India

This is by way of an update about Andaman Islands. In 2007 my partner, Iftekhar and I started a small resort in Long Island, Andamans, called Blue Planet. We love Long Island for its exquisite peace and quiet, no traffic apart form the very occasional bicycle, not even any motorable roads to speak of, and no tourist infrastructure. There is not a single "souvenir shop", and all the basics on sale are local price. And the local community is made up of Christians, Hindus and Moslems, but they celebrate all the religious festivals together, and intermarriage is common. You can get to the beautiful, deserted Lalaji Bay from our place on foot, or for an even more "desert island" experience you can get a boat to Merc Bay on North Passage Island, the most sublimely beautiful beach you could wish to find and chances are you would have it to yourselves. There is a good chance of seeing dolphins in the sea around Long Island. The diving and snorkelling is excellent. Blue Planet is simple and reasonably priced, but very clean and comfortable and the food is excellent. Rooms are currently priced between Rs300 and Rs1000 depending on facilities. We have a "no bargaining" policy so that everyone pays the same price! We also have "Blue Cottage" with 2 attached bathrooms, small kitchen and sitting areas inside and out, and luxury tents with or without private bathrooms, in forest close to the cottage. The web address is www.blueplanetandamans.com Long Island is easy to get to by boat directly from Port Blair via Havelock and Neil Island, or by road to Rangat and then a short boat crossing costing 8 rupees! Setting up Blue Planet has been an adventure of a lifetime. The photo is of the place in construction.