*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
Following an adventure taking in the highlights of Southern India there’s little better than retreating to a secluded spot that feels like your own private piece of paradise. That’s what you’ll find at Marari Beach. Surrounded by local fishing communities, and within acres of parkland scattered with lotus ponds and coconut groves, this is a hidden Kerala gem far removed from the outside world; there are no televisions, and while you can access Wi-Fi, you're likely to find yourself forgoing technology for cultural and nature experiences, yoga sessions, and just wandering along the beach and watching the catch of the day being landed on the white-sand beach. Owned and run by CGH Earth, the hotel has a real eco-friendly focus. Everything they do is environmentally sensitive and benefits the local community. That’s not to say you’ll be skimping on fantastic service and modern facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, tennis courts and bicycles to borrow to explore the local area. Keralan, Indian and international cuisine is served under a thatched roof at the main restaurant, with much of the produce used in the resort’s own organic gardens. There’s also a restaurant by the beachside where you can dine on the freshest seafood available – it might even be the same catch of day that you saw being landed on the beach! Marari Beach’s villas are set throughout the resort and are set within enough space to ensure privacy. The style is simple and rustic – each villa has a thatched roof and a partly open-air courtyard-style bathroom. These villas really do give a sense of place, and of course, space.
For a real sense of understated luxury, a chance to really get away from it all and a feeling that you are at one with nature, you should look no further than this beautiful Relais & Chateaux property. The pace of life here is incredibly laid back and there’s a focus on wellness; a little relaxation and indulgence will be just what you need following a non-stop tour of India. Wander along winding paths through delightful gardens that are scattered with a variety of tropical tree species and statues as you make you way between your cottage, the spa, the breathtaking infinity pool and a pristine beach, which is accessed by steps in the cliff side. You can begin your day at the wonderfully-situated yoga pavilion and soak up the ocean views as you join the resident yogi in an early morning session. It’ll then be time for a freshly-prepared breakfast which is served daily at the main restaurant Café Samsara, which is also open for lunch and dinner. The rest of the day can easily be whiled away by the pool or on the beach. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the temples and bazaars in the local area on an immersive cultural tour, head out to the backwaters for a cruise and beach picnic or join a cooking class. Once you’ve enjoyed a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset you can dine on catch-of-the day dishes at the intimate venue Essence.
With unique architecture that’s inspired by the region’s traditional and iconic houseboats, this Taj property leaves you with a real sense of place. Located in 26-acre grounds next to the Kappil River and just a short walk through the palm-scattered gardens to a quiet beach, it is also possibly one of the most tranquil Indian beach resorts we feature. The Jiva Spa is the real jewel in the crown here. In this extensive and serene space you can soak away everyday life as you experience treatments that have been born from ancient Ayurvedic practices and Indian healing rituals. Yoga is also a particular focus here – something that should not come as a surprise in this corner of the world. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, there is a wide selection of sessions to choose from. We can’t think of a better way to start the day. If the spa and yoga sessions are not enough, you can kayak along the river, enjoy dinner by the waterside or enjoy a trip to the 17th Century Bekal Fort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily at the main restaurant, the Backwater Café. Depending on your personal tastes, you can opt for Kerala-inspired dishes or various international cuisines. As the name suggest, By the Bay is a seafood restaurant. Open just for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday, it has a relaxed vibe and serves mouthwatering dishes. The final dining venue, Grills ‘n’ More, is a poolside barbecue where grilled specialities are created using local flavours. One of the ultimate treats – perhaps to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or just because – is a private dinner by the river. The beautiful rooms and suites at the Taj Bekal are full of light and have been designed with the local ketuvallams in mind. Each room has plenty of outdoor space – the Superior Rooms feature either a large balcony or terrace with hanging day bed while the Deluxe Villas have a beautiful courtyard. The most sought after accommodation here has to be the Deluxe Villas and Premium Villas which feature a plunge pool on the spacious terrace.
While the majority of Southern India resorts feature spas that offer Ayurvedic treatments and alternative ancient practices, at the beautiful Carnoustie resort the focus is almost entirely on the wellbeing of the body and soul. Hidden away on the breathtaking Malabar Coast, this is the perfect place to retreat to following a lively Indian adventure. This is the place for some genuine ‘me time’. Days can start with yoga (an incredible seven types of yoga are practised here) on the beachfront platform or within the gardens, and continue with an Ayurveda healing treatment at the Aryavaidyasala spa, a bicycle ride around the local villages or a lunch or evening cruise on the backwaters. Alternatively, you can do nothing but lie by the pool or on the beach. The choice is yours. Reflecting the wellness focus of the resort, there is a emphasis on healthy and varied cuisine. And with produce such as fruits, vegetables and spices (and herbs for the Ayurveda treatments) coming from Carnoustie's organic garden, and the majority of the sea food served coming directly from the day’s catch, you know you are going to be getting the freshest and tastiest dishes possible. There are two restaurants: IDA, which serves a wide range of local and international cuisine, and Chimaera where you can enjoy locally-caught seafood in the most beautifully presented dishes. The style is contemporary luxury, however there’s a definite nod to the architecture, heritage and culture of the region, something that can be seen in the design of the thatched cottages. The Akund Deluxe Villas are scattered throughout the gardens and feature a private deck with a lily pond.
With accommodation inspired by traditional fisherman’s cottages, an off-the-beaten-track setting on Kerala's unspoilt Malabar coast and a focus on wellbeing, this is the ultimate retreat if you are truly looking to get away from it all. Walk along the seemingly endless beach for miles and see only local fishermen landing their catch, enjoy cooking lessons with the resort’s chef or relax under palms in the beautiful gardens or by the pool... you may even forget there’s a world beyond you little slice of paradise. There’s a complimentary yoga class each morning that’s perfect for beginners which take place in the beach-side yoga hall – what better way to start each day. One-to-one or small group sessions for those who are more advanced, as well as yoga meditation lessons can also be arranged throughout the day. The focus at the resort’s unique Annapurna restaurant is healthy and delicious Ayurvedic dishes, the majority of which are vegetarian. Alternatively, you enjoy fresh seafood sourced from the morning’s catch, as well as more western-style dishes at Meenakshi which has a fantastic setting overlooking the beach. Foodies can also partake in cookery classes and learn how to make regional Malabar dishes under the guidance of the resort’s resident chefs, again with fresh fish bought in daily by local fishermen. The beautiful thatched cottages are inspired by the local fishermen dwellings and are furnished with items created by local crafts people as well as a few antique pieces. The Gardenview Cottages are located within the landscaped gardens with the verdant foliage creating a real sense of privacy. The cottages each feature charming names such as Ananda, meaning Bliss, Dana meaning generosity and Sukha meaning happiness.
Marari Beach Resort
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam
Taj Bekal Resort & Spa
Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort
Neeleshwar Hermitage, Kasaragod
