Taj Exotica Andamans

“A tropical haven on Havelock’s pristine shores, this stilted-villa retreat blends world-class hospitality, and a deep reverence for its untouched island paradise.”

Our Review

A Secluded Sanctuary on Radhanagar Beach

Nestled on the world-renowned Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans emerges from a canopy of green like a hidden jungle sanctuary. Set across 46 acres of lush landscape, this remote property is a destination in itself, requiring a journey by flight, ferry, and a final drive to reach its tranquil shores. The resort is surrounded by dense mangrove forests and shaded by towering coconut, jackfruit, and banana trees, creating a serene and immersive experience in one of the planet's most untouched archipelagos.

Sustainable Luxury and Thoughtful Design

This property represents a decade-long endeavor to create a luxurious retreat with minimal environmental impact. The hotel was constructed with a profound respect for its fragile ecosystem; remarkably, not a single tree was felled during its development. The design of the 72 stilted villas, with their distinctive thatched roofs, is inspired by the traditional homes of the indigenous Jarawa people. The commitment to sustainability is evident throughout, from the use of sustainable timber to its reliance on solar power, an on-site bio-gas plant, a water bottling facility, and rainwater harvesting. The grounds are immaculately maintained, featuring a large organic kitchen garden that supplies the restaurants with fresh produce.

The Villa Experience

Each standalone villa is a private, spacious haven. Accessed via white wooden steps, the enormous interiors feature polished dark wood floors and a grand oversized four-poster bed at their center. A large private patio with seating extends the living space outdoors. Cleverly concealed behind the headboard wall is an expansive bathroom with his-and-hers sinks, a large walk-in shower, and a striking standalone tub. While the villas provide an immense sense of privacy and space, guests should note that they are set back from the shore; there are no direct ocean views, as a curtain of dense, protected foliage preserves the natural beauty of the beachfront.

A Journey of Culinary Delights

The dining experiences at the resort are exceptional. The culinary highlight is The Settlers, a unique fine-dining restaurant that presents a carefully curated tasting menu celebrating the diverse food cultures of the islands' early settler communities from regions like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. For more casual meals, Turtle House is a poolside eatery offering a global menu with Mediterranean and Mexican influences, while Shoreline serves a mix of Asian, European, and Indian cuisines with views of the beach through the palms. A particularly charming ritual is the complimentary high tea served on the beach, allowing guests to enjoy spectacular sunsets.

Recreation and Wellness

This accommodation is a paradise for both relaxation and adventure. The stunning infinity-edge swimming pool is perched high up, offering a treetop perspective with glimpses of the ocean. The J Wellness Circle spa provides a sanctuary for rejuvenation with a menu of signature treatments and therapies. For active guests, the hotel can arrange a wealth of experiences, including scuba diving with the on-site Lacadives dive center, deep-sea fishing, and nature treks. A truly magical activity is the night kayaking expedition through the mangroves to witness the natural bioluminescence. The resort is also family-friendly, offering a Junior Islander Program with activities like coral painting, duck feeding, and fish feeding to engage younger guests.

Exceptional Service in Paradise

The service at this hotel is warm, dedicated, and perfectly attuned to the relaxed beachside atmosphere. From the traditional song that welcomes you upon arrival to the attentive staff who anticipate your needs, the hospitality is both professional and genuinely caring. As the premier luxury destination on Havelock Island, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans provides an unparalleled base for exploring the Andaman archipelago. It is a game-changing property that masterfully combines opulence with a deep commitment to its extraordinary natural surroundings, making for an unforgettable escape.

Select Amenities & Features

Free Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi
Swimming pool Swimming pool
Spa & wellness Spa & wellness
Fitness centre Fitness centre
Room service Room service
Laundry & dry cleaning Laundry & dry cleaning
Airport transfer Airport transfer
Beach access Beach access
Beachfront location Beachfront location
Bar Bar
Restaurant Restaurant

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of amenities.

Location

How to Get There

By Air
  • (IXZ) Veer Savarkar Int'l Airport, Port Blair: the only airport serving the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • From Port Blair, a mandatory sea transfer via private ferry or government ship is required to reach Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). This journey typically takes ~1.5–2 hours.
  • From the Havelock Island jetty, the resort is approximately a 25–30 minute drive.
  • Advance booking for flights and ferry services is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Transfers can be coordinated via the resort.

