Wouldn’t it be nice to finally take the plunge and resume travelling, even if it means dabbling in a short weekend getaway or staycation? Travelling responsibly and sensibly is the new normal and now may just be the right time to turn those lockdown travel dreams into reality. Whether it’s pampering yourself at the Taj Bekal Resort & Spa or booking a much-needed villa vacation with your friends, we plan on sharing our experiences so you can make a well-informed travel decision during these stressful times. In the new coronavirus world that we live in, we have two very plain sailing options to pick from:
- The 5-star resort traveller
- The boutique hotel/villa/ home stay traveller
Here’s our take on a 5-star resort/hotel experience that may just be the post-pandemic vacation you’ve been aching for.
Enter Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala
The seclusion:
A picturesque town in north Kerala in the Kasaragod district, Bekal may be tiny but packs a whole lot of beauty and serenity. The Taj Bekal Resort & Spa has an idyllic location with its own sun-kissed beach and meandering river that flows through 26 acres of lush greenery. The resort is so spread out that social distancing is in fact a reality here and interactions with other guests and staff can be close to non-existent.
The property:
The beach is a traipse away and the backwaters are in your backyard (literally, as you do have rooms with backwater views). The resort itself is like a mini village–rows of villas dot the clean, green pathways that are best explored on foot with signs pointing to important pit stops. The endless activities offered include archery, kayaking, cycling or just lying around like a beached whale skirting your private plunge pool, making it an ideal stress-free experience. Not to mention Taj’s softer-than-a baby’s bottom beds and room service (mmmm, pasta on a daybed, with a view of the backwaters?) ensure a truly luxurious well-deserved stay.
The room:
Private pools under the shade? Daybeds you can see the backwaters from or throw your spouse on in case of a disagreement? Wifi-on call? Yes, yes, and yes. The 66-laterite-lined villas and rooms are inspired by the design of Kettuvalam houseboats–From superior rooms with balconies or sit-outs, deluxe villas with courtyard, or plunge pool, premium villas, premium villas with terrace, premium villas with a private pool, luxury suites–your options are literally endless.
For additional privacy and distancing, we recommend splurging on the villas that offer a private plunge pool, dreamy outdoor swing set and an over-the-top outdoor bathtub.
The food:
Backwater Cafe is their all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, The Ivory Bar, with its elephant-themed décor and colourful cocktails is the place to grab a drink and enjoy the evening. Grills N More is where you can enjoy a lazy poolside barbecue or the freshest catch of the day at By the Bay, all prepared traditionally with local ingredients and flavours.
Note: The opening of the above restaurants are subject to the COVID-19 guidelines suggested by the state/government and ultimately lies in the hands of the property keeping safety precautions in mind. Please check the status of these restaurants directly with the resort for updated details.
Don’t fret, room service at the Taj will cater to your hunger pangs. With rooms like these, why would you even leave?
Facilities:
From a fully-equipped fitness centre, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, beauty salon, library, spa to leisure services that include planning excursions from the hotel, baby-sitting and lots more, there’s more than enough to do at this self-sustaining little world of luxury. Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 situation, the above facilities have been temporarily closed to ensure utmost safety of guests.
When it comes to seclusion and safety, The Taj Bekal resort & Spa seems to be 100% committed to delivering on their promise. So if you’re looking to take the plunge and give in to that travel itch, you won’t be disappointed by what they have to offer–this could very well be the perfect place for a honeymoon, baby-moon or even just a stress-free me-moon (a solo luxury trip, duh).
Fact file
Location: Kerala, India
Getting there: The closest airport to Bekal is Mangalore 66 km away, which is accessible via flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and other major cities. From the airport, you can hire a taxi/private car to reach Bekal (approximately 90 minutes). The resort can also arrange for private transfers at an additional cost.
Best time to visit: While it’s beautiful all year round, November-March is ideal (cooler temperatures). The monsoon begins in June until late early October.
Tip: Look out for monsoon offers/discounts between June–September.
To book:
Disclaimer:
The travel industry was heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and while we’re not encouraging foolhardy travel in large groups, it’s imperative to support the industry as they try and get back on their feet. Please exercise caution while picking a location, check their sanitation procedures, and adhere by all local rules if you are planning on travelling.