Sunrise from the lookout, Chera Dip at low tide, fish for lunch and a bonfire at night. Here's how a good day here goes.
There's no timetable at El Marena Eco Resort, and that's rather the idea. But if you're wondering what you'd actually do all day near Chera Dip, here's how a good one tends to go.
Early morning
In winter the sun comes up at around 6 to 6:30 am. Climb up to the lookout on a duplex cottage, or walk down to the shore. Then have tea and breakfast. It's free with a duplex, and it's on our food menu for everyone else.
Mid-morning
Check the tide. If it's low, walk to Chera Dip, the southern tip of Bangladesh. If it isn't, take a bike or auto around the island, or ask us to arrange a fishing trip on a local boat.
Lunch and the afternoon
Fish and rice at the restaurant, then the hammock. Children usually head for the slide, the swing and the ride-on toys, and there's open ground if someone wants a game of football. Just ask us for the ball.
Sunset
Walk out to the rocks as the sun goes down, a little after 5 pm in winter. The tide pools catch the light if the water's low.
Night
Fresh fish or chicken on the barbecue, then the bonfire. There are no city lights out here, so stay up for the stars. Quiet hours start at 11 pm.
If you've brought the children
Do the walk early while it's cool, and keep them on the sand, not the sharp rocks. After lunch, let them loose on the playground while you sit nearby. Dinner can be earlier, and if they're still awake, the bonfire and the stars will finish the day off nicely. A duplex suits a family best, because the bathroom's attached and breakfast is included.
If it's just the two of you
Skip the plan altogether. Take the hammock, the sunset and a long dinner. If it's a special occasion, ask us about a candlelight dinner on the sand, which is a paid extra and worth booking when you book your stay.
How long to stay
One night gets you the sunset, the stars and the sunrise. Two nights let you stop watching the clock, and give you a better chance of catching a low tide at a good hour for Chera Dip. Sunday to Thursday is half our regular price, so a second night costs less than you'd think.