Note: Travel times are approximate and may vary with weather, sea conditions, and season.

Nearby Places & Attraction

Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
  • Long crescent of white sand and calm turquoise waters on Swaraj Dweep.
  • Distance: ≈0.1–1 km
  • Mode: Walk; ~2–15 min
  • Best time: Sunset; Nov–Apr generally clearer seas
  • Tip: Strong currents at times—swim only in designated areas.
Elephant Beach
  • Popular snorkeling spot with shallow reefs and water-activity kiosks.
  • Distance: ≈6–10 km
  • Mode: Boat from jetty (~20–35 min) or forest trek (~45–75 min), conditions permitting
  • Best time: Morning; Nov–Apr
  • Tip: Boat services may pause in rough seas—check same-day schedules.
Kalapathar Beach
  • Rocky-sand beach with casuarina backdrop on the island’s eastern side.
  • Distance: ≈10–14 km
  • Mode: Car/scooter; ~25–40 min
  • Best time: Early morning; Nov–Mar
  • Tip: Limited facilities—carry water; avoid slippery rocks at high tide.
Nemo Reef (Shore Dive/Snorkel)
  • Beginner-friendly reef near Govind Nagar with frequent clownfish and hard corals.
  • Distance: ≈6–8 km
  • Mode: Car to site + guided snorkel/dive; ~20–30 min to start
  • Best time: Morning; Nov–Apr
  • Tip: Use a certified operator; do not touch or stand on corals.
Havelock Mangrove Creeks (Kayaking)
  • Guided paddle through mangrove tunnels with birdlife and still waters.
  • Distance: ≈4–8 km
  • Mode: Car to jetty + guided kayak; ~15–25 min to start, ~1.5–2 h session
  • Best time: Sunrise or post-sunset (bioluminescence on suitable nights)
  • Tip: Tides matter—book tide-aligned slots; use mosquito repellent.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) – Day Trip
  • Small island known for Natural Bridge and clear-water beaches like Bharatpur.
  • Distance: ≈18–25 km
  • Mode: Ferry; ~60–90 min each way, schedules permitting
  • Best time: Morning start; Nov–Apr
  • Tip: Fixed ferry timings—secure return tickets before departing Havelock.

General Tip: Sea conditions and ferries are weather-dependent—prebook, carry government ID, keep a buffer in plans, and follow Andaman eco-rules (no single-use plastics, no reef touching).

Seasonality Overview

Peak
  • Window: Oct–Apr
  • Demand: High; premium rates and stricter booking policies are in effect.
  • Events driving (high) demand: Prime weather for diving, snorkeling, and exploring the islands.
  • Weather: Consistently sunny and dry with calm seas, ideal for all water activities.
  • Tips: Book flights, ferries, and accommodations several months in advance to secure availability.
Super-peak
  • Window: Christmas & New Year's week (late Dec to early Jan).
  • Demand: Highest of the year; rooms sell out far ahead at maximum rates.
  • Events driving (highest) demand: Festive holiday travel and New Year's Eve celebrations.
  • Weather: Excellent; widely considered the best time of year with clear skies.
  • Tips: Expect minimum stay requirements and mandatory gala dinner supplements.
Shoulder
  • Window: May & Sep
  • Demand: Moderate, offering a good balance of value and fewer visitors.
  • Events driving (moderate) demand: Favorable rates just before or after the main high season.
  • Weather: A mix of sunny days and occasional showers as monsoons arrive or recede.
  • Tips: A good time to find better value while still enjoying most activities.
Low or Off
  • Window: Jun–Aug
  • Demand: Low; significant rate reductions and special packages are often available.
  • Weather: Southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall, high humidity, and potentially rough seas.
  • Tips: Best for a quiet retreat focused on wellness and lush inland scenery.
  • Weather or Access caveats: Ferry schedules are less reliable; some water sports may be suspended.

Note: Inter-island transport in the Andamans relies on ferries, which can be affected by weather, particularly during the monsoon. It's wise to build flexibility into your travel itinerary.

Other Information

Theme: Beachfront, Island, Waterfront
Check-in time: After 2:00 PM
Check-out time: Until 12:00 PM
Number of rooms: 72

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