Known as “God’s Own Country” among Indians across the subcontinent, Kerala in South India is a serene tropical state. Travelers flock to Kerala for its varied landscapes, with hundreds of kilometers of coastline, verdant streams, and hills abundant in spices and tea. Visitors are also drawn to Kerala’s exotic wildlife reserves and misty hill stations. Also, never miss out on trying some adventure sports for an exciting experience. In line with the way travel writers have described this destination as otherworldly, Kerala is teeming with beautiful places. The best way to enjoy the geographical gems of Kerala is to stay in a hotel, resort, or villa. Whether you are looking for comfortable lodgings or luxurious accommodations, Kerala offers a wide array of places to unwind and touch base. Check out our list of the best resorts in Kerala, India.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.
1. Pepper Trail, Wayanad (from USD 152)
Wake up to the scent of coffee and spices. Set in a plantation surrounded by rainforest, Pepper Trail in Wayanad beckons visitors to a bygone era. This is one of the best resorts in Kerala for couples with its serene and intimate atmosphere. Relive the days of tropical plantations at Pepper Trail.
Interested in a treehouse nestled on tall jackfruit trees? You can dine at the pavilion for unforgettable views and a one-of-a-kind experience. Pamper yourself with an Ayurveda massage, or trek to the far corners of the plantation on a guided tour.
Pepper Trail
Address: Mangalam Carp Estate, Chulliyode, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad,
156.97 km (97.6 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
2. Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Bekal (from USD 215)
Luxurious property with premium pricing. Food and activities may incur additional charges.
Pet-friendly with spacious rooms, private pool villas, and a serene beachfront location. Varied indoor and outdoor activities available.
Beautiful property with backwaters and beach access, near Bekal Fort. Serene and picturesque surroundings, though some areas may need maintenance.
Fantastic breakfast with a variety of options. Some dining areas may be crowded, and local cuisine choices could be expanded. High-quality service and hospitality.
Taj Bekal Resort & Spa on Kappil Beach features 66 villas and rooms inspired by traditional houseboats. The resort’s superior rooms alone boast private balconies and courtyards. If staying in is not your cup of tea, you can take a long walk around the landscaped gardens and sandy shoreline.
Taste the freshest catch of the day and Kerala cuisine at any of Taj Bekal’s four bars and restaurants. You can also experience the essence of Indian wellness — including yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda — at the renowned Jiva Spa.
Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala
Address: Kappil Beach
294.58 km (183.1 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
3. Serene Crest Resort (from USD 77)
High-end pricing, but worth the experience
Top-notch amenities including infinity pool, kids playground, and attentive staff
Convenient location for leisure travelers, easily accessible with good road connectivity
Exceptional dining options with delicious and diverse menu, accommodating chef for special requests
Serene Crest Resort is one of the best resorts in Kerala for families. It is 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Banasura Hill, 23 km (14.2 miles) from Meenmutty Falls, and 24 km (14.9 miles) from Banasura Sagar Dam. Your stay here will be fun and enjoyable as you can play some billiards on the premises or ride a bike in the area while your kids play at the playground.
All of the rooms are air-conditioned and come complete with amenities such as a flat-screen TV with satellite and cable channels, complimentary toiletries, and free WiFi access. A balcony, which is a great spot to sit back and relax while taking in some fresh air and pool views, is also available.
Serene Crest Resort
Address: Serene Crest Resort , mambe venmani ,Thalapuzha
188.54 km (117.2 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
4. Amara Ayurveda Retreat (from USD 59)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-maintained rooms and quality amenities.
Lovely pool, Ayurvedic spa, free yoga, and beautiful, serene surroundings.
Breathtaking location with mountain views and proximity to local attractions.
Delicious and fresh food options, including seafood, although some areas for improvement in menu variety and dinner offerings.
Are you looking for one of the best resorts in Kerala for adults? If this is the case, Amara Ayurveda Retreat is just the place to be. Each of the rooms here is equipped with air conditioning, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, a private bathroom, and a wardrobe. Additionally, there is a balcony where you can sit back and relax while enjoying the stunning views of the mountains.
Samudra Beach is located 2.7 kilometers (1.6 miles) and Grove Beach is located 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the hotel, so make sure you pack your swimsuits and other beach essentials.
AMARA AYURVEDA RETREAT- Overlooking Evergreen Western Ghats an ecologically sustainable living space in Kovalam
Address: VGRP,1/369 A,Zion Kunnu, K S road
207.04 km (128.7 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
5. Marari Beach, Mararikulam (from USD 203)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and private pool villas.
Vast, well-maintained property with saltwater pool, beach access, yoga, and ayurvedic treatments.
Beautiful, serene location near a clean private beach and access to local attractions.
Delicious and diverse dining options, including sustainable, family-friendly, and vegetarian choices.
Marari Beach in Mararikulam pays tribute to the village fisherfolk. Each thatched cottage echoes local dwellings, and the food reflects the wealth of the ocean. Get in touch with nature through the room amenities fashioned from earthenware or woven by women villagers.
You can relax at the clubhouse, learn what goes into each delectable dish at the organic farm, and savor your favorite foods at one of the three restaurants. Apart from a relaxing stay, Marari also offers travelers an opportunity to see plants and wildlife endemic to Kerala.
