1. Untouched Island Luxury: Behind Asia's Best Beach
Hidden beneath the dense tropical rainforest canopy immediately behind the powdery white sands of Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Barefoot at Havelock is the Andaman archipelago's pioneer luxury eco-resort. Built entirely from indigenous renewable materials—hardwood timber, local bamboo, and thatch woven by local artisans—the resort leaves a zero-concrete ecological footprint.
A private wooden boardwalk winds through towering mahua and padauk trees, opening directly onto the turquoise waters of Radhanagar Beach—repeatedly voted 'Best Beach in Asia' by TIME Magazine. To preserve absolute natural tranquility, there are no televisions or blaring sound systems on the estate.
2. Cottage Categories: Nicobari Villas & Tented Cottages
The 31 private cottages are spaced generously through seven acres of rainforest:
| Cottage Category | Area | Tariff per Night (Oct–Apr) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tented Cottage | 400 sq. ft. | ₹18,000 – ₹24,000 | Canopy tented interior, timber floor, air-conditioning |
| Andaman Villa | 550 sq. ft. | ₹26,000 – ₹34,000 | Solid local timber, large windows, private veranda |
| Nicobari Villa | 650 sq. ft. | ₹35,000 – ₹45,000 | Indigenous thatch roof, spacious deck, high ceilings |
| Family Villa | 1,000 sq. ft. | ₹48,000 – ₹62,000 | Two interconnected bedrooms, forest sun deck |
3. Barefoot Scuba: 5-Star PADI Diving in the Andaman Sea
The resort houses Barefoot Scuba, the Andamans' premier 5-star PADI dive centre. Certified dive masters lead boat expeditions to legendary dive sites:
- Dixon's Pinnacle: Three massive underwater rock spires covered in soft corals, frequented by barracuda schools, giant trevally, and manta rays.
- Johnny's Gorge: A dramatic 30-metre canyon where reef sharks and eagle rays circle in crystal-clear visibility.
- Minerva Ledge: Expansive hard coral gardens ideal for beginner divers and sea turtle encounters.
4. Gastronomy: The Swimming Elephant Restaurant
Constructed beneath a soaring cathedral-style thatched roof, The Swimming Elephant serves fresh coastal seafood, organic salads, and international continental dishes. Guests can enjoy freshly caught red snapper, mangrove crab, and tiger prawns grilled with local herbs, accompanied by fine wines.
5. Travel Logistics: Catamaran Ferries from Port Blair
Travelers fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair (IXZ). From Port Blair jetty, high-speed private catamarans (Makruzz or Nautika) cross the Andaman Sea to Havelock in 90 minutes. Resort cars meet guests at Havelock jetty for the 25-minute drive to Radhanagar Beach.
During the dry season (October through May), rooms and private ferry seats sell out weeks ahead. Coordinate your flight arrival in Port Blair before 11:30 AM to catch the afternoon ferry connection to Havelock. Book via barefoot-andaman.com.
6. Ancient Tropical Rainforest Canopy & Bioluminescent Night Kayaking
Nestled behind the sugar-white sand dunes of Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), Barefoot at Havelock is an unpretentious luxury eco-sanctuary constructed entirely of indigenous and renewable materials: teakwood, cane, and hand-woven thatch. The resort sits under a monumental canopy of 100-foot ancient tropical Mahua and Padauk trees, home to the Andaman Wood Pigeon and giant day geckos.
On moonless nights, the resort organizes magical Bioluminescent Mangrove Kayaking expeditions. Paddling tandem sea kayaks into the dark mangrove creeks of Havelock, every stroke of your paddle ignites a galaxy of glowing electric-blue phytoplanktons in the warm tropical water, creating a luminous, otherworldly spectacle beneath the star-studded Andaman night sky.
7. Elephant Beach Snorkeling Treks & Mahua Spa Rituals
In addition to Radhanagar Beach, the resort organizes private guided jungle treks through primary rainforest to Elephant Beach. This secluded cove features shallow, vibrant fringing coral reefs where snorkelers encounter clownfish (Nemo) inside giant sea anemones, blue-spotted stingrays, and schools of parrotfish feeding along live coral heads.
The resort's open-air Mahua Spa uses cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, indigenous volcanic sand, and natural sea salts for rejuvenating body treatments, allowing guests to relax to the natural rhythm of ocean waves and rainforest cicadas.
8. Advanced Offshore Pinnacle Dives & Coral Reef Conservation
For certified advanced open-water divers, Barefoot Scuba runs offshore expeditions to renowned deep pinnacles such as Johnny's Gorge and Dickson's Pinnacle. Rising from the ocean floor at 30 metres up to 16 metres below the surface, these submerged granite massifs attract swirling tornados of giant barracudas, manta rays, white-tip reef sharks, and giant trevallies hunting in the azure currents.
Barefoot enforces strict marine conservation standards across all operations. The resort requires guests to utilize only reef-safe, non-nano mineral sunscreens (free from oxybenzone and octinoxate) to safeguard the delicate branching acropora corals, while night dives offer magical encounters with glowing bioluminescent dinoflagellates lighting up the nocturnal sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Barefoot at Havelock located?
The resort is nestled in the rainforest immediately behind Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
How do you reach Havelock Island from Port Blair?
Take a high-speed private passenger catamaran (Makruzz or Nautika) from Port Blair Phoenix Bay Jetty, which reaches Havelock in approximately 90 minutes.
Does Barefoot at Havelock have televisions in the rooms?
No. To maintain complete natural harmony and tranquility, cottages do not have televisions, blaring music systems, or intrusive artificial noise.
What is the room tariff at Barefoot at Havelock?
Tented Cottages start from approximately ₹18,000 per night, while luxury thatched Nicobari Villas range from ₹35,000 to ₹45,000 per night.
Is scuba diving available at the resort?
Yes. The resort operates Barefoot Scuba, a certified 5-star PADI dive center offering beginner Discover Scuba dives, certified dive excursions, and PADI certification courses.