De Foret

This place has an amazing atmosphere.

When you picture a getaway to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), you likely imagine pristine coastlines, lush greenery, and complete serenity. On our recent family trip, we stayed at **De Foret**, a resort that captures that tropical dream perfectly on the surface, but stumbles a bit when it comes to the finer details.If you are planning a trip to the Andamans, here is my honest, unfiltered take as a travel blogger on what to expectThe Wow Factor: Aesthetics & LocationLet’s start with the undisputed highlight: the property itself is **absolutely breathtaking**. Nestled amidst Havelock's stunning natural landscape, the resort’s design blends beautifully with its surroundings.Even better is its location. De Foret sits just a stone's throw away from the legendary **Radhanagar Beach**—consistently voted one of the best beaches in Asia. Being able to hop over to those world-class, powdery white sands and turquoise waters at a moment's notice was an absolute dream. The Downsides: Where the Premium Price Tag Fails to Match: While the setting is paradise, our experience inside the resort was a bit of a rollercoaster. De Foret is **expensive**, and at that premium price point, you expect near-flawless execution. Unfortunately, we ran into a few significant snags: * **Below-Average Food:** For a luxury island stay, the culinary experience was a letdown. The meals were largely uninspiring and fell well below average, which is tough when you're looking forward to winding down after a long day on the beach. * **Cleanliness Concerns:** This was the biggest hurdle for us. Upon check-in, we noticed the **bed linen was dirty**. Later, I requested a few bottles of mineral water, and to my absolute surprise, the bottle lid arrived filthy and covered in rust.Service Recovery: A Courteous Staff Saving the Day, What kept our stay from being a total disaster was the team on the ground. The **staff was super courteous** and handled our grievances with grace and speed.When we pointed out the rusted water bottle, they immediately replaced it with a properly sealed, clean mineral water bottle. Likewise, the moment we complained about the bedding, it was promptly replaced. Their willingness to fix mistakes on the spot is highly commendable.The VerdictIt’s a bit of a paradox. You have a gorgeous property in a prime location staffed by genuinely polite people, but the lack of attention to basic housekeeping details puts a major dent in the overall experience and the premium image the hotel projects.If you are planning a trip to Havelock, **I will cautiously recommend De Foret**. Go for the stunning views and unbeatable proximity to Radhanagar Beach, but keep your expectations tempered when it comes to the food and room inspection upon arrival.

ixigoer •

Family • India • Jun 2026

I had an amazing stay at De Foret Resort Havelock Island. It stands out as one of the top resorts on Havelock Island, offering spotless rooms, tasty food, and outstanding service. The calm environment and welcoming staff contributed to a memorable visit. I strongly suggest this resort to anyone seeking a quality place to stay on Havelock Island, whether for a relaxing beach getaway or a cozy family vacation in the Andaman Islands. It’s an ideal pick for a memorable island holiday and a tranquil retreat.

We stayed at De Foret for one night during our visit to Havelock. While the property provides a luxurious ambiance and comfortable rooms, our overall experience was a blend of enjoyable moments and some letdowns. What We Didn’t Appreciate 1. Absence of a warm reception There was no welcoming gesture when we arrived. We just went to the reception, completed the check-in, and headed to our room. Small gestures like a welcome drink or a friendly greeting can make guests feel appreciated, but that was missing here. It felt more like a transaction than a warm welcome. 2. Strict no-smoking rule Though I don't smoke, guests who do might find the strict no-smoking policy inconvenient since smoking was banned everywhere on the property. 3. Lack of empathy during an unexpected situation We got an urgent call from our ferry operator saying our ferry departure was moved 30 minutes earlier. Since ferry schedules in Havelock are strict, we asked the restaurant to pack our breakfast, which is common on the island. However, the packed breakfast for two included just some cut fruits, two donuts, one paratha, and two bananas. Given the extensive breakfast options at the resort, this seemed insufficient and thoughtless. Even basic items like spoons were missing. In such situations, guests expect extra care and flexibility, and this experience lowered our overall impression. 4. Unresponsive reception at checkout To make things worse, while rushing to catch the ferry, we called reception multiple times for help with checkout and luggage, but no one answered. We had to carry our luggage down ourselves. The attentiveness and service expected from a premium resort were noticeably absent. 5. Hospitality below expectations Having spent the previous two nights at Munjoh, the difference in hospitality was clear. While comparisons are natural, De Foret did not quite make guests feel truly at home or cared for. 6. Poor room lighting The room lighting was dim and could have been improved, especially for a property positioned as premium. What We Enjoyed 1. Spacious and beautiful rooms The room was large, tastefully decorated, and visually appealing. 2. Large private balcony The room featured a big balcony, ideal for relaxing and unwinding. 3. Tasty food The food served was delicious and enjoyable. 4. Complimentary room upgrade We appreciated the free upgrade given at arrival, which was a nice touch. 5. Luxurious atmosphere Overall, the property exudes a premium and luxurious vibe, with impressive infrastructure. Final Thoughts De Foret offers lovely rooms, good food, and a luxurious setting. However, hospitality involves more than just facilities. Warmth, responsiveness, and thoughtful service truly enhance a resort stay, and these were areas where the property could improve a lot. With better guest care and service, the experience could have been much more memorable.

Great spot. I suggest it. The breakfast is certainly something to experience.