The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal offers a luxurious retreat for busy city dwellers like no other
By Namita Gupta
There’s something about God’s Own Country that one can never have enough of. Tucked away in the heart of Kerala, nature’s bounty is in abundance at The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal. Breathtaking natural beauty is the perfect playground for the leisure-hunting traveller and the only colours you’ll see here are green and white, bringing a heavenly respite to the senses. Spread across 26 acres of lush greens, formally landscaped gardens, it is surrounded by river Nombili on three sides in the lap of Arabian Sea and a lagoon overlooking a pristine white sandy beach.
I was welcomed with a warm smile and fresh tender coconut water the moment I stepped in for a laidback weekend. What is there to not like about being pampered in the beautiful backwater town of Bekal, away from the hustle bustle of the world. Nothing like a luxurious bed with a pillow menu to boost, soaking in the private jacuzzi in my suite, delectable meals and service extraordinaire. The secret of the scrumptious food is the freshness of the ingredients, handpicked from its own vegetable gardens.
One can savour authentic traditional delicacies to globally popular choices at Nombili, the multi cuisine restaurant. Tropical cocktails to single malts to full bodied wines; Nombili Bar transfers you to tranquil evenings. I spent my mornings, afternoons and evenings at Utsav, a large pillarless hall open to picturesque outdoors, offering unparalleled views. The space is also ideal for weddings, cocktails, conferences and other events. Besides the lavish and wholesome spread that included specials like fish and mutton curry, I also tried the Kerala prawns and appam and stew from the al fresco menu. Both the dishes were delicious and flavourful. Personal care and attention is given to the dietary preferences of each of the guests.
The award-winning Spa, ‘Rejuve’ superbly complements the idea of wellness. Step into Rejuve and you’ll be transported to a world of calm and serenity that is taken a few notches higher when the adept hands of the masseurs lend their able strokes relaxing the strained knots and releasing all the stress. One can indulge in the soothing synergy of some authentic spa therapies with a balanced spa diet! From traditional Ayurvedic to Western massages it’s a haven for all and also features its own freshly pressed coconut oil. Recreation and relaxation, wellness and natural wonder come together in this stunningly serene location. If this isn’t sheer bliss, then we don’t know what is. The spa also has a large hall with a library where you can relax with a good book in complete silence.
If you love some adventure on your trips, then get an adrenaline rush as you go kayaking or rafting in river Nombili or discover the secrets of tropical rain forests while you trek and be one with nature. The best part for me though was catching the sun set at the private beach. The resort has access to a pristine private beach and is immaculate clean with soft silver sands.
Bekal is also home to the largest fort in Kerala spread across 40 acres. It was built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650 AD. The song Tu Hi Re or Uyire in Tamil from the movie Bombay was shot at the Bekal Fort. The views are spectacular with green trees and fort walls on one side and the beach on the other. The heat of the Malabar Coast can get on to you after a while. It’s best to visit in the winter months so you can explore the entire fort comfortably. I explored the entire fort and soaked in the panoramic views of the sea. You can also visit a few temples near the resort. One of the popular ones being the Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple.
This ultimate spa destination beautifully amalgamates the best of outdoors with luxuriously comfortable accommodation and facilities. The resort features 39 rooms and suites including a Kettuvallom (house boat). Whenever you want to get away from the zany life, then you know you can head to The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal, where even time stops for a breather!
