Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Foreign entrepreneurs in Kerala - Corinne Santander

Varkala, the geographical wonder of Kerala, is quite a popular destination on the tourism map of God's Own Country. It is the only spot in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. The verdant landscape, the cliffs and the ever-embracing beach; all have ushered in travellers around the globe to this enchanting beach. So enticing is the beauty of this region that some even wish to extend their holidays for weeks and months.

But for Corinne Santander months and weeks were not enough to satiate her fascination for this place, so she decided to stay put for a longer time at Varkala. Even then, just to lay back and doing nothing is quite unimaginable for her. Something very innovative was sure to ensue out of the creative collision between an enticing landscape and her enterprising spirit. And the outcome was Blooming Bay Beach Resort, which she is associated with through her friend Shammy (Shamnath Basheer Hussain). This is an extraordinary resort, perched on top of the red cliff overlooking the Varkala beach. Corrine was invited to Kerala by Shammy some seven or eight years back. She came, she saw, but this time the land conquered her.

Talking about Blooming Bay Beach Resort, Corrine says: "More than a resort, it is a meeting place where artists, writers, travellers, environmentalists and other like-minded souls gather to share their ideas, stories and camaraderie. It is also a perfect place for Yoga and Ayurveda retreats. We even rent the place fully to an interested group who would like to have a secluded holiday enjoying Ayurveda and Yoga," says Corinne.

"I feel very much at home in Kerala, all these beaches, hills and forests they arrest your mind very easily. Kerala also has a beautiful culture and beautiful people. When we look around we see a lot of smiling faces. The food of Kerala is delicious, they are simply culinary wonders. I love the breakfast items like Puttu and Appam. In contrast to many other states in India, it is one of the safest destinations.Safe and soft, yeah, those are the words I would like to use to explain Kerala to others," says Corinne with a smile.