KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
State Tourism Award Winners
Marari Beach ResortKeeping an identity of its own among beachside resorts in Kerala is the Marari Beach Resort of CGH Earth. Located on a palm-fringed beach in Alappuzha, the very setting of this resort blends well with the dwellings of the fishing community in the vicinity. The hallmark of this hotel, a winner of the Kerala Tourism award in the category of best three-star hotel, is the unique beach holiday experience that it offers to its guests.
Marari Beach may look like an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is much more than that. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional fishing villages, and a re-creation of an ancient, harmonious way of life awaits visitors here. As the promoters 'CGH Earth' claim - the Marari Beach Resort is a celebration of Kerala's coastal fishing villages. Inspired by this ancient way of life, the concept and functional style of this resort tries to capture its essence and create a new experience in leisure holidays.
Sprawling over 55 acres of lawns with lotus ponds and coconut groves, the Marari Beach Resort is for those who would really love to enjoy a long and leisurely stay; marked by a gentle and slow pace of life and being part of the cultural vibes of a fishing village.
Accommodation
Modelled on the fishermen's dwellings found in the village of Mararikulam, accommodation at the Marari Beach is a fine balance between traditional form and modern function. With palm-thatched roofs in combination with concrete base, these rooms come with bathrooms that are equipped with modern amenities and a traditional Kerala open-roofed style. The resort encourages its visitors to move around barefoot, which is supposed to be a great way to explore Marari Beach. Guests preferring more private luxuries can go for pool villa cottages here, which are suite-style and have a secluded walled courtyard with a private pool.
Food
Seafood obviously takes centre stage among the culinary delights that one can savour at the Marari Beach Resort. Food is prepared in earthen pots and cooked using wood fire to give the dishes their unique texture and succulence. At Marari Beach, one can enjoy the simple traditional fare of the fisher folk and also a variety of international cuisine favourites. Candle-lit dinners accompanied by live traditional Kerala music and evening grill at the beachside are the other attractions of relishing one's choicest food at Marari Beach Resort.
The bar at Marari is set inside a 200-year old building, surrounded by trees and lotus ponds. One can enjoy some special drinks like the 'Panchamrutam' which is a heady local concoction in the midst of colonial-style spaces and serenity. And if you are fully hooked on the beach, you may have your drink brought to the beach, at the Beach Shack.
Fresh 'n' Healthy
At the Marari Beach Resort, most of the foods consumed by the guests come from the organic garden in the resort premises. Greens, fruits and vegetables are grown here. The fish are fresh and straight out of the fishing boats.
Conservation and eco-friendly measures
Water harvesting is practised at the Marari Beach Resort and the whole property is a chemical-free zone, where only natural oils and local remedies are used for pest control. Practise of vermi-culture and composting keep the soil here fertile; both in the organic farm and on the grounds. And the interesting aspect for guests staying here is that they can also partake in farming and related works like collecting seasonal fruits or even plant trees.
Ayurveda and Yoga
A fully-equipped Ayurvedic centre at the Marari Beach Resort with its expert masseurs would provide the guests with an opportunity to rejuvenate their body and mind like never before. Guests can also attend regular yoga classes near the beach, held in the thick of a cool coconut grove.
Things to do
At the Marari Beach Resort, you may simply do nothing on the beach or else take long walks or bicycle rides. Guests may take a stroll down to the fishing village to explore or may try their hands at local culinary skills by attending the regular cookery classes in the evenings. And then there is a full-size pool, and facilities for beach volleyball and tennis for the more active. There is also a clubhouse with lots of books for avid readers.
Here at the Marari Beach Resort, the beach, the fishing village and the resort coalesce to provide you a holistic experience; which one would seldom get in similar destinations.
