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Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it
is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional
fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of
life.
One could say that there are two kinds of beach resorts in the world.
Most common, of course, are those raucous, neon-lit places of water
sports, midnight raves and trinket stores. Then there's the other kind,
of the 'endless-golden-sands-where-you-won't -see-a-soul' variety,
usually touted for their peace and quiet.
Marari Beach, we are happy to say, is neither.
It is an experience born of a question we asked ourselves. 'Can a strip
of sand have a soul?'. And having decided that it must, we went
searching for where it might be found.
The village of Maraikulam lies on a
forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean
finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.
It was here that we found all our answers.
A beach is a beach is a beach. Until you can seek out its living heart,
the culture that calls it home.
And so, Marari Beach Resort is a celebration of Kerala's coastal fishing
villages. Inspired by this ancient way of life, we sought to capture its
essence and create a new experience in sensitive travel for the
modern-day visitor.
Marari Beach sprawls across 55 acres of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and
whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged
pathways. A windbreak of palms runs the length of the property, a
protective cover that reduces even the gustiest sea winds to mere
caresses. And beyond is a milk-and-azure ocean, fringed by a beach more
ochre than yellow, a sand-meets-sea combination you're not likely to
find anywhere else.
Ayurveda
Marari Beach has a fully equipped ayurvedic centre, so you can get all
the benefits of this ancient system of medicine. Put yourself in the
hands of our expert masseuses and you'll feel reborn.
There are also regular yoga classes on the beach, in the thick of a cool
coconut grove. The locale, we're told, does wonders for your inner
serenity.
Dining
The secret of the tangy fish curries of this part of the world lies -
literally - in the soil. For it is earthenware pots, placed on a slow
wood fire and simmered, that give the food its unique texture and
succulence.
At Marari Beach, you can enjoy the simple traditional dishes of the
fisherfolk (along with, of course , a variety of international cuisine
favourites) at our verandah- style restaurant. Dinners are candlelit,
often with live music (the traditional kerala trio comprises a
harmonium, flute and tablas) . And the beachside features an evening
grill serving up some select seafood, always fresh, always seasonal.
The bar at Marari is in a beautiful 200-year old building, deep in a
thicket of trees and lotus ponds. Enjoy a 'Panchamrutam' (a heady local
concoction) in the midst of colonial -style spaces and serenity. If you
can't tear yourself away from the beach, you can get a tall cold one
down there too, at the Beach Shack.
Accommodation
Modelled on
the fishermens' dwellings of Mararikulam, your accommodations are a fine
balance between traditional form and modern function. The roof is palm
thatch, but we've added a concrete base that keeps the air-conditioning
in and the odd insect out. Bathrooms too, combine modern fixtures with
the traditional Kerala open-roofed style. And the little taps outside
each cottage are another local touch. The fisher folk use them to clean
the sand off their feet, and you can do likewise. Barefoot is a great
way to be at Marari Beach, even indoors!
Cottages like
the one we've just described form the standard accommodation , but if
you favour more private luxuries, maybe you'd like to pick one of our
pool villa cottages, which are suite-style and have a secluded walled
courtyard with a private pool all your own.
...Room View...
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