SeaShell Samssara, Neil — Hotel in Shaheed Dweep

This is one of the best properties on the Neil Island. There's another property of SeaShell - "Sea Shell Neil", which is the older of the two and situated just about a km away. But it doesn't have pool.

SeaShell Samssara is built recently and it definitely looks so. It is well maintained and beautifully kept.

Rooms - Clean, Spacious and fitted with full length wardrobe, locker and access to a balcony. It had everything that we required for utility. They even have a cloth drying stand that they have kept in the balcony for your pool/beach clothes. Bathrooms are spacious and clean too. We stayed at SeaShell Havelock too during our trip, and this property, though much smaller in size overall, makes up for it because of the rooms.

Restaurant - Their room dining restaurant (Dugong) serves Indian, Chinese cuisine. It doesn't serve Pasta/Pizza/Burgers. So a bit limited I would say. But we had ample options (given thar we're vegetarians) and the food was actually delicious. Special mention to their staff (Girish and Rahul) who were really supportive, helpful and the service was top notch. Even though they were swamped due to the peak season and shortage of staff (most resorts haven't opened yet to their full capacity), they went out of their way to make sure that every person was well catered to.

Other Pros : Swimming Pool was one of the better ones that we have seen. They have an option of romantic dinner beside pool/beach, though a little pricey. Access to beach (good place to relax after a hot afternoon). Also, the Lakshmanpur beach is barely a km from the resort. Enjoy the sunset at Lakshmanpur before a romantic moonlit dinner at Samssara.

Cons : Limited Menu (wish they expanded it a bit to include more cuisines)

Points to note: The WiFi and Mobile network was a pain. (Not a problem of the resort though - we were told the entire island wifi was down). Download offline maps if you're on your own and not with a travel agent. You can book bikes/scooty on rent, but those are in short supply too. The entire island has barely 40 vehicles. If possible, try to book everything before...

Avoid this resort like the virus at any cost. FOUND GLASS PEICES IN THE FOOD. Thier management has ZERO regard for guest safety and well-being. We were a group of 3 couples staying there for 2 nights hoping for a safe and happy holiday , as it was our first ever outing since a year. To our horror the hotel had very lousy service and very mismanaged staff which provided with very bad food and frustrating service. We faced the follow issues : uncooked food , plain milk served as milkshake , cold dinner for room service. BUT By far the worse thing possible happened on our last night there. We orders in room service to be delivered at 9.30 to our room for the 6 of us. Halfway through our meal one of our wife found big glass pieces in the naan. THIS WAS UNACCEPTABLE. We immediately called the staff and asked for the manager which according to them at 11pm in shaheed dweep had gone to the market. They refused to understand the gravity of the situation and kept saying this can’t happen ( stating we are lying ) , this doesn’t happen in our hotel , we can’t do anything about it . God knows how many small splinters were already consumed by our group ( scares me to the core ) We went hungry to bed that night and didn’t even think of having breakfast there in the morning. Still the Hotel had the AUDACITY TO ASK US TO PAY FOR THE ENTIRE MEAL. We payed and promised to the manager there that this won’t be the last they will hear.

Travellers when they choose a good 4 star resort as this expect safety and atleast good service.

DO NOT AT ANY COST TRAVEL HERE. DONT TAKE THE RISK AND AT ANY COST DONT...

If you are visiting Neil island, then nothing beats Sea shell Samssara. I stayed here in Feb 2023 for my birthday. Its sheer luxury for the kind of rooms and the natural beats it has to offer during your stay. First thing’s first, as soon as you check in, book a spa because its really really good. We booked a couple spa for the evening even before checking in the room.

You will be offered a refreshing drink when you enter the reception. Its a smooth check in experience with a beautiful lobby, a bar adjoining it, and few books to offer for your read.

The garden in the centre of the property along with the pool and the Buddha statue in the centre is visible from all rooms and adds to the beauty. Lots of birds to add to the music of the sea just at the back of the property. Once to head to the beach you would be awestruck. Not exaggerating.

It’s nothing you would get elsewhere. Pristine blue water with shades of light green, broken wooden trunk adding to the photogenic angles. Look down carefully on the shore and you would sea alive sea creatures(check attached video). Gigantic trees with relaxing chairs to lie down and watch the sea for hours. I wish i stayed longer.

The food at the restaurant just above the reception is great. The pine cone chandeliers and the matching lamps all through out the property really looks posh.

Spa- What a rejuvenating spa experience with the massage and rice scrub, golden wrap and facial. I slept during it. Its a 2+ hour long service, even though they write 90 mins. Go for it.

The staffs are humble snd professional always wearing a smile...