ITC Hotels Signs 22-Key Storii Boutique Retreat in Swaraj Dweep for Andaman Debut

ITC Hotels Limited has signed a management agreement with M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited to launch a 22-key boutique retreat under its Storii brand in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), marking the group's debut in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

SWARAJ DWEEP, Andaman Islands — ITC Hotels Limited is expanding its boutique leisure portfolio into the Bay of Bengal following the signing of Storii Havelock in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island). The 22-key intimate retreat, executed under a management contract with owner-developer M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited, represents ITC Hotels’ first property in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Positioned among Swaraj Dweep’s tropical vegetation, white sand beaches, and Indo-Pacific marine waters, the boutique property will offer curated rooms and suites alongside full-service guest facilities. The project advances ITC Hotels' strategy of entering high-potential leisure markets through location-rooted boutique properties.

Management Partnership and Amenities at Storii Havelock

The upcoming Storii Havelock retreat will feature 22 keys designed to integrate modern luxury with the island's natural coastal environment. Guest amenities planned for the boutique property include:

• An all-day dining restaurant featuring local and international cuisine.
• A specialized bar and lounge area.
• An outdoor swimming pool overlooking tropical gardens.
• A full-service wellness spa and fitness center.
• A dedicated children’s play area and family recreation zone.

Speaking on the strategic signing, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, emphasized Swaraj Dweep's rise as a premier leisure destination: "Swaraj Dweep has emerged as one of India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, drawing travellers with its natural beauty and distinctive experiences. The signing of Storii Havelock reflects our strategy of expanding across high-potential leisure markets through properties that are rooted in their surroundings."

Arjun Kapoor, Director of M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited, added: "Swaraj Dweep continues to attract travellers seeking a blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. We are confident that Storii Havelock will create a compelling hospitality offering that reflects the true spirit of the Andaman Islands."

Storii Havelock Property Specifications and ITC Portfolio Overview

The table below outlines the core project parameters, ownership structure, brand positioning, and corporate metrics associated with the signing:

Operational Parameter	Detail / Metric	Strategic Context
Property Name	Storii by ITC Hotels, Swaraj Dweep (Storii Havelock)	Boutique lifestyle brand debut in Andamans
Key Count	22-key boutique retreat	Intimate, low-density luxury accommodation
Location	Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Andaman & Nicobar	Premier island eco-tourism hub in Bay of Bengal
Management Partner	M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited	Local development & ownership collaboration
Property Facilities	All-day dining, bar, pool, spa, gym, kids' play area	Full-service luxury guest amenities
ITC Hotels Portfolio	155+ hotels with 14,200+ keys across 95+ destinations	Active operations in India, Sri Lanka & Nepal
Public Listing	Listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) & NSE	Publicly traded hospitality enterprise
LEED Leadership	World's largest chain with 25 LEED Platinum hotels	Global leader in LEED Zero Water & Carbon
WSTHA 2025 Awards	World's Leading Sustainable Organisation & Employer	International sustainability recognition

ITC Hotels' 50-Year Legacy, 7 Brands, and 155-Property Footprint

Founded in 1975, ITC Hotels Limited has grown over five decades from a single property into one of South Asia’s largest hospitality chains. Operating under its corporate philosophy "Our Legacy Inspires Our Future – 50 Glorious Years of ITC Hotels Limited," the company manages more than 155 hotels containing over 14,200 keys across 95 destinations in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Publicly listed on both the BSE and NSE, ITC Hotels operates across seven distinct brand tiers catering to different traveler demographics:

1. ITC Hotels: Luxury flagship properties showcasing Indian architecture and culinary heritage.
2. Mementos by ITC Hotels: Luxury destination retreats for bespoke experiences.
3. Epiq Collection: Premium lifestyle properties in urban and leisure hubs.
4. Welcomhotel: Upper-upscale hotels for business and leisure travelers.
5. Storii by ITC Hotels: Boutique lifestyle retreats rooted in local storytelling.
6. Fortune Hotels: Mid-market to upscale business and leisure properties.
7. WelcomHeritage: Heritage palaces, havelis, and forts preserving historical architecture.

