Five-star luxury arrives on the Andaman Islands
The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa on Havelock Island promises supreme luxury, privacy and comfort while remaining environmentally responsible.
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The remote and isolated tropical paradise of the Andaman Islands has got its first five-star hotel, in the shape of the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. The 50-villa facility is nestled in the trees behind Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island; a place that’s already popular for its pristine sands and beautiful turquoise seas.
This little slice of Eden was designed from the onset to be both environmentally responsible and supremely luxurious. So, while the entire 46-acre resort was built without cutting down a single tree, it also has an Olympic-sized infinity swimming pool and Wi-Fi. The air-conditioned villas are particularly impressive, with a look that’s inspired by the houses of the local Jarawa tribe, but spanning 1,580 sq m and containing a private bar, rainfall shower, bathtub and a walk-in closet.
Experiences at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Simply arriving at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a memorable experience as you’re greeted with traditional songs by a choir of local staff. The rest of your stay is the epitome of absolute privacy and relaxation, lulled by the gentle swish of the Andaman Sea against the white-sand beach, interrupted only by the twittering of kingfishers and emerald doves. The resort staff specialise in diligent but discrete service, and the spa is superb. If you want to try some activities, the selection here is impressive. The night sky is so clear that you can kayak around the nearby mangroves after dark, guided by the light of the moon and stars. You can also witness turtles nesting on nearby beaches. During the day, you can try your hand at game fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Between the two, the sunsets on the southwest-facing beach are breathtaking.
The resort is also good for families, with plenty to keep little ones active and interested. The amazing biodiversity of the surrounding area is a great source of inspiration and entertainment, with the opportunity to pick fresh mangoes, mud apples and mulberries. There are also gentle jungle treks and supervised scuba dives available for the more active kids, or beach picnics and shell-craft lessons in the recreation centre for lazier days.
Dining at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa boasts two fantastic restaurants. The main dinner option is The Settlers. As the name suggests, it takes inspiration from the immigrant communities which created the diverse community of the Andaman Islands. Under the supervision of a well-travelled and experienced executive chef, they produce a very varied menu inspired by Tamilian, Bangla, Bihari and Keralite cooking from India, as well as the cuisines of Myanmar and Indonesia.
For all-day dining, you’ll want to head for Turtle House, by the pool. From here, you can enjoy looking out across the beach while enjoying the bistro atmosphere. The menu features classic dishes from American, European, Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Sustainable luxury at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Before you go thinking that the opening of the first five-star resort spells the end of the pristine natural environment of the Andaman Islands, it’s worth seeing the pains that Taj Exotica Resort & Spa have gone to in order to prevent that. Their carbon footprint is as small as they can make it, thanks to the use of an onsite biogas facility and solar panels.
Everything from the construction of the buildings to the day-to-day running of the resort is as sustainable as it can be, with the wood for the villas supplied through sustainable timber plantations. They also harvest rainwater, which is treated and bottled on site. All drinking straws and paper is biodegradable, but the resort has even worked with local authorities to develop a plastic collection centre on the mainland. The end result is an experience of guilt-free indigence and total relaxation in a perfect setting.
Destinations: India, Indian Ocean
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts India for detailed information about cruising around India, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Jojy Cherian is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of India and the surrounding area.
Jojy Cherian
Phone: +91 98 4100 9696
Email: india@seal-superyachts.com