On our trip to Kerala we stayed at ITC’s Raviz Ayurvedic Resort & Spa at Kollam – a beautiful property located on the southern edge of Ashtmudi Lake – a lake that is still virgin in the overtly touristy Kerala. Now as an ITC property you expect impeccable service and sustainable luxury and you get it. You get all that you expect in a resort that is like a destination in itself like various sporting facilities and evening performances. The location in the middle of backwaters is like an icing on the cake. Being in Kerala, it also presents the local flavor in every possible way like a boat filled with spices in the lobby, the temple wall murals in the rooms, Kathakali dolls at the entrance. So let me tell you what stands out over and above these expectations:
Original traditional Travancore cottages: Two old but original cottages built in wood have been ported within the precincts of this resort and are being maintained in their original style. They are called Anchal and Erattupeta based on the villages that they originally belonged to and they are 300 and 200 year only relatively. You enter them through a wooden courtyard with wooden chairs to relax in. The interiors are dark and except small alterations like Television and coffee makers the look and feel makes you feel as if you are in a different era and truly in Kerala. The washrooms are outside and must be approached through a narrow door – I felt this might be a bit scary at night, but then this is the way houses used to be few centuries back. The concept of attached toilets belongs to our generation. Carved wooden ceilings continue to intrigue you while you are there. The huge shining brass locks make you wonder if they would have attracted the thieves and then try to keep them away.
Ranthal: Floating Restaurant made out of traditional Kerala kettuvallam takes you on a ride on the Ashtamudi Lake. From the southern tentacle of this lake that has eight such tentacle, we went to the centre of the lake, where you can see many edges jetting out in all directions. Along the path you see many small houses and a lot of Chinese net spread out to catch the fish. We were told that in Kerala all the water bodies belong to tourism industry during the day and at night they belong to the local fishermen, so you need to take rides while the sun is out. They also have a floating fort – a party boat that can take up to 70 people on board.
Veda Spa: A spa on the top floor of the property overlooking the backwaters that makes you feel serene both inside and outside. The spotless premises and friendly staff is what you expect and get but it is the view that makes it special. The corner room meant for couple spa with a couple’s jazuzzi is a treat. The soft-spoken resident doctor took me around the spa before giving me some Ayurveda tips for the travelers.
Ashtamudi Fish: This is a combination of invention & discovery by the chefs of the resort. The local fish from the Ashtamudi Lake cooked with lots of chilly in it besides many other spices has been adapted by the resort and given the name Ashtamudi fish. I am a vegetarian but my husband, who is at his fussiest best when it comes to food, loved the fish. It was spicy so you can take only so much at a time but from the looks of all those who ate it – it looked delicious. The interesting fact about this preparation is that is does not contain the most expected ingredient – coconut in any form.
Saras Pool: An infinity pool that let’s you feel as if you are swimming in backwaters with coconut trees looming above with a waterfall not too far.
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