Across all brands, the group integrates its signature Namaste service culture, combining traditional Indian warmth with global hospitality standards.

Global Sustainability Leadership: 25 LEED Platinum Certifications and WSTHA 2025

ITC Hotels has established an international reputation for responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship. The group stands as the world’s largest hotel chain with 25 LEED Platinum-certified properties under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) framework. Furthermore, the company leads globally in hotels certified for LEED Zero Water and LEED Zero Carbon.

This environmental commitment earned ITC Hotels global recognition at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) 2025, where the group was named:

• World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation
• World’s Leading Sustainable Employer
• World’s Leading Sustainable Food & Nutrition Initiative

In addition, Great Place To Work® India named ITC Hotels Limited among India’s Best Companies to Work For 2025, underscoring its workforce standards.

Strategic Growth of Swaraj Dweep as an International Eco-Tourism Hub

Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) has evolved into the centerpiece of Andaman tourism, famous for white sand beaches like Radhanagar Beach (frequently ranked among Asia's top beaches), Elephant Beach, and Kalapathar Beach.

The island attracts international divers, eco-tourists, and luxury travelers due to its pristine coral reefs and tropical rainforests. The introduction of Storii Havelock aligns with ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including expanded passenger ferry services from Port Blair and enhanced air connectivity through Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ).

By introducing a 22-key boutique property, ITC Hotels and Waterwoods Lodge are establishing a low-density, environmentally focused accommodation model that preserves Swaraj Dweep's fragile island ecosystem while catering to high-yield travelers.

Why This Matters for Andaman Luxury Travel and Sustainable Island Tourism

For luxury travelers visiting the Andaman Islands, the launch of Storii Havelock brings branded boutique hospitality to Swaraj Dweep. Travelers benefit from an intimate 22-key scale combined with the service standards, culinary expertise, and sustainability benchmarks of ITC Hotels.

From an island development perspective, the arrival of a major listed hospitality group validates Swaraj Dweep’s position as a top-tier international leisure market. Rather than building high-density mega-resorts, the selection of the Storii brand emphasizes low-impact, experience-driven tourism that respects local island biodiversity.

Furthermore, ITC Hotels' global LEED Zero Carbon and LEED Water leadership ensures that sustainable waste management, energy conservation, and water recycling practices will be integrated into the property's operational framework.

Visitor Guidance: Reaching Swaraj Dweep and Navigating Havelock

Travelers planning an itinerary to Swaraj Dweep should consider these practical transit details:

• Air & Sea Transit: Fly into Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), followed by a 90-minute high-speed catamaran ferry (Makruzz, Nautika, or Green Ocean) from Phoenix Bay Jetty to Swaraj Dweep.
• Advance Ferry Reservations: Book inter-island ferry seats online at least two weeks prior to travel, particularly during peak dry season months between October and April.
• Boutique Booking: Given the 22-key capacity of Storii Havelock, travelers seeking boutique luxury accommodations should reserve rooms well in advance of peak holiday periods.
• Island Eco-Etiquette: Respect local coastal guidelines by avoiding single-use plastics, using reef-safe sunscreen, and adhering to coral protection rules during scuba diving and snorkeling excursions.

FAQ

What is Storii Havelock and where is it located?

Storii Havelock is a 22-key boutique retreat signed by ITC Hotels Limited under a management agreement with M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited, located in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

How many hotels does ITC Hotels operate?

ITC Hotels operates more than 155 hotels containing over 14,200 keys across 95+ destinations in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal under seven distinct brands.

What sustainability awards did ITC Hotels win in 2025?

ITC Hotels was named World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation, World’s Leading Sustainable Employer, and World’s Leading Sustainable Food & Nutrition Initiative at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) 2025. It is also the world's largest chain with 25 LEED Platinum-certified hotels.

How do travelers reach Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)?

Travelers fly into Port Blair (IXZ) airport and take a 90-minute high-speed catamaran ferry from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair directly to Swaraj Dweep.

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