Sunsets and Palm Trees

Loved the food and the hospitality. The host is very welcoming! one of the best experiences I have had in South India.

The small villas are by far the most beatiful and best decorated places in which we stayed during our india trip. They are spacious, well cleaned and the bed is very comfortable. The atmosphere of this place is just unbeatable, I just regret that I couldn’t spend more time there. The location is a little off the beaten track, but it is definitely worth relaxing in this beautiful oasis. The owner, David, will make everything possible to make your staying and your departure (he also booked train tickets for us) as smooth as it can be.

It is extremely tricky to write a review of this property. There were positive sides but unfortunately the negatives are way too much. 1. Room: Room looks exactly how it is shown in the site, so no surprises. 2. Checkin was easy (Way too easy - the host did not even check or take our phot IDs. I don't know if that's the right thing to do). 3. The host sends you across the WiFi details even before you reach. So its cool. 4. At welcome, the host gave us a complimentary bottle of beer. That's nice of him. 5. A young fellow named Arun (staff) was of great help. He was always with a wide smile and helped us whenever we needed anything. Absence of Basic Services: 1. Toiletries: No toothbrush, paste. 2. Iron: No 3. Hairdryer: No 4. Bathtub: No 5. Indoor slippers: No 6. Wardrobe: No 7. TV: No 8. Restaurant, cafe: No 9. Mini-fridge: Yes 10. Tea/coffee Maker: Yes 11. Intercom: No My suggestion: Do not go with a child with you.

Now the negatives are way too much: Every now and then, when you stay here, you will ask yourself whether the property is worth the money? Or its a trap in the name of "boutique". 1. Location: This place is at a very very remote area. While driving along the road, you will invariably miss the signboard of the property as it is too small and covered with leaves. If you don't have your own car, this property is NOT the one for you. There are absolutely no shops, restaurants nearby. The nearest you can go and eat is at 6km distance from the place. The moment you start entering the property you will start questioning your choice of selecting it. Very clumsy, confusing while you enter. No front desk. 2. Rooms: Well the rooms are exactly how they are in the photos. Our room had an open bathroom and a plunge pool. There is too much trees and greenaries inside the property (which is exactly why we booked it), which is not properly maintained. THERE ARE INSECTS HERE AND THERE. AT NIGHT WE HAD 2 BIG SPIDERS INSIDE OUR BEDROOM AND 1 INSIDE THE BATHROOM. We could not sleep the entire night thinking what if there are other insects and snakes around (note: we were traveling with a toddler). We had made up our minds to leave the room and book another property next day, but then we remembered how much were we paying. 3. Restaurants: There are NO restaurants in the property. The host will ask you beforehand whether you will have lunch/breakfast in the property. Accordingly he will get things and have them cooked. Fixed menu of three main course dishes, rice and porotta (veg- Rs 650/person and non-veg Rs 850/person). The food is extremely expensive and definitely not worth the price. The breakfast they serve (complimentary) is okay though. 4. Be prepared to be with too many insects, mosquitoes, flies, bees, caterpillars.

Sunsets and Palm Trees is a very special place - one of a kind… David and all his team were so friendly, helpful and made the stay over Christmas so comfortable and relaxed. The location is out of this world - we saw so much wildlife just while eating our breakfast and you wake up to the sounds of birds and the river. There has been so much thought put into all the details of the accommodation and it is the perfect mix of luxury but authentic Keralan style. We loved the pool and canoeing up the river! We had dinners with them as well as breakfast and the food was some of the best I have eaten on the trip. David also went above and beyond to help with our onward travel plans and some illness and it was so nice to get to know him a bit whilst we were there. This place is a real gem!!

That we couldn’t stay longer