When it comes to travelling within India, Kerala’s hospitality always comes out tops. From homestays to budget hotels and even luxury resorts, there are many accommodation options for solo female travellers or group female travellers. The best resorts in Kerala are situated in Vythiri, Kovalam, and Munnar, and these hotels are able to facilitate activities, cultural pursuits, spas, and then some.
There’s so much to see and do in Kerala that you have to travel all over the state to experience them all. So plot a route around Kerala and consider these 10 amazing resorts that will help you discover and experience her beauty:
Kaivalyam Wellness Retreat, Munnar
This resort offers the best of the best ayurvedic treatments. They also offer meditation and yoga classes along with nature-based wellness treatments. Kaivalyam is an eco-friendly wellness retreat set amidst a large spice plantation with a view of a valley in Munnar. All of the rooms here are fitted with a sitting area and cable television. You also have your own private balcony or terrace, and of course, a private bathroom too. Suites are equipped with their own hot tubs for you to get all pampered. When it comes to food, because Kaivalyam is a wellness retreat, except some lip-smacking vegetarian fare.
The Raviz, Kovalam
The Raviz Kovalam is a stunning 5-star property perched on a hill overlooking the Kovalam coastline and beach. It’s a rather romantic setting, where you can enjoy your meals overlooking the ocean while accompanied by gentle breezes and swaying palm trees. You won’t want to miss the sunsets here too – they’re stunning! The hotel also specialises in ayurvedic therapies and treatments. At the hands of experts, enjoy your massages as you hear crashing waves and take in panoramic views.
Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady
If you are looking for a place to chill out, unwind and relax, then Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club is just the place. Here, the plantation-style cottages come equipped with all the creature comforts you could want – flat-screen televisions and a minibar – fitted in each room that overlook the majestic mountains around. Besides the beautiful rooms to stay in, they have fabulous pools and spa treatments by professional therapists too. The staffs here are wonderful and very polite, making you feel cosy and comfortable, just as if you were staying at home.
Travancore Heritage, Adimalathura
They say that it’s the only resort in Kerala where time stands still. Well, that actually may be true considering its idyllic setting. Travancore Heritage is a seaside resort set high on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea. As a heritage property, Travancore Heritage brings to life an age-old architectural splendour – the timber houses with tiled roofs known as ‘nalukettus’. It’s also built on 15 acres of lush green coconut garden bordered by powder-white beach. The sea is visible from the restaurant and the rooms around too.
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Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Kovalam
The famous Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa in Kovalam is situated on a small hill overlooking a lagoon that goes forth into the majestic Arabian Sea. The 16-acre resort features over a kilometre of coastline and Bali-style villas equipped with modern amenities and comforts. Among the property’s facilities are an infinity pool and gym overlooking the ocean, sprawling lawns and wooden walkways, a children’s activity centre, and a luxury spa. What’s special about this resort is that the spa here also features days-long Ayurveda retreats whereby naturopathy therapies are done by expert doctors in a tropical garden for your setting. Of course, there are multiple dining options too. The hotel also offers tour services such as leisure activity organising, paragliding, diving, bird-watching, and more.
Baywatch Beach Resort, Alleppey
The Baywatch Beach Resort in Alleppey is best for those who want to have a budgeted stay, but a comfortable and a simple one in Kerala. It’s unique in that it only has four rooms; aptly named Sand, Wind, Waves, and Shells. Think of it as luxury without the frills, as you’ll still be staying in spacious rooms that come complete with en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The surrounding setting is idyllic too – as the building is flanked by lush flora and fauna, and of course, the seaside.
Xandari Pearl, Mararikulam
If solace is what you seek, the Xandari Pearl is the perfect hideaway. A secluded resort, it stretches over 18 acres of beautiful land in the town of Mararikulam and has only 20 villas, 12 of which have their own private plunge pools. Each villa also features a garden-facing deck that allows you to unwind amid nature throughout your stay.
What’s to love is that the Xandari Pearl places heavy focus on sustainability, as they cultivate their own food and allow you to have the day’s ocean catch cooked your way. As you wander about the sprawling property, you can learn from the green-thumbed gardeners you’ll see around about the fruit trees, vegetables, and saplings that surround you. Even the hotel’s paddy is grown on-site.
Vivanta by Taj, Kappil Beach
It’s like heaven on Earth! This paradise-like getaway is every holidaymaker’s delight. And every Instagram-junkie’s dream comes true with every nook and corner looking like something out of a travel vlogger’s feed. Vivanta by Taj is a luxe – and super stylish – resort that showcases 66 laterite villas fashioned after the Kettuvallam houseboat. Enjoy the beach tours and walking tours. The adventurous can also go boating, kayaking, or fishing. Then, to unwind, head to the property’s Jiva Grande Spa.
Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam
Unwind the Marari way – this resort affords its visitors a seaside village experience set on 30 acres of land with a coconut grove, lily pond, fruit trees, and an organic farm. Of course, it’s also by the seaside, giving you nothing but clean, pristine beach. One of the highlights of this award-winning resort part of the CGH Earth Experience Hotels group is also its beautiful butterfly garden. It’s clear to see that this hotel has many stories to tell that echo the coastal lifestyle of the fishing village – from the thatched roofs of the guest cottages, to the delectable fare, to actively reducing their carbon footprint. Marari Beach Resort is a marriage of ecology, community, and culture.
Bethsaida Hermitage, Thiruvananthapuram
This haven tucked away in the hills of Thiruvananthapuram has its own private beach and is cradled amidst lush green palms and coconut trees. Bethsaida Hermitage is an eco-friendly ayurvedic health resort known for having among the best treatments in Kerala. So, needless to say, indulging in the treatments here is a must. Spa aside, the in-house restaurant offers authentic local fare made with ingredients plucked fresh from the hotel’s garden. There are even musical performances and dances for the guests at the resort, allowing you to truly experience Keralan culture.
