Deep in the lush hillside in the heart of tropical Havelock Island, adjacent to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, this concept-driven hotel aims to merge the charms of private villas with the comforts of boutique hotels. The result is a welcoming experience that affords abundant privacy, while still retaining the service and staffing expected of a small hotel. Each room and suite at Jalakara is uniquely designed, but what they share in common is the sense of calm they instill and the spectacular views they offer. There are no televisions or Wi-Fi routers to speak of in the rooms, as the hotel hopes that guests will instead connect with nature, fellow travelers and themselves. Jalakara’s central gathering point is the terrace-ringed infinity pool, located beside the hotel’s bar and restaurant. The carefully crafted dinner menu lists Indian-inspired dishes, along with a few other Asian and British elements. Breakfast is complimentary and lunch can be enjoyed on the pool terrace. There is a small spa on site and the hotel offers yoga lessons as well. Beyond the hotel, guests can explore Havelock – and any of its beaches – by bike, scooter, or on foot. Snorkeling and diving expeditions can also be arranged, as can fishing and boating trips.

Cozy Charm: There are no cookie-cutter rooms here; everything has its own unique flair, creating an atmosphere more akin to visiting a distant friend than staying at a hotel.

A Chance to Disconnect: There’s no Wi-Fi here and no screens, presenting an opportunity to fully indulge in the surrounding natural landscape and reconnect with oneself.

Nature: Havelock Island, and the adjacent Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are beautiful collections of lush green foliage and white sand beaches that are especially alluring during cold winter months.