Port Blair, Feb 14: The Indian Hotels Company Limited, South Asia’s leading hospitality company, today announced the opening of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans and introduced India’s newest beach destination. Set in relatively undiscovered Havelock Islands, the resort is located on the crescent shaped Radhanagar Beach, reputed to be one of the best beaches in Asia. Taj has taken great care to construct a 72 villa world-class resort in 46 acres of forest and mangroves while preserving the fragile eco-system of the island.

Speaking about the new addition to the iconic Taj portfolio, Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, Indian Hotels Company Limited said, “Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a milestone launch for us. Taj has been instrumental in developing India’s tourism potential in Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa and putting them on the global map. With the opening of this resort, IHCL’s position of pioneering destinations and having the largest network of leisure hotels gets further strengthened. Known for its virgin white sand beaches and tropical forests; Andamans is poised to be one of the top places to travel to in 2018. The hotel has been enveloped in the island habitat with focus on sustainability to create minimal footprint on the natural ecosystem. We look forward to extending the legendary Taj hospitality to our guests in the Andamans.”

Not a single tree has been felled during the construction of the 72 beach villas that pay homage to the style of the indigenous Jarawa tribe’s pitch-roof stilted huts. The lobby built on stilts will greet guests to spectacular beach views and a 50-meter infinity swimming pool. Given its commitment to the region, Taj has set up an onsite bottling plant eliminating the use of plastic bottles, a waste disposal system- converting wet waste to gas and compost and a sanitation treatment plant to limit its carbon footprint.

Talking about the resorts unique offerings Abnash Kumar, General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans said, “From elevating the local cuisine to empowering locals through employment - the all new Taj Exotica Resort & Spa will offer guests a culturally and environmentally uplifting experience. I am looking forward to welcoming our guests to this spectacular new resort with its exclusive villas, secluded beaches and immersive culinary experiences.”

The restaurants at the resort tell tales of the land. While The Settlers offer dishes inspired by the settlers who’ve made the Andamans their home in a fine dining set-up, Shoreline presents coastal curries from the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The Turtle House will offer global grills including Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine.

The in-house Naturalist will help navigate the exotic island with experiences ranging from snorkelling, scuba diving and night time kayaking through the mangroves with its fascinating nocturnal world of bioluminescence-phytoplankton. As an inaugural offer Taj is offering on Deluxe Villas starting from INR 25000 a night.

Established in 1903, the iconic Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris is Indian Hotels Company Limited’s (IHCL) brand for the world’s most discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences in luxury. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The unique portfolio comprises 100 hotels across 62 locations around the globe including presence in India, North America, United Kingdom, Africa, Middle East, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal. For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, the crown jewel has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house. Vivanta provides new generation travellers a contemporary and creative hospitality experience that matches their work-hard, play-hard lifestyles.

The Gateway Hotel welcomes guests to a refreshingly enjoyable and hassle-free experience, anytime, everywhere, offering the highest consistency in quality, service and style.

Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris is the flagship brand of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). IHCL also operates hotels in the economy segment with the Ginger brand, a pioneer in the branded budget hotel space in India and also it’s largest. Indian Hotels Company Limited runs TajSats Air Catering, a joint venture of the Indian Hotels Company, and SATS (formerly known as Singapore Airport Terminal Services), the market leader in airline catering, providing inflight catering at key cities.