When my fiancé and I were travelling in Kerala using an itinerary created for us by Globe Travel Centre, we were hosted by Xandari Resorts throughout our trip. Our third and final stop in Kerala, after our houseboat cruise on the backwaters, was two incredible nights at Xandari Pearl on Marari Beach.
It was truly the most relaxing resort I’ve ever stayed at. If you’re ever looking for a luxury retreat in South India where you can seriously unwind, I can’t recommend this place enough.
From the moment we were greeted at reception with a handmade flower garland each, it was as if all of our troubles melted away…
My review of Xandari Pearl Resort in Kerala
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The 18 acre resort has direct beach access and is comprised of 27 pristine white villas, some of which have plunge pools. There’s a large swimming pool, a phenomenal restaurant, a spa and they even have their own boating lake upon which guests can make use of the pedal boat or kayak.
I’ve become increasingly aware of how I can make ethical choices as a traveller to reduce my impact on the environment. What I loved most about Xandari Pearl was how the resort has embraced sustainable alternatives across all aspects of the guest experience.
The roofs are thatched with palm leaves, filtered water is available in glass bottles in the rooms and restaurant, and the hotel toiletries are in glass bottles. Even the amenity kit is reusable.
Thomas, the guest relations manager, told us that the resort has its own carpenter whose job it is to create sustainable alternatives to the usual hotel fodder. Even the door hangers used to indicate to the housekeepers when you would like your room cleaned are made from natural ‘beach beads’ to save on paper!
The grounds are lush with fragrant plants, herbs and spices – all tended to by a huge team of gardeners.
One of the unique attractions of Xandari Pearl is that the resort is almost self-sufficient. There’s a vegetable garden where papaya, mango, tapioca, bananas, tomatoes, and other local produce whose name has no English translation are grown, all lovingly tended by two brothers.
The gardener who tends to the produce, Gopalan, is famous locally, having gained recognition for growing and selling produce to various shops in the community. He’s been on TV and featured in lots of articles, but was never educated. It seemed to us that he knows more about growing tasty fruit and vegetables than any school could teach.
As you walk towards the unspoilt beach, you pass goats and cows. Yes, they even have a small farm onsite! There’s also a butterfly garden and an orchid garden.
I often worry about the impact these international chains can have on the local community as well as the environment, so I was pleased to learn that almost all of the resort staff are local to Kerala.They’re all so open and friendly, eager to stop and chat with us and to share their culture. I learned so much while I was there! Every single person we encountered, from the gardeners (many of whom were female – yas gals!) to the security guard, would pause their duties and greet us with the customary ‘Namaskaram’.
When we visited, in mid-November, the resort was almost empty – I think only four rooms were booked – but unlike many hotels who would offer less services and perhaps a reduced menu to cut costs in quiet periods, we still received the full experience. Never were we told something on the menu wasn’t available, or that we couldn’t use the spa etc because they didn’t have the staff.
My bucket list has always included ‘Practice yoga in India’, and at Xandari Pearl I got my chance. They offer complimentary yoga sessions at 6.30am, every day except Sunday. I even managed to get Tom to give it a go!
Our villa
Our villa, number 24, was spectacular. It managed to exude serious wow factor without feeling too modern.
We both slept soundly in the comfortable bed, and the spacious room was only beaten by the outdoor area. I could have weeped tears of joy when I saw it! Our private plunge pool was faced by a sandy seating area with a sunbed, table and chairs. There was a even a hammock in one corner.
There’s ample wardrobe space (we didn’t unpack since we only had two nights there – boo) and we found two bathrobes and slippers in the wardrobe.
The bathroom has an outdoor shower so you can wash a day of sun and sand away beneath the palm trees, safe in the knowledge that nobody can peek in.
Food and drink at Xandari Pearl
Xandari Pearl has a license for beer and wine, but not spirits. We enjoyed the chance to revel in a more low-key, peaceful ambience than many of the resorts we’ve holidayed at.
The restaurant is pricy by Indian standards, but absolutely worth it – and you still get a spectacular meal for a fraction of the price you would pay for an Indian meal in the UK!
We dined exclusively at the hotel restaurant during our stay, purely because it was THAT good. Breakfast is a la carte, with both Indian and international options. I was grateful for that, because I just couldn’t handle curry three times a day!
For light bites and lunch, the Xandari salad with papaya dressing is refreshing, but the shredded tandoori wrap was the dish we fought over.
Dinner was a sumptuous affair every evening and the sous chef, who I almost hugged with gratitude after eating our second meal, is happy to explain the menu and give recommendations.
Our favourite starter by a mile was the MurghMalai Tikka. Technically a North Indian dish, but mouthwatering enough to warrant ordering there.
For mains, the aromatic AlleppeyMeen Curry is the local choice. It’s a medium spiced fish dish with raw mango and coconut milk.
Our favourites were the Prawn Kizhi – prawns cooked in onion tomato masala, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled. The Mutton Pepper Roast was almost as tasty, and the token chapatti and hefty portions of Kerala rice are phenomenal.
I tried my first ever Lassi at the restaurant – banana flavour, served with a banana leaf straw!
We later learned that all of the herbs used in the restaurant are grown onsite. In fact, the Xspa uses therepeutic oil blended with the same herbs!
Useful information for a stay at Xandari Pearl
To get to Xandari Pearl on Marari Beach, you can fly into Kochi International Airport and grab a taxi – the journey takes around two hours. The nearest major train station is at Alleppey, and you’ll need to get a taxi or rickshaw the rest of the way.
Tips are of course appreciated.
Xandari Pearl offers various board basis. All-inclusive at Xandari Pearl does not include alcohol.
Check prices and availability for Xandari Pearl on booking.com.
Check out my South India itinerary for first time visitors and my review of our stay on one of Xandari Riverscapes houseboats on the Kerala Backwaters. If you’re visiting Kerala, you shouldn’t miss Cochin – read my guide to what to do in Cochin for inspiration!
I hope you enjoyed my review of Xandari Pearl! The resort really did blow both Tom and I away and we’re already dreaming of a return trip. If you’re interested in seeing more of my India trip, check out my highlight on Instagram and follow me there. I’m on Facebook and Twitter too!
As mentioned at the beginning of my Xandari Pearl review, we were guests of the resort. We paid for our own food, drink and of course gratuities.
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