Marari Beach Resort Review + Chef’s Signature Recipe

Up the Malabar coast, in the tranquil village of Mararikulam, lies this gorgeous resort called Marari Beach Resort, sprawling across a land of around 30 acres. The experience of living in a seaside village is brought to life by the beauty of this resort.

The resort truly imbibes the seaside life. This is reflected in their cottages as well as their scrumptious culinary magic. Right from a beautiful organic garden to an ayurvedic kitchen, this place is a haven for nature lovers. Any person who appreciates the beauty of the seaside and the solace it brings will love being her. It is truly a place to enjoy the bliss of solitude as well as the warmth of a companion.

 

First Impression

At the first glance, Marari Beach Resort will make you feel at peace. With a pristine private beach and lovely garden villas, the experience will leave you with joy. The amount of rejuvenation and calmness in this resort is unparalleled. You can imagine having a fabulous experience here that will remain etched in your heart. This experience begins with a coconut and a garland of fresh flowers being presented to you upon your arrival. Fancy, right?

 

Management

The Marari Beach Resort belongs to the CGH Earth Hotel chain. However, this hotel chain is family-run. What began as a flagship project back in 1954, today has numerous hotels in South India. The beauty of the management has been their ability to maintain authenticity. 

The experiences they provide aren’t modern infrastructure centred. Instead, they help you experience nature closely along with the beauty of staying amidst local cultures. They have a number of hotels all across South India that aim at providing a different kind of aesthetic experience. Their core values are deeply rooted in nature and local cultures.

 

Location

This beautiful and peaceful restaurant is located in Alappuzha, Kerala. The Marari Beach Resort is nestled amongst the beauty of the sea and nature. They have a huge property which is far away from the bustling daily life. The nearest locations for your commute here are:

 

• Town: Alappuzha
• Railway Station: Mararikulam
• Airport: Cochin International 

 

You can easily reach the Marari Beach Resort through various transportation forms. Kochi has the closest airport, you can easily take a taxi and travel across 60 kilometres from there. NH 47 is about a kilometre away from Marari village. However, if you wish to travel by railway, you have Alleppey 16 kilometres away, Ernakulam 55 kilometres away and Kottayam 42 kilometres away. The Mararikulam station is only 3 kilometres away. However, the place still doesn’t have its bus stand. Therefore, you can get down from your bus 10 kilometres away at Cherthala.

The place is located in the heart of Kerala. Therefore, commuting isn’t an issue at all.

 

Style and Character

The Marari Beach Resort is all about nature and aesthetics. The entire vibe of the place from the interior to the cuisine screams nature. All the cottages at Marari showcase the local culture. They reflect the fisherman community’s lifestyle and bring out the beauty of living near the sea. Imagine living under thatched roofs made out of coconut leaves. Just imagine how beautiful it would be to watch stormy skies as you experience bathing under them. They have gorgeous private pools and three different types of rooms available.

You can see the sustainable environment they try to envelop you in. From tiny reusable earthenware in your bathroom to locally produced towels, the resort provides you with a different outlook on living life in a fishing village. However, it is a fresh and refreshing outlook you would like to come back to. Their style is a beautiful amalgamation of ecology, community and culture put together. These are the only things which will be circling your mind as you take a tour around this massive property.

 

Amenities

Although the Marari Beach Resort aims to provide you with a very down-to-earth experience, it also makes sure that that experience is enriching enough. The resort has several facilities and amenities one can make use of. Here are some of them:

 

• Wifi: The resort is entirely wifi enabled. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about being completely cut off from the world. You can easily catch up with any work or family member despite relaxing in a lovely village in the heart of Kerala. However, you will cherish the experience the most if you turn off your wifi and soak it all in.
• Yoga Centre: Are you a person who loves to stretch before starting your day? Well, don’t worry. The Marari beach resort also has a yoga centre which is operational throughout the week. There are also a lot of ayurvedic experts available here in case you wish to seek guidance.
• Ayurveda Centre: The experience of being at their ayurvedic centre is meditating. Who wouldn’t enjoy relaxing massages and therapy? After all, it’s one of the best ways to feel rejuvenated!
• Pool: Their salt water pool is so clear and fresh that you would want to soak your legs in here all day long!
• Gift shop: Want to take back some lovely souvenirs for your loved ones from Kerala? Don’t forget to visit their lovely gift shop. You can feel their local culture throughout your experience there.
• Books: Imagine a cute library in a cottage by the sea. Lazing around in a hammock in a coconut grove with your favourite book in hand and a drink sounds perfect. The only thing more perfect would be a gorgeous sunset along with the ebb and flow of the waves.
• Games: There is also a range of Indoor games and outdoor games available at the resort.

 

Rooms

The Marari Beach Resort bring the fishing village experience to you. They have three different types of rooms:

 

• Garden Villa With a Pool: There’s nothing like having your private pool along with the luxury of a gorgeous garden villa. You also have a sit-out alongside. The room is well equipped and has very earthy interiors. It is super well maintained and absolutely worth its value.
• Garden Villa: This villa redefines luxury. It offers you a gorgeous view of the luscious garden through its long floor-to-ceiling windows. It is spacious and has a cushiony double bed. The room also has a minibar, chair and a centre table. They also provide you with all the basic and required bathroom amenities including bathrobes and a hair dryer. 
• Deluxe Garden Villa With a Private Pool: This definitely offers a way bigger space with a lovely garden area and a fancy private pool. It provides you with all the room and bathroom amenities you will need during your stay.

 

Other Room Amenities

They try to minimise the usage of plastic in their toiletries and also work with a local ladies’ support group to source cotton towels. All the rooms are well equipped with air conditioning. They provide you with housekeeping and room service. You have round-the-clock wifi as well as laundry service available.

 

Bathroom Amenities

Honestly, this is one of the best features of the stay at Marari Beach Resort. The bathrooms are heavenly! Imagine having the freedom of showering under the clouds. It is so ecological and sustainable.

 

Things To Do

The best way to explore any place is by completely experiencing all that it has to offer. The Marari Beach Resort is exactly the resort that you are looking for. Here are some of the things you must look forward to at the resort:

 

• Butterfly Garden: You will not find a lovelier way of venturing into nature. After visiting this lovely butterfly garden, you are bound to be left with a lot of knowledge.
• The Beautiful Sea: Living at a seaside resort without swimming in the sea? Impossible! Marari beach on the west coast of India has the beautiful Arabian Sea. The water along with the surrounding is so gorgeous and calming. You may not want to step out of the water!
• Cruise: Marari Beach also has the backwater on the other side. Kerala is known for its lovely backwaters. Therefore, take a day out and go cruising on the Vembanad lake nearby. Delve into the Kuttanad lifestyle.
• Nature walks: Go along with one of their naturalists to explore the stunning Malabar coast and soak in all the beauty of Kerala. You will be taken aback by the extensiveness of nature’s blessings here.
• The Village experience: Knowing about the culture of a place is one of the best ways to connect with that place. Therefore, go around the Marari village and look at the local lifestyle. You may also cycle around.
• Organic Cooking Class: You can also enjoy the happiness of picking your own vegetables from their organic gardens and learning to prepare a meal. This cooking class along with a three-course meal is definitely a recommended activity.

 

Apart from these fun activities and the stunning Marari Beach Resort, you can also engage in some outdoor games like tennis and badminton if you wish to. The property has courts available.

 

Food and Beverage

The Marari Beach Resort offers a coastal spectacle through its dishes. The freshness of the seafood along with the local Kerala spices fills the aroma around the space. All the dishes are made using fresh organic produce from their own gardens. The richness of their taste and flavours is mouthwatering, indeed. They have the following three restaurants:

 

• The Club House

This place is over 200 years old. You can notice the influence of Portuguese architecture in their interiors. They have a bar and it is an excellent place to relax and unwind.

 

• The Beach Shack

This shack looks exactly like a beach shack and shares the same vibe as well. It is the best place to hang out if you wish to chill with some good music. They aren’t open during the monsoons, though since they operate in an open setting. They also have barbecue nights twice weekly. You will love to dine here with your friends and family and have some amazing food.

 

• The Chakara

Imagine eating from a buffet with an array of Indian and continental dishes made using organic produce. You can also experience the local cuisines here under a thatched roof enveloped by greenery all around. They have a very wide variety of dishes that they can serve you. They also have a coffee shop and offer all-day dining. Definitely try their Kozhi Kurumulagu Roast from Kerala Cuisine.

 

The timings for breakfast are from 7:30 to 10 am. Lunch is from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, snacks and evening tea are served between 4-5 p.m. and dinner is served from 7:30 to 10 pm. The delightful spreads at the Mahari Beach Resort will leave you satiated. The best part about eating food here is experiencing the local delicacies. 

 

About Chef Sreeja

Chef Sreeja has been a part of the CGH family for over 15 years. She enjoys cooking Indian, Continental and Chinese. 

 

Drumstick Mango Curry Recipe

This delectable curry is made of coconut base and is one of the most popular curries in South Indian cuisine. This curry can be served with idli, idiyappam, dosa or rice.

 

Serves: 2    Prep time: 15 minutes    Cook time: 15 minutes    Total time: 30 minutes    Cuisine: Authentic Keralan Cuisine/Indian    Course: Side Dish/Main Course    Calories per serving: 200

 

Ingredients required: 

150 ml of fresh coconut milk (you can also use store-bought coconut milk), 2 tsp coconut oil, 10 g mustard seeds, 1 tsp ginger, grated, 1 tsp green chillies (slit), 1 tsp garlic, 1 tsp shallots (sliced), 2 whole red chillies, 1 tsp fenugreek seeds. 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 8-10 curry leaves, ¼ mango, sliced, 2 drumsticks, cut proportionately, 1 – 1 ½ cups of water

 

To temper:

4 tsp coconut oil, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp shallots, sliced, 6-8 curry leaves, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ¼ tsp red chilli powder

 

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add fenugreek seeds, dry red chillies, curry leaves and mustard seeds and let them crackle. Reduce the heat and add garlic, ginger, green chillies and shallots and cook on medium heat until golden brown. 
2. Add salt, stir and add a little oil if necessary.
3. Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder and coriander powder and let it saute on low heat until the raw smell is gone.
4. Toss in the drumsticks and mango along with water. Bring to a boil or until the gravy thickens.
5. In a bowl, dilute a little coconut milk with a little water and add to the curry. Bring to a boil before adding the remaining coconut milk and allow to cook until the curry is cooked through. 

 

To temper:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add shallots, turmeric and red chilli powder and cook for 30 seconds. Pour over the curry and serve hot with rice. 

 

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In Conclusion

All in all, the Marari Beach Resort is an excellent choice if you wish to unwind. This hidden gem along with its core values of sustainability and local culture really shines through. They bring you the local coastal Kerala cuisines on a platter and in the most authentic manner. It places you in the lap of nature and helps you experience peace away from city life. The resort and its hospitality will leave you with memories that will last for a long time. You may not want to leave by the end of your trip!