a luxurious gateway to a globally significant biodiversity hotspot in the Bay of Bengal
Fringed by strip of mangroves overlooking the beach, the luxury resort in Andaman is a homage to the secluded Andaman and Nicobar archipelago stretching for 700 Kms from the southern tip of Burma towards the north of Sumatra; a magical medley of rainforests, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, unspoilt beaches and ancient tribal cultures.
After arriving on the island, guests are welcomed with a traditional song by our young Nicobari colleagues. Designed to showcase and nurture the island’s natural resources, the luxury beach resort is dotted with 72 modern luxury villas on stilts under a canopy of Coconut and Palmyra trees; a contemporary haven built without cutting off a single tree.
Wi-fi internet at the lobby ensures connectivity, while silent and intuitive service creates a bespoke atmosphere for privacy and romance interrupted only the sound of kingfishers and emerald doves. Taj’s commitment to conservation and sustainable luxury in the archipelago is at the core of the resort’s impeccable facilities and services. Along with their own biogas facility, water bottling plant, a reservoir for rainwater harvesting and partial solar energy, they’ve partnered with the Pollution Control Board to keep the island plastic free while developing a plastic collection centre on the mainland. From biodegradable straws and paper to newer tools developed in training sessions with associates and the islanders, they’re working consistently on reducing carbon footprint on this paradise.
This beach resort offers a bouquet of fun activities for children that engage them in the marine and terrestrial ecology of the island. Between picking mangoes, mud apples and mulberries at our bountiful orchards to jungle treks, beach picnics, supervised scuba diving and shell-craft lessons at the vibrant Recreational Centre with plenty of post-meal snoozes on villa decks, there isn’t a dull moment for young and curious minds.
Location
The Andaman Islands form an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal between India to the west and Myanmar (formerly Burma) to the north and east. The approximately 300 islands are well known for their palm-lined, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical rainforests. Beneath the azure sea, beautiful coral reefs support a wealth of marine life including sharks and rays which makes the islands excellent diving and snorkelling sites. Some of the most remote islands are inhabited by indigenous Andamans however do note that many of these particular islands are off limits to visitors.
Havelock Island is known as the Pearl of the Andaman and has seven glorious untouched beaches flanked by sweeping coconut palms. Here, on the renowned Radhanagar Beach, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa sits nestled over 46 acres of land.
Accommodation
Deluxe Villa
The 147 sq. mt. air-conditioned Deluxe Villas on stilts are inspired by Jarawa huts, with a King-size bed, full length vanity area flanked by a walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom fitted with a rain shower and a bathtub with a glass channel that looks out at the verdant canopy of trees outdoors. The interiors of the villa are modernist and minimalist with elements of the sea tastefully represented in artwork and amenities. Outside, deck chairs and beds lets you soak in the sun while the semicircular thatched roof inspired by the Jarawa tribe keeps things breezy. Sleeps up to 4 guests.
Luxury Villa
At 147 sq. mt., the Luxury Villas are amongst the finest residences on Havelock Island. Built on stilts with a tribal-inspired, semi-circular thatched roof, each villa is designed for the indulgent island life. The sophisticated, modernist décor takes cues from nature with sleek wooden, and glass elements. A four-poster bed infuses vintage glamour into the fuss-free living area. A spacious walk-in closet and vanity area at the back leads into a rain shower on one end and a plush bathtub on the other. The breezy patio with sun bed and deck chairs is perfect for relaxing with family and friends while the impeccable in-room dining and housekeeping services ensure that your villa stays pristine. Sleeps up to 4 guests.
Grand Luxury Two Bedroom Pool Villa
The ideal family villa on stilts, this 265 sq. mt. residence has a private sitting area and two bedrooms with spacious en suite bathrooms and two vanity units. A private pool overlooks the landscaped gardens, with deck chairs and sofas converting it into a central space to spend invaluable time with the family. The villa is equipped with all modern amenities including a private bar, LED television with international channels and a mini library. Also serving luscious fruits, petit fours, artisanal teas, and single origin coffees. Sleeps up to 6 guests.
