So, you’re looking at the Andaman Islands. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess to plan if you haven't been there. Everyone talks about Radhanagar Beach like it's the only place on earth, but if you're actually staying on the island, the logistics of where you sleep versus where you swim can get annoying fast. That is basically why Havelock Island Beach Resort stays at the top of people's lists. It’s not just about a bed; it’s about that weirdly specific luxury of walking ten feet and having your toes in the sand.
Andamans—or Swaraj Dweep, as it's officially called now—has changed. It’s busier. You’ve got more crowds, more Instagram influencers blocking the view, and more "luxury" spots that are actually just concrete boxes with a palm tree out front. But this specific resort manages to keep that old-school island vibe while still giving you a decent shower and a cold drink.
The Location Reality Check
Let’s be real. If you stay in the middle of the island, you’re spending your whole vacation on the back of a scooty or in a dusty Maruti Suzuki Omni taxi. Havelock Island Beach Resort sits right on Govind Nagar Beach (Beach No. 2). Now, is this the famous Radhanagar? No. But here is the secret: Radhanagar is for sunsets, but Govind Nagar is for living.
The water here is shallow. It's calm. You can wake up at 5:00 AM—which you should, because the sun rises incredibly early in the Andamans—and see the sky turn this bizarre shade of violet over the ocean. Most people are still asleep in their inland hotels while you're already drinking coffee with the tide coming in. That proximity is what you're actually paying for. It’s the convenience of being able to forget your sunscreen and just walk back to your room in two minutes rather than hiring a rickshaw.
The resort itself is tucked away from the main road. You get that thick, humid jungle feel on one side and the salt air on the other. It’s a bit of a maze of wooden cottages and paved paths.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Don't expect a sterile Marriott experience. If you want that, stay in Port Blair. Here, it’s all about the wood. The Deluxe Cottages and Suites at Havelock Island Beach Resort are heavy on the timber. It feels like a high-end cabin that somehow ended up on a tropical island.
The Suite Sea Facing rooms are the ones everyone fights over. You have these massive glass windows. You can literally lay in bed and watch the ferry boats in the distance or the local fishermen. It’s quiet. Well, mostly quiet. You’ll hear the cicadas and the waves, which is sort of the point of coming here, right?
One thing people often overlook is the AC. In the Andamans, the humidity is a beast. It’s thick. It’s heavy. If your AC fails, your vacation is basically a sweaty nightmare. The maintenance here is surprisingly tight compared to some of the smaller guesthouses on the island. They get that "luxury" in the tropics actually just means "everything works and it's cold inside."
Dining on the Edge of the World
Eating at Nemo’s Cafe is a bit of a rite of passage. It’s their on-site spot.
You’re sitting right there on the sand. The menu is a mix of everything—Indian, Continental, and obviously, the seafood. Get the grilled fish. It was likely swimming in the Bay of Bengal about four hours before it hit your plate. There’s something kinda magical about eating calamari while watching the actual ocean.
Prices? They’re island prices. Everything has to be shipped in from the mainland via Port Blair on a slow boat. People complain about the cost of a beer or a soda, but once you see the tiny barges unloading crates at the jetty, you sort of get why it’s not cheap.
The Scuba Situation
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning the dive center. They have their own setup. Most people coming to Havelock Island Beach Resort are there specifically to get underwater.
The Andaman Islands sit on some of the best coral reefs in South Asia. If you’ve never dived before, they do the "Discover Scuba" thing. It’s basically a trial run. But if you’re certified, they’ll take you out to the deeper spots like Dixon’s Pinnacle or Johnny’s Gorge. The instructors are usually a mix of locals who know the currents like the back of their hand and travelers who decided to never go home.
Is it scary? Maybe the first time. But the water is so clear you can see your own feet, which helps with the vertigo.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
The journey is a bit of an odyssey. You fly into Port Blair (IXZ). You then have to catch a ferry. You have two choices: the government ferry or the private ones like Makruzz or Green Ocean.
Do yourself a favor and book the private ferry. The government one is a cool experience for about twenty minutes, and then you realize you’re stuck on a hot, crowded boat for four hours. The private ferries take about 90 minutes. Once you hit the Havelock jetty, the resort is just a short drive away.
Why People Keep Coming Back
It isn't perfect. No place in the Andamans is. Sometimes the Wi-Fi is spotty because, well, you're on a rock in the middle of the ocean. Sometimes the tide goes out so far that the beach looks like a moonscape for a few hours.
But there’s a soul to this place. It’s the way the staff remembers how you like your eggs after the first morning. It’s the fact that you can have a private candlelit dinner on the beach without it feeling like a cheesy movie set. It feels authentic.
Critical Tips for Your Stay
If you’re actually going to pull the trigger and book, keep these things in mind.
- Book the Ferry Early: Do not wait until you land in Port Blair. During peak season (November to February), those boats sell out. If you miss the boat, you miss your night at the resort. No refunds for the ocean being in the way.
- Bug Spray is Non-Negotiable: The sand flies and mosquitoes don't care about your luxury vacation. Apply it religiously, especially at sunset.
- The Tide Chart is Your Best Friend: Ask the front desk about the high tide. Swimming at low tide on Beach No. 2 involves a lot of walking over dead coral and mud. You want to be in the water when the tide is high.
- Cash is King: Even in 2026, the internet in the Andamans can be finicky. Card machines go down. Keep enough Indian Rupees on you for tips and small purchases.
Actionable Plan for Travelers
If you want the best experience at Havelock Island Beach Resort, don't just wing it.
First, secure your room at least three months in advance if you're traveling during the winter. Second, coordinate your ferry timings with the resort's pickup service so you aren't standing around at the jetty looking lost.
Plan your diving for the second day of your trip. This gives you time to acclimate to the island humidity and ensures you aren't flying too soon after being underwater. Most importantly, set aside at least one evening to do absolutely nothing but sit at Nemo’s Cafe and watch the moon rise over the water. That’s the real reason you’re going anyway.