Barefoot At Havelock, Havelock Island

Barefoot is located on Havelock Island, a 1-hour 45-minute journey by hydrofoil from the capital Port Blair. This remote island covers 100 sq km, and is well worth exploring. The hotel is set within 7 acres of grounds, 100m from the sea, 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 with Maldivian style luxury or service, but for those looking for something a little more down to earth. The vegetables are organically grown on site, and some of the seafood on offer is exceptional - if you want crab or lobster get your order in the day before! 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. Diving is available through the fully certified PADI dive school, Barefoot Scuba Centre on the other side of the island, a short 20 minute drive away - with transfers offered - and is best from December to May. Snorkelling is also superb in and around Havelock Island. The hotel also offers yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, kayaking, fishing, nature walks, and bird watching.