Barefoot at Havelock

Get away from it all at this hideaway resort on the "best beach in Asia" in the unexplored Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands are India’s secret paradise: stunning beaches, pristine coral reefs, Tolkienesque forests, active volcanoes, swimming elephants, elusive dugongs and big, big fish all in one location. And this pared-down eco-hideaway, tucked behind 2km of untrodden white sands and 100ft-high mahua trees, is the place to see them.

Its 19 beautifully designed cottages and villas are hidden among 7 acres of grounds, their hardwood walls and conical thatch roofs blending into the tropical foliage. You get basic comforts (modern plumbing, hot water, and air conditioning or ceiling fans), a restaurant/bar and an exhilarating closeness to nature. The Barefoot philosophy means a minimal environmental footprint, so only indigenous materials are used, rainwater is harvested and most staff are local. Venture out and you can kayak through mangrove creeks, snorkel or dive the reefs, and camp on a deserted island; stay put and there's yoga, Ayurvedic spa treatments, birdwatching, elephant encounters and a blissful beach. Barefoot at Havelock is perfect if you're looking for an unpretentious hideaway on one of the world’s last undeveloped tropical islands.

Highs

• The Andaman Islands are one of the few tropical island groups to remain undiscoverd by the masses - virtually as unspoilt when we returned in 2012 as when we first visited
• The quirkily named Beach No. 7 - pristine, sandy and "the best beach in Asia" according to Time magazine - is ideal for sun-worshippers
• This is an ideal spot to relax, meditate and commune with nature
• And it's a great base for adventures, with hiking, fishing, kayaking and some of the best diving in the world on the doorstep
• The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable
• This place has excellent ecological credentials

Lows

• It's a bit of a hassle to get to and feels cut off from the rest of the world (only the Nicobari Villa has a TV, and there's little phone signal or internet access), but that's why the islands are so blissfully quiet
• There are sandflies at dusk on the beach (all the islands have them)
• The resort sits on the other side of the island from towns, so you'll need to hire a car or tuk-tuk to reach 'civilisation', but this seclusion is part of the draw
• The nocturnal forest sounds can be irritating if you're a light sleeper
• This is the tropics, so expect the occasional shower even in the dry season