Marari Beach Resort - CGH Earth
Address: North S.L Puram, Mararikulam
72.27 km (45.0 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
6. Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom (from USD 317)
Luxurious but expensive, worth the cost for the amenities and service offered
Meandering pool, spa, houseboat and speed boat rides, yoga, pottery, magician, and cultural dance programs
Picturesque backwater location with stunning views of Lake Vembanad
Excellent Kerala cuisine, seafood, and traditional breakfast spread, but limited options for international cuisine
Stay in Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kerala’s backwaters for a memorable trip. If the BBC declared this resort one of the world’s most luxurious destinations, and if Prince Charles celebrated his 65th birthday here then, surely, it’s worth the visit. This 5-star resort in Kerala offers rooms that blend Indian mystique with modern conveniences and are reconstructed from traditional homesteads. Choose from six different room types, including houseboats and pool villas.
Experience local and international cuisine at the tea shop or at the seafood bar. At the end of a long day, you can relax with meditation and yoga.
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Address: Kumarakom North Post
67.66 km (42.1 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
7. Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom (from USD 203)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and complimentary activities.
Outdoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and cultural experiences.
Beautiful property with views of the lake and surrounding greenery.
Delicious Indian and international cuisine, traditional Kerala dishes, and complimentary breakfast.
A pearl upon the backwaters, Coconut Lagoon features preserved homes of Kerala nobility. Located in a cove in Kumarakom, this resort highlights the magnificence of Vembanad Lake. Getting to Coconut Lagoon is an adventure — visitors take a private jetty a kilometer upstream past palms and local villages.
Upon checking in, you can select a heritage bungalow, mansion, or lakefront villa with a private pool. During your stay, you can spot wild birds and butterflies, ride a canoe, or watch local performers. You will never run out of things to do at this lavish resort.
Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom- CGH Earth
Address: PO Box 2
65.6 km (40.8 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
8. Spice Village, Thekkady (from USD 202)
Inspired by the Manam people, Spice Village is in the highlands of the Periyar reserve. An award-winning boutique hotel, Spice Village evokes the spirit of the mountains. Nature, community, and comfort meet at this unique resort. Choose between two types of cottages. Each room is naturally lit and enveloped in fresh forest air.
Hang out at Woodhouse Bar, taste ingredients sourced within miles of Spice Village, and savor regional cuisine. You can also spend the rest of the day playing sports, exploring Interpretation Center, or swimming.
Spice Village Thekkady - CGH Earth
Address: Kumily Road
99.34 km (61.8 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
9. Kaivalyam Wellness Retreat, Pallivasal (from USD 59)
Reasonably priced with complimentary activities included.
Spacious rooms, beautiful views, and a variety of in-house activities.
Nestled in lush greenery, surrounded by nature, and offering serene, tranquil surroundings.
Delicious, healthy, and high-quality cuisine with a focus on Ayurvedic philosophy.
If you are looking to focus on yoga and Ayurveda, then a wellness retreat at Kaivalyam is for you. Nestled on the lush hills of Munnar, Kaivalyam is a rustic sanctuary that cares for your mind, body, and soul. Visitors can try customized Ayurvedic treatments, yoga and meditation programs, and tea tasting, among other calming experiences. Four categories of rooms are available, from luxurious cottages to tree-top studios.
Whether you’re after a short respite from the city or a wellness pilgrimage, Kaivalyam truly ensures your well-being.
Sitaram Mountain Retreat
Address: Pallivasal
61.99 km (38.6 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
10. Rockholm at the Light House Beach, Kovalam (from USD 223)
What began as a popular seaside hotel in the 1980s is now an immersive retreat. In recent years, Rockholm in Kovalam has transformed into a wellness-inspired beach hotel. Unlike many of the resorts on this list, Rockholm’s Art Deco architecture is refreshingly minimalist.
The predominantly vegetarian fare served in this resort is prepared in harmony with Ayurvedic and Sattvic principles. More importantly, Rockholm offers an array of Ayurveda and yoga programs to suit any guest, and the resort team can arrange for specially designed local sightseeing tours.
Rockholm at the Light House Beach
Address: Light House Road Kovalam, Kerala
210.37 km (130.8 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
11. Koomankolly Heritage Village, Wayanad (from USD 41)
Interested in being one with nature in a rugged, yet charming setting? Be transported to another world at Koomankolly Heritage Village in Wayanad. This retreat is far from the maddening crowd, but it is also easily accessible to tourist destinations and historic monuments. Koomankolly’s rooms are cozy and built with eco-friendly materials.
Choose from a variety of native accommodations, including huts, cottages, and kalapura. You can make the most of your time here by going for a stroll along the riverside, climbing some of the surrounding hills, and practicing some meditation.
KOOMANKOLLY RESORT
Address: Thirunelly Temple,Manathavady,Wayanad TP-1-323,Thirunelly.P.O (VIA)Mananthavady
196.17 km (121.9 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
12. Quiet By The River, Thodakayam (from USD 168)
Experience the wonders of nature at Quiet By The River, a river lodge that is well worth the half-hour drive and canoe trip. The resort gets its befitting name from its distinctive location — an island on the Periyar River.
Enveloped by the Malayattoor forest, Quiet By The River offers stone or wooden riverside lodges and a grand view riverside lodge. Be greeted by views of the calm river and the forest beyond as you go on a picnic, enjoy a candlelit dinner, or enjoy the restaurant with stunning views.
Quiet By The River- CGH Earth
Address: Paniely P.O, Vengoor, Perumbavoor,, Kerala, Kottapady - Plamudy - Thodakayam Road, Thodakayam, Cochin
10.55 km (6.6 mi) from Malayattoor Kurishumudy International Shrine
Come for the nature, stay for the culture
Tourists come to Kerala for the state’s natural blessings, but they return again and again for the eclectic culture. Aside from coconut-lined beaches and backwaters, another fascinating lure to this part of South India is its unique blend of the Western and the traditional. Even though it appears very modern, Kerala culture is rooted in Ayurveda, shamans, and vibrant festivals.
History
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