Bekal, IndiaKappil
Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala
Houseboat-inspired backwater resort
Kappil Bekal, India
Opened
2012
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Design WellnessOutside the door
The house
TajHouseboat-inspired backwater resort
The resort spans 26 coastal acres where river backwaters meet the sea, housing guests in villas modeled on traditional houseboats.
“the 26-acre Vivanta by Taj Bekal Resort is home to the excellent Jiva Spa, a staggering 165,000 square-feet devoted to wellness and relaxation.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Twenty-six coastal acres running bamboo rafting and kayaking along the Kappil River.
Notable
Kerala Ayurveda therapies and wellness rituals anchored by the dedicated J Wellness Circle.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
Taj Bekal Resort and Spa, Kerala fits this model to a tee, sprawling languorously over 26 acres on the palm- and coconut-bedecked shore of the Arabian Sea.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Kappil Beach borders the resort lawns, and historic Bekal Fort is a short drive away along the coast.
The rooms
Rooms have white-and-wood decor inspired by palm-leaf manuscripts, and select villas add private courtyard plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The central freshwater pool curves between coconut palms and sun loungers, edged by broad stone decks.
The spa
Suites at J Wellness Circle open onto walled stone courtyards for traditional Kerala Ayurveda therapies and herbal scrubs.
The yoga pavilion
Yoga sessions take place in an open-air thatched pavilion set among the resort's palms and tropical gardens.
At the table
Ivory Bar pours cocktails in a domed poolside pavilion, and open-air thatched cabanas host dining along the backwaters.
How it began
The grounds were a working coconut plantation before Perth firm Grounds Kent Architects developed the resort in 2012.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.