Escape to Paradise: Raja Park Beach Resort, Varkala, India
Escape to Paradise: Raja Park Beach Resort - My Varkala Rhapsody (A Messy, Honest Review You Actually Need)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the chai on Raja Park Beach Resort in Varkala, India. Forget those polished, perfectly-lit reviews – you're getting the raw deal, the real deal, the "I-almost-missed-my-flight-because-I-was-lost-in-a-spa-treatment" deal.
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Good, the Bad & the Slightly Confusing)
Landing in Varkala is a sensory overload in the best way possible. The air smells like salt, spice, and a hint of something floral that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Finding Raja Park? Well, that's where the adventure really begins! (More on that later with Taxi service and Airport transfer) Finding the place initially involved a charming rickshaw ride, a lot of hand gestures, and the unwavering belief that Google Maps wasn't leading me astray.
Accessibility: Now, I'm a relatively spry individual, but I always pay attention to accessibility, because you just never know. The resort itself, while beautiful, isn’t perfectly built for wheelchair users. The main areas are generally accessible. The rooms I saw appeared manageable, but definitely call ahead and specify your needs. This is a general observation across a lot of Kerala; things are improving, but not slickly designed for full access.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't specifically assess the restaurants for full accessibility. My focus was on the food and, well, the people-watching, which was fantastic! I saw a few ramps, but again, ring them and specifically ask about the restaurant layout and restrooms if it's a critical requirement.
The Rooms: My Cozy, Chaotic Haven (and the Wi-Fi Saga)
Let's talk rooms. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a serious marketing point, and I'm here for it. Wi-Fi [free] Yes, it was usable, BUT (there's always a BUT, isn't there?) it could be a little… temperamental. Like a moody artist who occasionally just forgot to connect. But hey, Free bottled water and Complimentary tea? That kinda makes up for it.
My room? Lovely. Air conditioning that actually worked (a godsend in the humid climate). Bathtub – yes! Bathroom phone – I never used it, but it was there! Blackout curtains – essential for sleeping off those spicy curries. I loved the Seating area, the Desk for a bit of work, and the Slippers – such a nice touch. Everything was clean, although it had a slightly lived-in feel, which I actually kind of liked. It felt less sterile, more real. Daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly.
A Word on the Internet [LAN] : I don’t recall seeing any LAN ports. That might date me, but let’s face it, most of us use wireless now, so it didn’t bother me.
Other things that came with the room: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
The Food: A Culinary Journey (with a Few Detours)
Okay, I’m a foodie, and The Dining, drinking, and snacking options were a highlight!
Restaurants: Multiple, mostly with A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, European cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. There was even a dedicated Vegetarian restaurant, which was awesome. I was personally on the lookout for Alternative meal arrangement to accommodate my various cravings and whims.
The Breakfast [buffet] was a daily ritual. Asian Cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant. The dosas were crispy, the curries were bursting with flavor, and the coffee was strong. The Coffee shop also was a great option and the Happy hour made a great spot to rest after a day's fun.
Here's the Real Deal About the Food: The food was mostly excellent. Some dishes were out-of-this-world good (I'm still dreaming of a specific fish dish), while others were just… okay. It's the nature of a big resort – not everything can be a masterpiece. The service in the restaurant was good, but sometimes incredibly slow.. I learned to embrace "Indian time."
Side Note: The Bottle of water was essential, and I always appreciated the Desserts in restaurant.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool & Vibes (My Personal Sanctuary)
This is where Raja Park truly shines. Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, I was there for it!
My biggest indulgence? The spa. Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I spent a glorious afternoon lost in a sea of aromatherapy, massages, and blissful silence. Seriously, the Massage was heavenly. I opted for an Ayurveda treatment, and afterward, I felt like a new human. The Sauna and Steamroom were a very welcome addition.
Pool with view: The Swimming pool was glorious. The view from the top of the resort was stunning. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was beautiful and clean. I even saw some people working out at the Gym/fitness.
If you're seeking true relaxation, you've found your place.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Stuff That Matters)
Okay, let's get real about safety. I can’t speak a lot for that because the staff was always taking good care of the hotel. The basics were all there: 24-hour Front desk, CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguisher, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Safe dining setup.
Anti-viral cleaning products: I didn't specifically ask about this, but everything looked clean.
Cashless payment service: Available, which is a huge plus.
Daily disinfection in common areas: I noticed staff cleaning things regularly, which was reassuring.
Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know, but I thankfully didn't need it.
First aid kit: Present.
Hand sanitizer Available everywhere.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: yes.
