So where do I start! I have often read reviews on here and thought is it really that good?
What I can say about the beautiful riverside retreat and the wonderful Infanta, it really is as good as the reviews make it sound! Infanta’s skills as a host are unrivalled. If you book to stay here, you truly will be privileged.
We spent the most amazing time here in this most beautiful of settings, not only did it live up to the expectations generated by the reviews listed on TripAdvisor, it exceeded them!
We arrived on the Sunday and were met by Infanta (Who may I add, assisted us by arranging a taxi from the airport) and shown around the property. Infanta had gone to the trouble to ensure that there were eggs, butter, bread and milk so we could make breakfast.
The house itself is a hidden gem in a beautiful location that made us feel that we were really getting to see the real Kerala. Set in a jungle like setting with Coconut, banana trees all around and the noise of all the local birdlife, it truly was a magical place. The property has a well equipped kitchen that will allow you to prepare all food and drinks you would need for a whole family. The property has unhindered views across water to a beautiful Hindu temple that at various times of the day you can hear the quite sounds of worship/ceremony that really added to the experience. For the nature lovers out there it is the most amazing place to view the local wildlife as you just have to position yourself in one of the hammocks or a chair on the veranda to see the wildlife put on a show that feels like it’s just for you. We saw kingfishers, parrots, eagles, black kites, woodpeckers all without leaving the garden! There are shops within walking distance and a larger supermarket just a short Tuk Tuk ride away.
As a host, Infanta was superb! She allowed us the use of a local mobile in case we needed her assistance booking Tuk Tuks etc. Infanta made us feel really welcome, as did her wonderful sister in law who lives next door! We were there for my partners Birthday, so arranged in advance for a traditional Keralan celebration meal to mark the occasion. Infanta and her sister in law arranged the most wonderful meal of Jackfruit curry, Rice and timbale, vegetables, and a wonderful mango curry that was just divine! It really made for a special Birthday that we will never forget. Infanta was always contactable if we needed her for anything (which outside of booking transport, we did not need however, it was nice to know that she was just a phone call away). The beauty of the location is that it is close enough to everything that you will want to see in the area, but far enough away that you will feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle when you have down days.
I would say if you are looking for a great place to stay in Kerala, look no further than riverside retreat. The place will forever hold a very special place in our hearts, as will Infanta.
We will be coming back, thank you for the memories
All bookings are direct with the owner 