Eco-friendly serenity at a beach escape
Embrace sustainable tourism and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of Kerala’s coastal charm at Marari Beach Resort in Alappuzha. From lush gardens to traditional Ayurveda treatments, the resort Beach offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers alike
Published: 05:07 PM,Jul 19,2024 | EDITED : 10:07 PM,Jul 19,2024
Marari Beach Fish Landing Experience
WAKING up to the sounds of the Asian Koel, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, and Red-whiskered Bulbul, Marari Beach Resort offers a serene escape along the coastline of Alappuzha district, known as the Venice of the East. My short stay provided a tranquil retreat from the summer heat, immersed in Kerala’s coastal charm.
The resort, steeped in sustainability and cultural richness, invites guests to experience a peaceful oasis where the fragrance of Frangipani and champak flowers drifts through lush landscapes. This eco-friendly haven epitomises Kerala’s coastal charm, offering a retreat rich in sustainability and cultural heritage.
The Beach Resort embodies the ethos of CGH Earth, championing Clean, Green, and Healthy practices that resonate throughout its every facet.
From the moment guests encounter the quote by Thomas Fuller - “We never know the worth of water till the well is dry” - they are reminded of the resort’s commitment to responsible water usage and environmental stewardship. This philosophy permeates every guest room and common area, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural resources that sustain this idyllic retreat.
The resort’s landscape, adorned with coconut palms, casuarina trees, and an array of tropical and medicinal plants, promotes biodiversity and provides a sanctuary for diverse avian species.
Taking an early morning stroll reveals migratory birds such as sanderlings, sandpipers, and herons, drawn to the rich coastal ecosystem just close from the resort. My stay at the Garden Pool Villa offered a unique and immersive experience, ensuring a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat in harmony with nature. With all rooms designed in traditional Kerala style — thatched roofs providing perfect comfort during the summer — the resort caters to guests seeking a blend of luxury and cultural immersion.
Guided by naturalists like Arun, Shibu, and Vishnu, I embark on transformative experiences like the owl walk and butterfly garden tour. Using spotting scopes, visitors marvel at resident owls — barn owls, Indian scops owls, spotted owls, common in Oman, and brown hawk owls — as they silently hunt amidst the resort’s gardens. The butterfly garden, captivates with its biodiversity and educational value, underscoring the resort’s dedication to conservation.
For rejuvenation of the body and soul, the resort offers Ayurveda treatments and yoga sessions (Ayur Marari), providing a holistic approach to wellness. Culinary delights await at ‘Chakara’, the resort’s restaurant named after a local marine phenomenon, where I savored a fusion of local Kerala flavours and international cuisines, complemented by evening tea carts offering South Indian tea and snacks by the poolside lawns.
Marari Beach Resort’s environmental practices also include support for the local community and cultural preservation. Guests partake in interactive farm kitchen experiences, archery sessions, and leisurely walks shaded by canopies, ensuring each moment is imbued with tranquility and cultural immersion.
Johny Tom, General Manager, emphasises sustainable practices in the hospitality industry evident across all CGH Earth properties as echoed by Jose Dominic, the founder. He underscores their commitment to maintaining pure, local authenticity. “Luxury here means embracing nature, drawing guests who return for the genuine Kerala experience,” Johny affirms.
“We aim to evoke the ambiance of a fisherman’s village, preserving its local flavour through initiatives like supporting local artisans and hosting culinary expos featuring housewives from the fisherman community,” he adds.
Each visit reaffirms its role as a sanctuary where luxury intertwines with nature, offering an enriching experience. However, I missed participating in various outdoor adventure activities such as cycling tours, coir making, traditional fishing, beach volleyball, and cultural tours.
The Beach Resort’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and support for the local community make it a model for responsible tourism, drawing guests from the Arabian Gulf, Europe, and beyond.
Pictures by Marari Beach, CGH Earth
The resort, steeped in sustainability and cultural richness, invites guests to experience a peaceful oasis where the fragrance of Frangipani and champak flowers drifts through lush landscapes. This eco-friendly haven epitomises Kerala’s coastal charm, offering a retreat rich in sustainability and cultural heritage.
The Beach Resort embodies the ethos of CGH Earth, championing Clean, Green, and Healthy practices that resonate throughout its every facet.
From the moment guests encounter the quote by Thomas Fuller - “We never know the worth of water till the well is dry” - they are reminded of the resort’s commitment to responsible water usage and environmental stewardship. This philosophy permeates every guest room and common area, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural resources that sustain this idyllic retreat.
The resort’s landscape, adorned with coconut palms, casuarina trees, and an array of tropical and medicinal plants, promotes biodiversity and provides a sanctuary for diverse avian species.
Taking an early morning stroll reveals migratory birds such as sanderlings, sandpipers, and herons, drawn to the rich coastal ecosystem just close from the resort. My stay at the Garden Pool Villa offered a unique and immersive experience, ensuring a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat in harmony with nature. With all rooms designed in traditional Kerala style — thatched roofs providing perfect comfort during the summer — the resort caters to guests seeking a blend of luxury and cultural immersion.
Guided by naturalists like Arun, Shibu, and Vishnu, I embark on transformative experiences like the owl walk and butterfly garden tour. Using spotting scopes, visitors marvel at resident owls — barn owls, Indian scops owls, spotted owls, common in Oman, and brown hawk owls — as they silently hunt amidst the resort’s gardens. The butterfly garden, captivates with its biodiversity and educational value, underscoring the resort’s dedication to conservation.
For rejuvenation of the body and soul, the resort offers Ayurveda treatments and yoga sessions (Ayur Marari), providing a holistic approach to wellness. Culinary delights await at ‘Chakara’, the resort’s restaurant named after a local marine phenomenon, where I savored a fusion of local Kerala flavours and international cuisines, complemented by evening tea carts offering South Indian tea and snacks by the poolside lawns.
Marari Beach Resort’s environmental practices also include support for the local community and cultural preservation. Guests partake in interactive farm kitchen experiences, archery sessions, and leisurely walks shaded by canopies, ensuring each moment is imbued with tranquility and cultural immersion.
Johny Tom, General Manager, emphasises sustainable practices in the hospitality industry evident across all CGH Earth properties as echoed by Jose Dominic, the founder. He underscores their commitment to maintaining pure, local authenticity. “Luxury here means embracing nature, drawing guests who return for the genuine Kerala experience,” Johny affirms.
“We aim to evoke the ambiance of a fisherman’s village, preserving its local flavour through initiatives like supporting local artisans and hosting culinary expos featuring housewives from the fisherman community,” he adds.
Each visit reaffirms its role as a sanctuary where luxury intertwines with nature, offering an enriching experience. However, I missed participating in various outdoor adventure activities such as cycling tours, coir making, traditional fishing, beach volleyball, and cultural tours.
The Beach Resort’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and support for the local community make it a model for responsible tourism, drawing guests from the Arabian Gulf, Europe, and beyond.
Pictures by Marari Beach, CGH Earth