Island Vinnie's — Hotel in Havelock island

Excellence depends on what you are here for - this place is excellent if you're here for the diving with Dive India, which are on the premises. ||||The Cabanas are essentially tents erected on part solid stuctures, simple but large. They feature sperate bathrooms, electricity and a ceiling fan quiet enough to keep on at night, which is important to keep the temperature comfortable and the mozzies at bay. ||We were initially concerned about the lack of a mozzie net over the bed, and a few small gaps in the roof/walls, but that turned out to be unfounded - even my sweet-blooded wife (who normally gets eaten alive) was able to sleep without getting bitten, despite this place being surrounded by jungle.||||This really is the ideal place to dive with Dive India, you'll stay practially next to the dive boats and dive shop, and about 20m from the (wonderful) Full Moon Cafe - the only slight downside is that this proximity (plus the proximity to the other Cabanas) means it's not ideal if you want to sleep in until late. Due to the early sunrises, activity starts shortly after 05:00 am. The Cafe closes around 22:30, and it gets quiet around midnight. It's not party central and always peaceful, nothing raucous (it helps that no alcohol is served at the cafe), just people talking normally and some equipment being prepped in the early mornings, but if you're sensitive (like me) bring ear plugs. ||||If you're diving (which is what almost everyone is there for) you'll be wanting to get up anyway. ||||Staff are lovely and helpful. ||||I'd also VERY strongly recommend you take them up on their offer to arrange transfers for you - ferry tickets are a pain in the neck to purchase in advance, rules are constantly changing, and you can easily end up spending a day of your stay wasted. For 8000 Rps all in, both ways, Vinnies sorted it all out for us, we were met at the airport and everythign was taken care of until we arrived at our Cabana, and the same the other way. Not one minute was wasted waiting for transfers or queuing for tickets. ||||If all you want is sunset drinks and late lie-ins you'd be better off heading to the west side of the island, but if you're a diver, you could not want for a better place to stay. I'd go back...

I visited Island Vinnie's Resort in the last week of May, 2017 to pursue scuba diving-- an activity I had been chasing and postponing for over 2 years. ||||Dive India is simply the best place for one to pursue the courses from, and for free dives as well they have the best crew and equipment. ||||The team is the absolute best, ranging from Vinnie (owner), to the complete dive team and also the housekeeping and kitchen staff. ||All coordination was done by Rahul before I arrived, with perfect guidance with respect to reservations, ferry booking, airport pick-up. Spot on! ||Sohit was my dive instructor-- an excellent human and a great friend in and above the waters. Every dive was made easy and comfortable for the complete group. ||Rest of the diving crew with whom I was privileged to meet and interact with included Sahil, Michael, Vikas, Neiti, Chetana, Melissa, Raymond, Oesuph, Vidit, Ruth, and some more I don't seem to recollect (unfortunately! Sorry folks!). ||The admin team included Sergey and Dhananjay who had answers for any and every query one may have, and always the correct solution. ||||It was great to chill with any and every one after the dives at Full Moon Cafe, the best restaurant on the island. Oh, its a part of the Dive India resort! ||However be sure to share the dishes. The portions are too large for one to eat by themselves. ||||Since the focus was diving, this place does true justice to the same. ||The people you meet are wonderful and passionate, and its great to be around the positive energy they spread. Its infectious!! ||||I will most certainly go back to Dive India in the coming years, and would recommend one to postpone their trip if Dive India is not free on your proposed dates. ||||DO NOT COMPROMISE ON YOUR TRIP WITH ANY OTHER DIVE RESORT! ||ITS NOT WORTH IT! ||||I had a great time, Thank you to each and every person who made it special. ||Thank...

We traveled in August 2016 but forgot to review (yeah, oopsie, selected 2017 as the closest option). Pricey compared to the mainland but reasonable considering the options in the island. Cabanas are basic rooms with a hammock, a bed, a powerful table/pedestal fan, superb shower, and unlimited water supply. The weather is warm and humid. The clean air and dazzling sunlight give you a tan, but you still have a lot of energy to walk around the little island. Food is excellent in the Full Moon Cafe. Meabh was lovely. You can find cheaper places for the meals, but the open-air restaurant with its fusion menu of choice Indian and continental dishes are worth exploring. The private beach has some shade from a long line of huge trees and the evenings can be spent watching the three dogs enjoying themselves running across the waves. A stray dog didn't like me very much but befriended my daughter. Hah! The divers are a funny lot, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. We stayed here as Dive India was out choice of diving center. There are other more luxurious options, but if you are on a budget and don't mind minor discomforts, the center's hospitability will make up for all. Our then-three-year-old enjoyed herself thoroughly and still speaks of her 'dream...