Havelock may not be the easiest place in the world to get to, but boy, it's worth the effort. A coral-ringed island with some of the most spectacular beaches on earth and an abundance of nature's other pleasures awaits: mangrove creeks teeming with birdlife and crystal-clear seas filled with a dazzling array of aquatic life. And now there’s another reason to go: this stunning retreat carved into the virgin rainforest with 6 stylish suites, a private villa and a 16m ozone infinity pool.
It was an overgrown banana plantation until British chef and entrepreneur Mark Hill enlisted a crack team of architects, artisan builders and crafters to clear the land and blend traditional Indian materials and techniques with fluid lines, modern minimalism and imagination. The result is a sublime hideaway with a laid-back vibe and luxe finishes. Rooms are arranged over staggered levels, leading down to an expansive decked platform and the glittering infinity pool. There’s an open-air massage suite, yoga classes, even a badminton lawn. Book island hopping excursions, private beachside picnics and jungle foraging walks then return here for a sundowner and some of the best views on the island.
Highs
- The back-to-nature vibe with the spoiling benefits of a top hotel
- Cool and clean suites with dreamy bathrooms and bags of indoor and outside space
- Delicious food, with a seafood focus and tropical breakfasts
- The fun, sociable open-air bar and lounge; there’s a great cocktail menu and even a film projector for movies under the stars
- A perfect place to relax and rejuvenate - surrounded by virgin rainforest and no phones or TVs to distract you
Lows
- We were the very first guests so we didn’t see some of the finishing touches, but we’re assured it’s firing on all cylinders now
- The hotel does not currently have a licence to sell alcohol on site - but you're free to BYO from duty free
- No WiFi in the rooms, but that's half the point (if you need to connect, there's WiFi in the bar/lounge)
- It's a remote island so getting here is an adventure, and things can be unreliable when you arrive - expect occasional power cuts (though there are now back up generators) or a shortage of produce from the mainland
Best time to go
December to March is the best season - dry and warm during the day and cool in the evenings. April and May are sunny but humid. June to September sees long and heavy rains with short and unpredictable periods of sunshine, but prices are cheaper. October and November can bring short rains, but generally have a good chance of uninterrupted sunshine.
Diving is best between November and April. Game fishing is best from mid-January to mid-March.
Diving is best between November and April. Game fishing is best from mid-January to mid-March.
Our top tips
To avoid staying a night in Port Blair, arrive before 1pm so you can catch a ferry to Havelock the same day; and likewise on the way back, book a flight from Port Blair after 1pm (check these times with Jalakara when booking your room).
Radhanagar (aka Number 7) is the island's most stunning beach. Head to the far left or far right for complete seclusion.
For a slice of authentic island life, head to Havelock's market, grab a streetside table and spend an hour people-watching.
Radhanagar (aka Number 7) is the island's most stunning beach. Head to the far left or far right for complete seclusion.
For a slice of authentic island life, head to Havelock's market, grab a streetside table and spend an hour people-watching.
Location
Jalakara is perched on the side of a hill in the middle of Havelock Island. It's 15 minutes' drive to the harbour, 5 minutes' to the bustling market, 10 minutes' to the dive centres and Govindnagar beach strip, and 15 minutes to Radhanagar beach.
Havelock Island, in the Bay of Bengal, is 1.5-3.5 hours by boat from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands. Port Blair is easily accessible by air from mainland India.
You will receive a free permit on arrival at Port Blair Airport; please note that if you mention going to the Andamans when you get your tourist visa, some embassies may request that you obtain the permit then, which can delay the visa process. Nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh and China must apply for the permit in advance, which can take up to 6 weeks.
By Air:
Fly to Chennai (Madras) or Kolkata (Calcutta) in India, then take a domestic flight to Port Blair.
From Port Blair to Havelock
Public ferries will transfer you from Port Blair to Havelock Island pier (the last of which leave Port Blair at 2pm); from there it's a 15-minute taxi ride to the hotel. Choose from government ferries (2hr30) or slightly pricier catamarans (1hr30) operated by private firms. We prefer the catamarans as they are faster and more comfortable than the ferries. Jalakara can arrange all the necessary transfers and ferry tickets for you to take the stress out of the connection.
Private Speedboat charter from Port Blair to Havelock is also possible upon request (from USD 1000 per trip for up to 12 passengers).
Getting around
You'll need to use mopeds, tuk-tuks, taxis or buses.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the Andaman Islands and getting around
Airports:
- Port Blair 60.0 km IXZ
Other:
- Beach 2.3 km
- Shops 1.5 km
- Restaurant 1.5 km