Otter Creek Tents

Make a Booking Enquiry

Save as Favourite

Children's Policy

Map

Northern Goa, India

Rustic-chic tents a flip-flop away from a beach, with muslin-draped four posters and views onto the creek

Reviewed by Zelda Suite-Pedler

OVERVIEW

If you are looking to get away from the crowds, Otter Creek Tents in North Goa is the ultimate romantic retreat – and you walk the last 500m from the village across an exciting bamboo footbridge and along a sandy track to get there. Three large tents, which feel more like little studios, are nestled amongst the coconut trees a few minutes' walk from The Captain's House and The Priest's Houses, along a saltwater creek (few mosquitoes!) 200m from the sea.

Whether you are a nature lover and want to see dolphins and (if you're lucky) turtles, or whether you are looking for something tranquil and different, washing up at Otter Creek is like finding treasure. It is still a magically, off-the-beaten-track place.

HIGHS

The peace and tranquillity, yet just a short drive from the hotspots
The brilliant staff
Chilling out in a hammock slung between the coconut palms, right beside your own private jetty
Joining the local fisherman on his boat to go dolphin spotting
Watching the turtles come onto the beach to nest (between Oct and Feb) - if you are lucky!

LOWS

There is a minimum 7-night stay
Tents are not totally soundproof
There can be occasional power cuts for short durations without a back-up generator
The approach - a 60m-long bamboo footbridge - may prove a little daunting for those nervous of heights

More photos

SLEEPING

The tents, which sleep 2, are named after a type of marine turtle (Hawks Bill, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead). In addition to muslin-screened four-poster beds, each has a writing desk, chair, fan, safety box and an ensuite bathroom with wc and hot water shower.

Best of all, each tent has its own private jetty over the creek so you can commune with nature and watch the numerous birds - and even otters. You get an outdoor dining area too, with canvas deckchairs and hammocks to laze the days away.

Maid service is provided 6 times a week and bed linen and towels are changed twice weekly.

EATING

A simple breakfast of eggs, toast and cereal (extra charge) is served at your own table, placed anywhere you want under the coconut trees. Lunch and dinner can be prepared for you - anything you like (grilled or fried fish, prawns, curry and rice, squid salad, fresh juices). Guests can accompany the chef to the local market, and have him prepare a specific meal. You yourselves can cook if you prefer: the beach kitchen is open to all. And you can help yourselves to cold drinks and beers from the honesty fridge, paying at the end of your stay.

The nearest huts and beach restaurants are about a mile away in both directions, with plenty of choice, including Thai. La Plage, run by a French couple, does wonderful food and desserts. If you want a change from the local cuisine, the Olive Ridley Restaurant, a 10-minute drive away, is recommended.

EXPLORING

If you want to explore, taxis can be arranged. South of Mandrem, past the villages of Morjim and Siolim, is the village of Anjuna, where the famous Flea Market is held each Wednesday - enjoy the haggling! Just 4 km further south of Anjuna is Arpora - it's Saturday night market should not be missed. To the north are many unspoilt white sand beaches and the fishing village of Arambol, once a low-key backpackers' hang out.

Otter Creek Tents are about 20 minutes drive from Anjuna, about 30 minutes from Baga & Calangute and about 45 minutes drive from Panaji.

FEATURES

Fan

Coffee/Tea Making

Breakfast

Lunch by Arrangement

Dinner by Arrangement

Vegetarian Options

Cooking Facilities

Fridge

Maid Service

Airport Transfer

ACTIVITIES

	Fishing

	Birdwatching

	Wildlife

	Peaceful Hideaway

	Sun and Sea

	Swimming

Getting there

Name	Otter Creek Tents	Location	Nr Arambol, Coast
Type	Tents: 3 (sleeping 2 each)	Country	India: Goa
Price Guide	Dbl: £252-679 per week, RO	Open	October - April (closed 1 May - 30 September)


DISTANCES	Airport: 70km	Nearest Shops: 3km	Nearest restaurant: 1km	Beach: 0.2km