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One could
say that there are two kinds of beach resorts in the world. Most common, of course,
are those raucous, neon-lit places of water sports, midnight raves and trinket
stores. Then there's the other kind, of the 'endless-golden-sands-where-you-won't
-see-a-soul' variety, usually touted for their peace and quiet.
Marari Beach,
we are happy to say, is neither.
It is an experience born of a question we
asked ourselves. 'Can a strip of sand have a soul?'. And having decided that it
must, we went searching for where it might be found. |
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The village
of Maraikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast (See
map), where the
Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.
It was
here that we found all our answers.
A beach is a beach is a beach. Until you
can seek out its living heart, the culture that calls it home.
And so, Marari
Beach Resort is a celebration of Kerala's coastal fishing villages. Inspired by
this ancient way of life, we sought to capture its essence and create a new experience
in sensitive travel for the modern-day visitor.
Virtual
Visit: see an interactive panorama of Marari Beach |
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Marari
Beach sprawls across 55 acres of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut
groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged pathways. A windbreak of palms
runs the length of the property, a protective cover that reduces even the gustiest
sea winds to mere caresses. And beyond is a milk-and-azure ocean, fringed by a
beach more ochre than yellow, a sand-meets-sea combination you're not likely to
find anywhere else. 
Modelled on the fishermens' dwellings of
Mararikulam, your accommodations are a fine balance between traditional form and
modern function. The roof is palm thatch, but we've added a concrete base that
keeps the air-conditioning in and the odd insect out. Bathrooms too, combine modern
fixtures with the traditional Kerala open-roofed style. And the little taps outside
each cottage are another local touch. The fisher folk use them to clean the sand
off their feet, and you can do likewise. Barefoot is a great way to be at Marari
Beach, even indoors!
Cottages like the one we've just described
form the standard accommodation , but if you favour more private luxuries, maybe
you'd like to pick one of our pool villa cottages, which are suite-style and have
a secluded walled courtyard with a private pool all your own. Virtual
Visit: see an interactive panorama of the reception grounds
Virtual
Visit: see an interactive panorama of the poolside |
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The
secret of the tangy fish curries of this part of the world lies - literally -
in the soil. For it is earthenware pots, placed on a slow wood fire and simmered,
that give the food its unique texture and succulence.
At Marari Beach, you
can enjoy the simple traditional dishes of the fisherfolk (along with, of course
, a variety of international cuisine favourites) at our verandah- style restaurant.
Dinners are candlelit, often with live music (the traditional kerala trio comprises
a harmonium, flute and tablas) . And the beachside features an evening grill serving
up some select seafood, always fresh, always seasonal. Experience
more of the eating areas Get
Leelamm's fosh curry recipe |
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The
bar at Marari is in a beautiful 200-year old building, deep in a thicket of trees
and lotus ponds. Enjoy a 'Panchamrutam' (a heady local concoction) in the midst
of colonial -style spaces and serenity. If you can't tear yourself away from the
beach, you can get a tall cold one down there too, at the Beach Shack.
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Most of the
greens , fruits and vegetables for the restaurants come from our own organic garden,
across the lane. And the days catch, of course, gets served up as fresh as can
be, practically straight off the fishing boats.
We practice water harvesting
and Marari Beach is a chemical-free zone where only natural oils and local remedies
are used for pest control. Vermiculture and composting keep the soil fertile,
both in the organic farm and on the grounds. In fact, you can not only see these
activities at work, you can even participate! Help pick some seasonal fruit or
even plant a tree or two. Slide
show: scenes from an organic world | | |
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Marari
Beach has a fully equipped ayurvedic centre, so you can get all the benefits of
this ancient system of medicine. Put yourself in the hands of our expert masseuses
and you'll feel reborn.
There are also regular yoga classes on the beach,
in the thick of a cool coconut grove. The locale, we're told, does wonders for
your inner serenity.
See
more of the Ayurveda Centre Learn
more about Ayurveda
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