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Enjoy a private beach at Honey Island

Geeta Naresh

Think of Brazil and instantly Rio De Janeiro and Amazon forest trips come to mind. However, it has lots of other exotic destinations to offer. Honey Island is one such example. It is known as Ilha Do Mel in the local language. Honey Island is a complete holiday destination with beaches, backwaters, caves, forts a lighthouse and mountains making it really exotic. It is an ecological treat and cars and other vehicles are not allowed on the island which is reached only by water. Entry to the island is limited to 500 people at once. One need not be a Hollywood celebrity to enjoy the luxury of a private island as it ensures privacy.

The journey was as fascinating as the destination itself with green mountains and long smooth roads welcoming us. We got down at the ferry station and took a boat to the island. In the background, blue mountains gave a picture perfect view to the island. The island is dotted with medium to budget hotels, but if you try a hostel, it comes cheaper. It serves yummy seafood and local Cashasha drink. If you are in a mood, then you can even cook here. One can see many small shops selling souvenirs, cafes, restaurants and other stores.

We stayed at a nice place called Zorro right on the beach. After having a fresh seafood platter, we ventured out to grotto which is on the small hill on the beach. The grotto looked like something straight out of The Chronicles of Narnia. There were also parasailing and gliding options available.

Balmy evening soon enveloped the island and soothing music filled the cafés on the beach. It was very romantic We retired after another feast of fish and prawns.

Next morning, the sky was deep blue and it was quite a sight. After the visit to the beach, we took a ferry to the other end of the island which has a post office and hospital.

It was great adventure in itself to reach the ferry station in the small speed boat as it was raining and also high tide time. Despite the fuel of food, we had no energy to check out the light house. Exhausted but thrilled to the core we went back for a good night’s sleep.