a transformative experience. Think of it as an investment in your sanity.
