As the driver pulled up to the front security post, the guard came out and requested my name to be written on a sheet and let us through. From there, it was a quick ride down a winding path similar to Amankila.

The driver pulled up to the covered front entrance where the staff welcomed us and ushered us to the inner sanctum. There is a gong near the entrance that they bang on to signal a new guest coming in.

We were met by a check-in rep who escorted us to the lounge bar where the check-in formalities would be carried out.

With a view of the pool below.

The rep collected our passports and requested us to relax while she retrieved the paperwork. We were provided with a refreshing cold drink of apple juice mixed with ginger and cinnamon and a cold towel. The rep came back with the paperwork, requested that we check that everything was in order and provide a signature. The assistant GM, Vijay, came by and welcomed us to the Andaman. He told us to contact him in case we needed anything. Coincidentally, we did need something and this is where his expertise and service came through. We booked our stay at the Andaman through Virtuoso which guaranteed us benefits such as a guaranteed room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out plus a $100 credit. For some weird reason, the booking reservation got screwed up and we were booked with a regular room rate. Since I had SPG Gold status, Vijay automatically upgraded us to a higher room category and included breakfast. He could not do anything about the credit but he was willing to work with the Virtuoso team to fix it. The rep then explained to us everything that was on the resort and handed a map showing the locations of keys places. After that, she escorted us to our room.

Our room was located on the farthest end of the north wing and it took us approx. 5-7 minutes to walk there on a normal pace. Our bags were already in the room when we got there.

Off to the right as you entered, was the bathroom.

As you entered, the soaking tub was to the left with the standing shower + toilet to the right.

The bed and writing desk were off to the right in the main area with the TV and couch hugging the left wall.

Like the sign says …

Stepping out into our tiny balcony.

With an amazing view of the beach …

The rep explained to us about the room and where everything was located. After that, she handed us two coupons for 2 free drinks respectively at the lounge bar which was definitely a surprise for us. After that, she left us to our own devices. An hour later, there was a knock on the door and it was one of the staff delivering cake and champagne to celebrate our anniversary.

With SPG Gold status, we were also given free access to the Happy Hour for Gold/Platinum members at 4pm every day but we misheard and thought it was 6pm. When we got to the location, it was empty so we made our way up to the main lobby to explore. We ran into Vijay and he asked us why we didn’t come for the happy hour and we told him we totally screwed up the time. He took us down to the beach bar and had drinks delivered on the house. #servicewithasmile

Amaretto sour for her and a Tiger for me.

We took our drinks onto the beach and settled into a hammock to watch the sunset which usually set around 7:30-ish pm every day.

After enjoying the sunset, we adjourned to our room for the night and ordered room service.

Fast forward to the morning where we headed down to The Restaurant where breakfast was served. We were never asked for our room number but instead were warmly greeted and escorted to a table of our choice with plenty to choose from inside or outside. We were asked what we would like to drink – Mrs wanted Tea Tahrik and it was made fresh every day. The staff remembered what we liked to drink, on the 2nd and 3rd days and proactively brought it to our table after confirming that was what we still wanted.

Inside the main buffet area were the hot items (western + local) plus salad bar, juice bar, fruit bar and cereal/yoghurt bar.

Cereal + yoghurt bar.

Fruit bar.

The hot stuff.

To the left of the hot items was the Bakery and Noodle Bar.

Noodle bar with some dim sum.

To the right of the main area was the Egg bar where you could get eggs as you like it.

Just a taste of some items from the buffet.

The head chef came by and introduced himself as Vijay had told him about us. He was from Malaysia of Indian descent and was a friendly gentleman. This was prevalent of all staff at the Andaman where the service was genuine and well intentional.

To be continued in another post.