TATA Suite
A tropical tour de force exuding urbane elegance, the 595 sq. mts two storied TATA Suite on stilts has a private elevator, living area, powder room, pantry and three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Architect’s organic design philosophy is showcased in the uncluttered interiors with coconut panels, Palmyra flooring and plantation timbre ceiling. A grand ceiling leads up to the master bedroom on the first level which opens out to a stunning 20 metre swimming pool overlooking the beach. The villa has access to the beach and butler services, along with all modern amenities. Sleeps up to 8 guests.
Dining
The Settlers
An intimate community dining experience in a glamorous setting with sensational cuisine, The Settlers is an ode to the immigrant communities that were brought from the mainland to the island over 70 years ago. The concept was extensively researched by Executive Chef who travelled with his team across the Andamans – from Diglipur and Baratang through Rangat and Mayabunder – to collate a diverse menu with secrets from the kitchens of Tamilian, Bangla, Bihari and Keralite communities from India, as well as settlers from Burma and Indonesia. Freshly-picked arugula, eggplant, chilies, mangoes, mulberries, custard apples and jackfruit from the garden are complimented by Andaman black pepper, wild coriander, over a 100 varieties of man kochu (taro root), Kolkata (green cress) thankuni (bittercress) and Karanga (starfruit). The indigenous seafood includes lobster, mud crab, mangrove king crab, red snapper, barracuda, trevally, kokari and 25 varieties of line-caught grouper. Extensive all-vegetarian menus are available on request.
Turtle House
Located beside the Olympic-size infinity pool overlooking the beach, Turtle House is the global grill restaurant, serving wholesome meals with generous servings all day. The menu features American, European, Middle Eastern and Indian classics enhanced with local ingredients.
Shoreline
Shoreline delves into the wealth of curries along the coasts of Bay of Bengal and spans Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. The mains offer a decadent culinary snapshot of the incredible variety and techniques of curries across Southeast Asia and India.
Experiences
Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
The crystal clear turquoise waters of the Andaman’s are home to one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world, where over 135 marine species thrive, thanks to an unusually low diving impact. The best diving sites on the archipelago are concentrated on Havelock Island, from Minerva Ledge with a massive, thick-lipped Napoleon Wrasse in residence, to the gently sloping Neil’s Cove and the famous Johnny’s Gorge where massive Manta Rays, coral-chomping Humpback Parrotfish, flamboyant Lionfish, Stingrays and Blue Stripped Snappers abound, divers are always assured of left mesmerizing underwater vistas. For wreck diving fans, the MV Mars site near Havelock is a relaxed 15 metre dive through the remains of a 2006 boat wreck. The resort facilitates itineraries for beginners to professionals – including Bubblemaker sessions for young children – to experience the most magical moments that the island has to offer.
Forest Trek
Unearth more such natural wonders by following a forest trail with the hotel’s naturalist who will introduce you to the exotic flora and fauna thriving in Andaman’s enchanted forest. Who knows? Maybe you will be lucky enough to spot the shy White Collared Kingfisher. Take this magical trail for 2two full hours. It’s a walk in the forest that will stay with you forever.
Map and travel information
Flight information
Direct flights from the UK to Chennai airport in approximately 10 hours or Delhi in 8 hours 30 minutes then fly on to Port Blair.
Transfers
On arrival at Port Blair board a catamaran for the 2 hrs 30 minutes journey to Havelock island. Once on the island, the resort is 30 minutes from the jetty by car.
When to go
December through to March is the best time of year to visit the Andaman Islands, when Scuba diving is at its best and you can experience the turtle nesting season and game fishing. During the day, expect dry and warm weather with cooler evenings. Although October and November can bring short rains, there is also a good chance of uninterrupted sunshine.
Email us
Visit
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH