Description
The Andaman Islands are located midway between India and Thailand in the Bay of Bengal, accessed by a flight from either Calcutta or Chennai. They offer superlative white sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs and are relatively untouched by tourism.
Barefoot is located on Havelock Island, a 1.5hr speedboat journey from the capital Port Blair. The island covers 100 sq km, and is well worth exploring. The hotel is set within 7 acres of grounds, and offers Robinson Crusoe style cottages, some with thatched roofs that blend into the surrounding foliage. The philosophy is very much eco-focused, and this is evident in much that the hotel does. It is by no means a resort where you head for Maldivian style luxury or service, but for those who want to be more down to earth.
The vegetables are organically grown on site, and it is worth sticking to the Indian fare on offer (although they do offer a European alternative). There is a lovely communal lounge where guests can sit back and relax in the evenings.
There are four room types, and we suggest the newer Andaman Villas or Nicobari Villa. The Andaman Villas are square in design with large windows making the rooms airy and light and offering about 300 sq ft of space with a comfortable sit-out. The Nicobari Villa is round and on stilts, replicating the traditional Nicobari tribal style. It has a four poster bed, and a small sit out.
The diving at Barefoot is second to none, and best from December to May. It has a fully certified PADI dive school, with excellent rates. Snorkelling is superb in and around Havelock Island. The hotel also has its own resident elephant, Rajan, who enjoys a quiet swim in the ocean. The hotel also offers yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, kayaking, fishing, nature walks, and bird watching.
Guide price
£1,895 Per person
£1,895 price per person based on 7 nights in an Andaman Villa on a Bed & Breakfast Basis, Private Speedboat Transfers, Domestic flights with Kingfisher Airways, International flights with British Airways, and 2 nights either side in Madras at the Trident.
Accommodation
Barefoot at Havelock Island offers 10 Nicobari Cottages, 1 Nicobari Duplex Cottage, 8 Andaman Villas and 1 Nicobari Villa. Dwellings are constructed of bamboo, wood and palm leaves and feature beautiful teak furniture, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and balconies for relaxing.
Childcare
Children are welcome but there are no specific facilities. Kids will enjoy the pristine beaches of Havelock Island, the many watersports on offer and the boat trips to neighbouring islands.
Facilities
Facilities at Barefoot include a restaurant serving a fusion of Continental and Indian cuisines using organically ingredients and fresh seafood, lounge and PADI dive school offering a full range of dive services.
Activities
There are a wealth of activities available on the Andaman Islands. Barefoot at Havelock offer complimentary snorkelling and activities at an additional charge include scuba diving (the coral reefs are full of tropical fish, turtles, barracuda, rays, Napoleon fish and the elusive dugong), nature walks, bird watching, yoga and massages.
When to travel
December to March is the best season - it's dry and warm during the day and cool in the evenings. April and May are sunny but humid both day and night. June to September sees long and heavy rains with short and unpredictable periods of sunshine. October and November can bring short rains, with a good chance of uninterrupted sunshine.
Diving is best between December and April. Game fishing is best from mid January to mid March, which is also when turtles nest and dugongs come to feed on the sea-grass.
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Location and directions
Andaman Islands, India
This small resort is set in rainforest and tropical fruit trees behind a pristine 2 kilometres of white sand, quirkily named Beach No. 7 at Havelock Island in the Bay of Bengal.
How to get there
10-hour international flight to Chennai International Airport (with overnight in Chennai) followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Port Blair. Havelock is then a 1.5-hour transfer by private speedboat. You can use the standard ferry between Port Blair and Havelock, but this does not always connect with the flight schedule.
