Cintacor Island Resort

Set on a private island off the coast of Karwar, shaped like a tortoise when seen from the water, Cintacor Island Resort is reached only by boat, a twenty-minute crossing from the mainland jetty. The island once held a Chola-era fort, and a 33-acre nature reserve now covers part of its ground. Twenty-five cabins face the Arabian Sea, each with its own balcony. Executive cabins run to 320 sq ft for two guests; deluxe cabins add a king bed and reach 380 sq ft; the largest luxury cabins, sleeping up to three, measure 450 sq ft. Nemo's Deck, the main restaurant, sits at the island's highest point and serves Konkani, Indian, and continental dishes with a view over the sea and surrounding greenery. Jolly Rogers lounge bar has wooden interiors, a small library, and a pool table, and pours drinks poolside as well as indoors. On The Rocks, an open-air bar, looks straight out over open water. Kurumasana spa is built on the edge of a cliff, with treatments including Thai and Swedish massage and body wraps. Guests can fish from the jetty, kayak, or take a boat out to watch dolphins that gather in the surrounding water. Transfers run from Karwar railway station, the airport, and bus stations to the mainland jetty before the crossing.