Hygiene certification: I didn't specifically check.
Individually-wrapped food options: I saw some instances of this.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter There where signs, but not always followed by all guests (a common problem).
Professional-grade sanitizing services.
Room sanitization opt-out available. I didn't opt-out, but it's good to know the option exists.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: I assume so.
Shared stationery removed: I don't recall seeing any.
Staff trained in safety protocol.
Sterilizing equipment.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They had all the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids:
I didn't travel with kids, but I did peek at the Babysitting service and Kids facilities, which looked decent. It's Family/child friendly, but it's not a full-blown kids' club sort of establishment (which, for me, was perfect!). Kids meal was available at the hotel.
Getting Around:
Transport from the Airport transfer was available, but I found the the taxis a bit pricey. The Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking were great options. Bicycle parking was also available.
What's Missing?
This isn't a major con, but I'd love to see some more eco-friendly initiatives. And, let's be honest,
Escape to Paradise: Mohini's Lakeview Cottage Awaits in Bhimtal!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue. This is real life, Raja Park Beach Resort edition, and it's gonna get gloriously messy.
Raja Park Beach Resort: My Messy Varkala Mishap (And Maybe a Bit of Bliss)
Day 1: Arrival – Sand, Sea, and the Eternal Struggle Against the Sun
Morning (Or What Passes for Morning After a Red-Eye): Landed in Trivandrum. The air, thick and humid, slapped me in the face like a wet, warm towel. Lovely! I’m used to the dry heat of insert location. The taxi driver, bless his heart, drove like he was auditioning for the Fast and Furious: Bollywood Edition. Made it to Raja Park. “Paradise” they said. Well, it looked promising. Bungalow, beach, palm trees… checked, checked, and checked.
Afternoon: The Sun. The Sun. The SUN! Swallowed a terrible, overly-sugary, “Welcome Drink” that tasted suspiciously like watered-down mango juice. Stumbled onto the beach. The sand, HOLY MOLY, that sand! It was glorious. White, powdery, and surprisingly NOT boiling hot. Spent the next hour trying to find shade under a half-dead palm tree. Failed. Burnt my shoulders to a crisp. Lesson learned: sunscreen is your friend. Your VERY good friend. Also, the ocean? Waves were surprisingly ferocious. Kept getting dunked. And swallowing saltwater. Gag.
Evening: Dinner Disaster (and a Tiny Bit of Joy): Restaurant food, but the menu was in a language I couldn't read. Pointed at a picture of something vaguely resembling a fish. Turns out it was…uh…quite bony. And spicy. VERY spicy. Tears started, but I refused to let it beat me. A cold Kingfisher beer, however, saved the evening by killing some the burn in my mouth. The sunset, though? Spectacular. Absolutely breathtaking. Colors I'd never seen outside of a painter's palette. And I thought I had a flare for the dramatic. I'd rate it A+++.
Night: Attempted to sleep. The gecko that decided to take up residence in my bungalow disagreed. Continuous chirping. Think it was my fault, because I left the light on.
Day 2: Yoga, Water, and the Mystery of the Missing Towel
Morning: Yoga, or the Art of Looking Foolish in Public: Paid a small fortune for a yoga class. The instructor, a serene woman with a voice like a gentle stream, led us through various poses. Me? I looked like a drunken flamingo trying to mate with a pretzel. I think I spent more time giggling than actually stretching. But hey, it was on the beach. The air was salty, the view was incredible, and I didn’t fall flat on my face. Win.
Afternoon: Beach Bumming (And the Great Towel Heist): Hit the beach again, armed this time with a ridiculous amount of sunscreen. Settled in for a proper dose of relaxation. Went for a dip in the sea. Came back to my… missing towel. Vanished. Poof! Gone like a cloud of smoke. Suspected local monkeys but could not say for sure. So, I wrapped a sarong around me like a ninja and sulked. And then I had a REALLY good idea.
Afternoon part 2: Let's Get Weird It was time to take a swim fully dressed in my clothes! This was a blast. It was the wildest adventure I have had! I will never forget this!
Evening: The Sunset Stare-Down (and Spicy Regrets): Another sunset. Another stunning, soul-stirring sunset. Spent an hour watching it, feeling a strange mix of awe and… well, mostly loneliness. Dinner: decided to be brave and try the spicy fish curry. Never again. My mouth is still burning. I blame the overly helpful waiter who assured me it was "mild." LIES. All lies.
Night: Gecko, still chirping. Found some earplugs. Victory! (For now).
