Nestled away in the Bay of Bengal on Havelock Island, the largest island of the pleasantly secluded Andaman archipelago located between India and Thailand, the recently opened Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans is a newcomer to the international chain of high-end hotels and resorts.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans, a peaceful, luxurious getaway situated on 46 acres off the beaten path, is committed to the conservation and sustainability of the island’s globally significant biodiversity.
Accommodations at the resort are modern yet minimalist, and include 50 1,580-square-foot air-conditioned deluxe villas on stilts designed to highlight and support the island’s natural resources. The villas feature a king-size bed, full-length vanity, walk-in closet, private bar, and outside deck with chairs and beds.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa deluxe villa (tajhotels.com)
Experience fine dining in an intimate, glamorous setting at The Settlers, where guests can choose multicuisine selections from the restaurant’s cyclical menus showcasing a variety of community recipes created from locally sourced produce.
Or, for a relaxed bistro atmosphere featuring American, European, Middle Eastern and Indian classics, the Turtle House global grill restaurant serves wholesome meals in generous servings. Located next to the Olypmic-size infinity pool overlooking the beach, it’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy the sights and smells.
The Settlers restaurant at Taj Exotic Resort & Spa (tajhotels.com)
Comprising a blend of thick rainforests, lush mangroves and impeccable white sand beaches, the tropical Havelock Island has an abundance of coral reefs and marine life, and has “a reputation for being a traveler’s paradise.”
Visitors are drawn to the tranquil island to birdwatch, fish, snorkel, do yoga or simply laze on the beach. For those seeking a bit more adventure, scuba diving is a popular option, as well as moonlight kayaking through the mangroves led by expert local guides or trekking through the jungle to discover a rich variety of flora and fauna, and explore hidden waterfalls.
Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris, which opened in 1903, is one Asia’s largest groups of hotels with 98 properties in 61 locations around the world, including three in the U.S.: Boston, New York and San Francisco.
(tajhotels.com)
The company’s upscale properties offer an array of accommodations ranging from picture-perfect beach resorts and contemporary business hotels, to iconic Grand Palaces and world-renowned landmarks.
Providing regal hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury, Taj Hotels was recognized this past year with 93 TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence.
It also lead the charge in Condé Nast Traveler’s 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards in 2017 for the “50 Best Hotels in the World” with three winners — India’s Rambagh Palace, Jaipur; Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur; and Taj Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi — the most hotels in the category by any one global brand.
