Taj Bekal Resort and Spa, Kerala

Taj Bekal Resort and Spa, Kerala: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Taj Bekal Resort and Spa, a Michelin Key selected property in Kerala, India, is widely praised as a luxurious retreat that seamlessly blends traditional Kerala architecture with Balinese influences amidst a backdrop of serene backwaters and the pristine Kappil Beach. Spread across 26 acres, the resort offers an idyllic escape with a strong emphasis on nature, relaxation, and exceptional hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Taj Bekal Resort and Spa is overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 4.2/5 on Goibibo and 4.0/5 on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe their experience as "super and outstanding," "wonderful," and "exotic," highlighting the property's beauty and the relaxing ambiance. Many consider it a "5-star experience" and a favorite among travelers, with 67% rating their stay as excellent.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Taj Bekal:

• Location & Ambiance: The resort's setting, with backwaters flowing through the property and direct access to the clean and peaceful Kappil Beach, is a major draw. The lush greenery, well-manicured lawns, and airy courtyards contribute to a tranquil and nature-infused atmosphere.
• Design & Architecture: The resort's unique design, inspired by traditional Ketuvallam houseboats, with elements like woven bamboo roof lines, laterite red stone walls, and Chitra Pothi-style paintings, is frequently admired.
• Hospitality & Service: The "Taj hospitality" is a recurring highlight, with staff consistently described as courteous, attentive, genuine, and going "out of their way to make your stay comfortable."
• Amenities & Activities: The Jiva Spa, one of the largest in India, is a significant attraction, offering a range of Ayurvedic therapies and wellness programs. The resort also provides a variety of activities such as kayaking, archery, cycling, moonlight rafting, bird watching, an outdoor swimming pool, and an indoor game center.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and villas at Taj Bekal are aesthetically designed, spacious, and inspired by authentic Ketuvallam houseboats. They feature elegant decor with white marble and neutral tones, creating a relaxing vibe. Many rooms come with a private balcony or sit-out area, often equipped with a swinging bed, perfect for relaxation. Specific room types like the Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool are highly recommended, with guests praising the private pools and generous space. The bathrooms are noted for being large and often include a bathtub and outdoor shower areas in some villas. Modern comforts like interactive LCD flat screens, king beds with pillow menus, and free in-room WiFi are also provided. However, one guest mentioned that evening lighting in their superior room was a bit dim and wished for a vanity mirror in the bathroom. Some recent reviews also suggest that rooms might need a "massive upgrade," hinting at potentially dated aspects in certain accommodations.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers three on-site restaurants: Backwater Cafe, By the Bay, and Grills N More, along with the Ivory Bar.

• Backwater Cafe: Serves multi-cuisine and Kerala delicacies, including a hearty breakfast spread with fresh filter coffee and a unique 14-course banana leaf meal called Sadya.
• By the Bay: Specializes in coastal cuisine, focusing on fresh seafood cooked in a unique Kerala style, with popular dishes like crab curry and prawns.
• Grills N More: Offers al fresco dining with grilled coastal specialties and other Indian flavors.
• Breakfast: Generally receives positive feedback for being "great with a lot of options."
• Overall Food Quality: Many guests praise the "delicious food," with chefs often highlighted as excellent. However, some recent reviews express disappointment, noting that food quality needs a "massive overhaul," particularly with buffet items, and suggesting a greater focus on authentic local Kerala options. There was also a specific complaint about shellfish.

5. Service & Staff

Taj Bekal is renowned for its "top-notch service" and "great hospitality." Guests consistently commend the staff for being very welcoming, courteous, attentive, and making extra efforts to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Examples include prompt welcome services with sandalwood tikka and shell garlands, room decorations for special occasions, and arranging doctors at short notice. Many reviewers highlight that the staff "never say no and will go out of their way to make you happy." However, some recent experiences mention disappointing service levels, with staff being "not prompt" and requiring "multiple follow-ups" for basic requests, and a lack of warmth.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort is nestled along the west coastline of Kerala in the Kasaragod district, a picturesque village known for its sun-kissed beaches, majestic forts, and meandering rivers. It boasts a unique position with the backwaters on one side and direct access to the serene Kappil Beach on the other.

• Nearby Attractions: Bekal Fort, a historic landmark offering panoramic sea views, is just 4.3 miles (approximately 6.9 km) away. Other attractions include Chandragiri Fort, Ananthapura Lake Temple, and Valiyaparamba Backwaters.
• Transport: The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport (IXE), approximately a 1 hour 45 minute to 2-hour drive away (around 50 miles or 80 km). A cab from Mangalore Airport can cost around Rs. 3,800 one way. Kotikulam Railway Station is about 2.5 km away. The resort offers airport transfers and can assist with local transport.

7. Value & Pricing

While many guests consider Taj Bekal to offer excellent value for the kind of money paid, especially for its luxurious offerings and service, particularly for pool villas, some recent reviews indicate concerns about the pricing. Typical room prices can range from $160 to $2048, with an average room price often cited between $251 and $300. The most expensive day for booking is usually Saturday. Some guests feel the property is "highly overhyped" and does not justify the price charged, especially when considering perceived drops in service levels or room quality.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive feedback, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Service Inconsistencies: While many praise the staff, some recent reviews mention disappointing service, with unprompt staff, multiple follow-ups required for requests, and a lack of warmth or extra effort. There was also an unpleasant instance of being bothered for room clearance late at night.
• Food Quality: A few recent complaints highlight that the buffet food quality needs a "massive overhaul," and that some basic items were ruined, suggesting a preference for more local Kerala options.
• Room Maintenance/Upgrade Needs: While generally well-regarded, some reviews suggest that rooms might need a "massive upgrade" or show signs of wear, like non-working bathroom taps or problematic locks. One guest mentioned dim evening lighting and the lack of a vanity mirror in their room.
• Limited Activities for Children: For families with children, some guests felt there were "very little" activities for kids, describing the play area as small with a handful of toys. Additionally, some activities like cycling within the property were chargeable, which was seen as "petty" given the overall tariff.
• Beach Accessibility: One review mentioned being unable to go to the beach, which they felt was misleading in promotions.

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