A beach-front paradise of a luxury retreat, Barefoot at Havelock makes the most of India's stunning Andaman Islands with its cluster of romantic, sun-bleached cottages, just a stroll from the ocean. This is not a place for techno-junkies; the islands are very remote and mod cons are kept to a minimum. That said, the resort boasts the "Best Beach in Asia" (Time Magazine), which is a serious plus-point.

The facilities

There are no newspapers, television or internet, and there's minimal phone reception. But what you do get is acres of pristine forest and beach, a good restaurant and bar and some of the best diving sites in the world. The resort can organise sea kayaking to explore the nearby mangrove forests, and fishing trips.

The rooms

Each of Barefoot at Havelock's 18 cottages and villas is intimate and refined. The resort's eco-principles means that all-natural materials were used in the build and rainwater is harvested for guests' use. All boast Balinese teak beds, ceiling fans (proper air-con in the villas) and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers.