A Beach Symphony

Set a little back from the sands of Marari Beach, four original fishermen’s cottages have been thoroughly renovated to create a gem of a boutique hideaway.

Hammocks are strung between swaying palms a short barefoot stroll from the warm Arabian Sea and incredible westward sunset views.

The cottages are unique, one with its own plunge pool and another with two bedrooms. All have air conditioning and are decorated with antiques, local artifacts and demonstrate real attention to detail. They also all have a cool veranda, the setting for your meals as there is no central restaurant, ideal for those who want real privacy.

There’s a large main swimming pool and a simple beach-side hut for Ayurvedic massage and treatments.

The best thing to do here is nothing at all, but if you want to explore then bikes can be borrowed and tours to local temples and villages, Alleppey or even Cochin can be arranged. Boat tours through the nearby Keralan backwaters and on Vembanad Lake are also recommended.