The Marari Beach is one of the most sought-after hotels in the whole of Kerala and has really become a popular choice with the discerning British traveller, some of who return twice a year (due not only to the fabulous setting and serene, relaxing ambiance, but also to the amazingly friendly staff who look after your every need and pay extraordinary attention to detail). If you are looking for a place to relax, enjoy a natural environment in a friendly atmosphere, then this is definitely the place for you.

We first saw this hotel when it was just a piece of land that the CGH Earth group (formerly Casino Group) had just purchased and we knew then it was destined to be a great success. The property is spread over extensive, fabulously landscaped grounds; detached and semi-detached, thatched villas modelled on the houses of the local fisher-folk, set amongst tropical gardens of spice trees, fruit trees, exotic flowering shrubs and of course, palm trees, leading down to the superb wide expanse of white soft sandy beach, shared only with the local fishing community.

The open-air main restaurant is right next to the large swimming pool with sun terrace (where flag service is in operation) and down towards the beach is the Beach Grill, which serves as a snack bar during the day and a seafood restaurant at night. The open-air beach bar serves drinks on the private beach area where there are plenty of sunbeds and hammocks with the abundance of palm trees providing welcome shade from the midday sun. The sea can be a little rough at times and is not always suitable for swimming, however, the lifeguard will hoist the appropriate flag in the mornings to advise you of the conditions for that day. If you need further relaxation then join the yoga class or take a massage at the Ayurvedic centre.

If all that is too relaxing then a game of volleyball might be just what you need or a little retail therapy at the shop, where there is a good choice of souvenirs, books, clothes, materials and straw items. There are also daily activities such as the village walk, cooking demonstrations, Ayurvedic Kitchen and garden tour as well as having bicycles for hire. In the evenings, most people head for the Club House bar after dinner where there is nightly soft live music, where you can dance romantically under the stars. The Marari Beach prides itself on being a truly ‘green hotel’. There is a massive recycling programme and almost all products used are totally natural.

Jewel in the Crown has two categories of villas; the garden villas which are spacious, and furnished with a mixture of bamboo and wood (even the hangers are specially made in bamboo), have air-conditioning, twin or king-size beds, telephone, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room safe and a sitting area. The spacious well-equipped bathrooms are all openair with SH&WC and a small courtyard with your very own banana or papaya tree! Each villa has a terrace with ceiling fan and bamboo furniture. The garden pool villas are perfect for a honeymoon or for those who prefer a little more privacy. They have the same facilities as the garden villas plus a private garden with large private plunge pool and sun beds. Accommodation is offered on bed and buffet breakfast and is highly recommended.

62 single-storey villas.

Transfer time from Trivandrum airport approximately 4 hours or 2 hours from Cochin airport