Tranquility in The Lap of Nature – Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala

The prospect of leaving behind the mundanity of daily life and heading out for a holiday is exciting, to say the least. But when such an opportunity is presented unexpectedly to stay at a resort and spa destination, the joy is incomparable to any other, especially when it takes you to one of the most beautiful states of India at the 5-Star hotel, Taj Bekal Resort and Spa in Kerala! 

The Taj Bekal Resort & Spa: An Unbiased Review

A December Holiday in Kerala, God’s Own Country

Having read, heard, and seen so much of Kerala on travel shows, I always wanted to experience its bountiful beauty firsthand, and last December, I got lucky! It took me a three-hour flight from Delhi to Mangalore (Karnataka), followed by a 1-hour 45-minute drive from Mangalore Airport to reach my destination, The Taj Bekal Resort & Spa in Kerala.

Although I didn’t particularly enjoy being on the road for too long, it was relaxing to look out the window and see the changing landscapes as we made our way from Karnataka to Kerala. The narrow tree-lined roads were dotted with quaint little shops and the occasional speeding trucks for company. The moment I laid my tired eyes on the beautiful Taj Bekal in Kerala, I knew every moment spent getting here was worth it.

About The Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala

Taj Bekal Resort & Spa is a stunning five-star property, a beach-side resort cum spa, ensconced in the lap of nature at Kappil Beach in the small town of Bekal, 12 km from Kasargod in Kerala. Spread across sprawling twenty-six acres, the resort is a beautiful mix of elegant architecture, laid-back luxury, and untouched natural beauty. It stands out for its beautiful natural setting, overlooking serene backwaters that provide a picturesque backdrop for holidaymakers seeking peace and serenity.

1. A Warm Welcome

Upon arrival, I was nicely greeted, replete with one of the most refreshing welcome drinks I’ve had in a long time. A beaded necklace was placed around my neck, and it continues to remind me of the beach, the backwaters, and the wonders of quietude. The chocolates in the room weren’t so bad either 😛

The lobby area looked beautiful under the evening lights and smelled divine. The check-in process was quick, and within minutes, I was taken to my room and seated in a comfortable buggy.

2. The Guest Rooms at the Taj Bekal Resort

There are many different room and suite categories available at the Taj Bekal Resort & Spa. These include Superior Rooms with Balcony, Superior Rooms with Sit-out, Deluxe Villa with Courtyard, Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool, Premium Villa with Plunge Pool, Luxury Suite with Terrace, and Luxury Suite with Plunge Pool.

You can choose the one that best suits your needs, based on your preferences and budget. I stayed in the Superior Room with a Sit-out in one of these heartwarming, instantly relaxing, houseboat-inspired buildings.

The air was fresh, the trees were splendid, and the moderate temperatures were a great relief after the biting cold in Delhi.

My room had a 228-square-foot private courtyard with a seating area and a personal jhula-swing offering unforgettable views of the property and the backwaters. It was a relaxing haven where you could easily spend hours at a stretch, gazing at the scenic beauty, listening to birdsong, and feeling the gentle sea breeze caress your face.

3. Room Decor & Feel 

My room was large and comfortable with an understated decor. The bed was luxurious, and the bathroom was super-pleasant. The uncommon Chitra Pothi art from Orissa adorned the walls and added character to the room. Don’t you just love this beautiful ceiling fan? 🙂

• Though I liked my room and loved the sit-out area with the private jhula, I found the evening lighting a bit dim.
• I would also have liked a vanity mirror in the bathroom.
• One afternoon, I requested a hair straightener and though they did manage to send one to me after a little wait, the straightener didn’t work. Oh well, a no-hair-styling day never hurt! 🙂

4. Foof For The Soul

For foodies like me, the resort offers a lot. In addition to the ‘Backwater Cafe’ that serves multi-cuisine as well as Kerala delicacies, you can also dine at the poolside ‘Grills N More’ restaurant or ‘By the Bay’ Restaurant serving coastal cuisine.

It was nice to see the staff at the Backwater Cafe’s attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate the varied requests of parents staying with their young children.

It’s that personal touch and personalized service that makes all the difference.

Captivating Beauty of the Backwaters at The Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kasargod, Kerala

And now, the best part. I could go on and on about this, but if there is one thing that truly stood out for me at the Taj Bekal Resort and Spa, it was experiencing the beauty and tranquility of the breathtaking backwaters as they merged into the Arabian Sea in perfect abandon.

All I had to do was step out of my room’s courtyard, head onto the stunning gardens, and walk a few steps to get up close and personal with the backwaters.

They say there is a first time for everything. My first visit to Kerala and my maiden view of these majestic backwaters are forever special. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. 🙂

Backwater Beach Destination: The Kappil Beach

Taj Bekal Resort is a water lover’s paradise. In addition to its proximity to the backwaters, the resort is connected to one of Kerala’s less-explored yet beautiful beaches, Kappil Beach.

Kappil Beach is one of the cleanest, most peaceful, and quiet beaches I have ever been to. It has an approximate land area of 25 acres; perfect for long walks in the sand and for making undisturbed discoveries.

A word of caution – Be careful of the rough and turbulent waters here.

Relaxation & Rejuvenation @ The Jiva Spa, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala

Another highlight of Taj Bekal is the famous Jiva Spa. Honestly, your stay at the resort will be incomplete without a visit to the Jiva Spa, Taj Bekal. In addition to its ‘Jiva Signature Experiences’, you can choose from a wide range of traditional Ayurvedic healing therapies, holistic rituals, beauty treatments (scrubs and wraps), and long-duration treatment plans.

With an area of  165,000 square feet, this is one of the largest Jiva Spas in India. I had booked a mid-morning appointment for a relaxing body massage.

I chose to walk to the spa in my walking shoes rather than take a buggy. I couldn’t pass up the chance to explore the expansive property for which Taj Bekal is famous and soak in the unforgettable beauty around me.

Owing to its largeness, finding my way to the Jiva Spa Taj Bekal was like a treasure hunt – with clues and signs to guide me: Walking along the pebbled paths and the mesmerizing greenery, I witnessed several fascinating views, and it took me a good 10-15 minutes to reach the spa, but who’s complaining? 🙂

The resort has a souvenir shop where you can pick up gifts for your friends and loved ones. Some of the items on display include shawls and stoles, jewelry, and Kerala-themed fridge magnets.

Incidentally, the internationally renowned Jiva Spa made my list of 5 Best Spas in India and Why You Should Visit Them just a few months before my unexpected visit here (that’s what I call a happy coincidence!).

Upon arrival, I met my massage therapist, and once the formalities were completed, I was guided towards my locker.

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I found my massage deeply relaxing and stress-relieving. A feeling of wellness descended over me, and I came out feeling light, peaceful, and refreshed. On my way back, I took time to sit and enjoy the enthralling sights all around – a true delight for nature lovers like me!

Activities at Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala

From cycling, swimming, and Yoga to refreshing Kettuvalam rides in the evening (houseboats with thatched roofs), bird watching, and dinner by the river, there is no dearth of activities you can indulge in with friends or family during your stay at the resort. You can also visit the nearby Bekal Fort, the largest fort in Kerala.

The resort also organizes several fun activities for children. The spice market, a short distance from the resort, is also a great place to visit, especially if you love your spices and would like to take some home for family and friends!

Final Thoughts: Review of Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kasargod, Kerala | Tranquility in the lap of nature