This is the Spice Coast, where the Arabian Sea meets the Indian Ocean and where golden sands and brilliant azure waters form the backdrop to local fishing communities. Set in 36 acres of parkland and separated from the sea by a windbreak of tall, whispering palms, Marari Beach Resort is large enough to get lost in and, given the number of guests it can accommodate, remarkably tranquil.
Winding paths weave round lotus ponds and fruit trees to connect the 62 traditional palm-thatched cottages and everything required for your spiritual and physical well-being is provided: an enormous swimming pool, Ayurvedic treatments and yoga centres, ball sports, martial arts, nature walks, organic cookery and traditional dance demonstrations. It’s popular with couples, families and groups of friends, many of whom return year after year.
A strong emphasis on the environment is also evident throughout. Rainwater is harvested, water is solar-heated, plastic is avoided and mangroves have been planted. No trees were cut down to create the resort and only local materials were used during its construction. There’s even an ecology tour, when staff will proudly show you the organic and butterfly gardens (and the less-picturesque bio gas plant too!).
Highs
- The grounds are spacious and tranquil, and the wide beach is empty and unspoilt - no smoke-emitting watersports are permitted and there are few hawkers
- The comprehensive facilities include a large swimming pool, tennis and badminton courts, a club house and dedicated centres for yoga, meditation, martial arts classes and Ayurvedic treatments
- The wide range of activities are all designed to foster respect for, and increase knowledge of, the local environment and culture
- The 3 onsite naturalists who can walk you around the Butterfly Garden and the Kitchen Garden
- The service is charming and the catch-of-the-day seafood from the restaurant and Beach Grill is delicious
Lows
- It’s expensive by Keralan standards, especially in high season, but you do get lots of space and good facilities
- The resort is larger than most places chosen by i-escape so it can feel less personal
- Finding your way back to your villa can be confusing, though thankfully there are plenty of arrowed signs
- Breakfast finishes at 9.30am, so it’s not great for lie-ins
- When we last visited the rooms were looking a little dated, but they were spotlessly clean and well equipped with real coffee and tea and a really good minibar
Best time to go
You’ll find the best weather between the end of November and March, when it's dry, clear and not too hot, but this is also the busiest time at the resort. If you want more peace April and May are normally quite dry but getting rapidly hotter. There is a southwest monsoon in June and July and a milder northeast monsoon in mid October/November, though there is usually some respite from the wind and rain in August and September.
Our top tips
Stroll along to the coastal village of Mararikulam to gain an insight into local life - weaving, coir-making and fishing are the main occupations.
Our guests' ratings...
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