Where to stay in Varkala

7-10th May 2018

We found the perfect beach resort in Varkala, Kerala...

B'canti Boutique Beach Resort was the perfect pick during our relaxing tour of South India. We arrived on 7th May 2018 and planned to stay for 2 nights but ended up extending for a further night, checking out on 10th may 2018. This spiritual beach town is backed by palm-covered red cliffs and known for its yoga teacher training.

We got to the south of India just after the tourist season had finished. The high season runs from October to March as it gets too hot in April and May with extremely high levels of humidity and the monsoon then starts in June. This meant that the hotel was very quiet with only a few other guests allowing us to really enjoy all that this resort has to offer. The weather was still good; hot and sunny so that we could sunbathe. We would just be sweating head to toe after doing anything and witnessed some pretty impressive storms on the evening which added to the fun.

We wanted to stay on the coast as Varkala is famous for Varkala beach which is how we came across this beach resort. It is set right on the ocean on top of the red cliffs. B'canti used to be located on the beach but due to high tides the previous year the beach has now disappeared in that area. This didn't impact us as we were still on the ocean and there was a beach just a 10 minute walk left or right outside of the resort. The location here is so quiet, safe and peaceful we just loved it. We were located around 4km to the main Varkala beach and 5km to the main town of Varkala. The town is very local and you wouldn't need to go there as it isn't very nice for tourists. On the other hand, the area of Varkala beach is great with everything you need there from yoga classes and shops to trendy restaurants, live music bars and healthy cafes. We enjoyed a coastal walk to Varkala beach which took us around 45mins-1hr with some beautiful scenery along the way.

When we arrived at the resort the staff were waiting to greet us with a refreshing welcome drink. We instantly received a warm vibe from those who helped us with our bags and asked us about our journey. First impressions of the hotel were good. We were not blown away by the exterior as an older style building had clearly been refurbished which left it still looking a little old fashioned in some places, but this was soon to be overlooked by us.

Escorted to our lovely room we were blown away by how modern and sparkly clean it was boasting that fresh and new smell in the air, something we love when staying in hotels. Apart from the high level of cleanliness the first thing we noticed was the sound of the ocean from inside our room. This is something we also love as it is such a relaxing sound and just want you want from a beach resort. We had a stunning sea view and a semi private balcony to enjoy. There was one room in the resort that had the most breathtaking sea view with a private balcony. This was the honeymoon suite which was booked while we were there.

Taking you back inside the room the interior was of a modern grey and white colour scheme. We were left a lovely fruit bowl of all the delicious local fruits and a plate of the most amazing handmade chocolates which we really enjoyed, such a lovely welcoming touch. The bathroom was filled with new fluffy towels and all of the essential toiletries that you would require. Our room was very spacious for the two of us with an ensuite bathroom. There was a TV which I have to be honest about I have no idea if it worked or not as who watched TV on vacation right!? The wifi was great and worked really well.

After devouring the chocolates we grabbed the room service menu as we had been travelling all day and were so hungry! South Indian food is just amazing and so different to the more rich curries we had been enjoying in the north. It was our first experience of coconut rice and it wouldn't be our last. We also couldn't get enough of the lentil dhal at B'canti which was so freshly cooked we could of ate bowls and bowls of it. Breakfast was included which was also good with varying options leaving us very full and ready for the day. Over the 3 days we were there we tried various dishes off of the menu and we didn't experience anything bad. 1 thing we always pick up on is how freshly prepared we feel the food is and this ticked all the boxes. Something we loved was the freshly made poppadoms they gave us with every meal. These are a southern Indian delicacy and they were nothing like we have ever tried before.

After our first nights room service we ate in the restaurant which was such a beautiful setting. It was like a big wooden beach hut built above the crashing waves with that magical sound and cool sea breeze coming through. Again it was a really relaxing atmosphere. On the last night we had a lovely romantic candle lit dinner on the cliffs edge that the staff had prepared for us which really ended our stay on such a high.

In terms of facilities the pool was a highlight with a sea view in the background. Also the fresh drinking water in our room everyday was great as 1 thing you do not do in India is go anywhere near the tap water. Our weak western stomachs cannot deal with this.

It wasn't ready while we were there but they were busy creating an Ayurveda spa at B'canti which will be the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

All of the staff throughout the resort were so accommodating and kind to us. They helped with things to do in the area and planning our onward journey. There is a trusted tuk tuk driver they will call whenever you need. We recommend this place very highly as the place to stay in Varkala and hope to go back soon.

With love from the globe,

Isabelle & George x

Currently in England.

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