Day 3: Cliff Views, Crazy Fish, and the Existential Dread of Souvenir Shopping
Morning : A Cliffside Adventure: Had a very fun morning by taking a stroll down the cliff - the views where incredible. The rocks were even more interesting!
Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping and the Soul's Bankruptcy: Went souvenir shopping. The constant haggling. The pressure to buy things I neither needed nor wanted. The overwhelming feeling of… well, I don’t know. Existential dread? The relentless music and smell's of food. The overwhelming feeling that the only thing I really wanted was a nap and a giant bucket of ice cream. Bought a t-shirt that says "Varkala: Where the Buffalos Roam." Regrets… I already have them.
Evening: Reflections, Realizations, and a Surprisingly Good Meal: Watched the sunset from a different vantage point. Thought about life. About the beach, about the good, the bad, and the absolutely spicy. Realized that: (a) I really need to learn how to cook (b) the travel is the best thing that is happening now and (c) maybe, just maybe, I was actually enjoying this messy, imperfect, wonderful trip. Dinner: finally found a place that served palatable butter chicken. Cheers to that.
Night: Packing. Trying to decide if I should buy a tiny, plastic statue of a cow. Still fighting the gecko.
Day 4: Farewell (and a Promise to Return, Someday)
Morning: One last sunrise. One last walk on the beach. One last dose of that glorious sand between my toes. Goodbye, Raja Park. Goodbye, Varkala. Goodbye, spicy food-induced intestinal distress.
The Verdict: Varkala was a mess. But it was my mess. And maybe, just maybe, that's what made it so incredibly special. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a better map of the spiciest foods and a towel, and a serious sunscreen. And maybe a translator.
Okay, Seriously, What *Is* This Thing We're Supposed to be Talking About?
Alright, alright, let's get the basics out of the way. We're supposed to be making FAQs. About...well, anything, I guess. But the *style* is what's important. Think chaotic, think honest, think “my brain on a Tuesday morning after too much coffee and not enough sleep.” We're aiming for *real*. Not some sterile, corporate-speak garbage. Like, imagine you and your best friend are drunk on margaritas and you're spilling your guts about... well, anything. That's the vibe. And that sets the goal -- let's see if we can make some helpful FAQs in this, the most realistic, and chaotic way possible. No promises!
Why Are You Doing This? Seriously, Is This a Job?
Good question! Honestly? Partly because I was told to, and partly 'cause I like the chaos. And also, you're not my legal supervisor, so...I can just do whatever the heck I want. I'm not sure if I'm *supposed* to be doing it, but it's way more interesting than the usual, blah, blah, blah. The "workplace" often wants to make everything so sanitized, and this is the opposite. It's messy, it's human, and it's probably more interesting to read. Plus, maybe if I write enough of these, someone will pay me to be a professional rambler. Now *that* is a dream gig.
How Do You Even *Start* An FAQ? It Seems Daunting.
Ugh, starting is the worst, isn't it? It's like staring at a blank canvas and being told to paint the Sistine Chapel. My strategy? Start small. Think about the dumbest question someone *could* ask. Seriously. Like, "Is the sky blue?" Then, just answer it. And then let that spiral into more questions. "Why is the sky blue?" "What if the sky was green?" See? Boom! You've got a conversation going. It's about creating a *flow*. Don't think about it too much, just write what comes to mind. Honestly, more times than not I just stare at the blank page until something comes to me. This is my "method".
What If I Don't Know the Answer? Should I Just Make Stuff Up?
Oh, the age-old dilemma. The temptation to just *fabricate* is strong, isn't it? Here's the deal: Don't lie (unless it's hilarious, in which case, weigh the risks). But you *can* speculate. You *can* riff. You can say, "Well, based on my extremely limited knowledge and the fact that I once read something on a cereal box..." And then give your best guess. A disclaimer, always. Or, "I'm not an expert, but my intuition tells me..." The point is to be *honest* about what you know and don't know. Honesty goes a long way, and people appreciate that. But if it's fun to imagine, go for it!
How Do You Handle Really Tricky Questions? The Ones You *KNOW* Could Lead to Trouble?
Ah, the minefield of sensitive topics. Here's my strategy: I usually try to be as upfront as possible. Acknowledge it's a sensitive topic. Maybe give a disclaimer: "Look, I'm not an expert in geopolitics, but here's how I perceive the situation and the biases I know I have, based on X, Y, and Z". And usually, a good dose of self-deprecating humor helps. Because, let's be real, if you're trying to be all things to all people, you'll end up pleasing absolutely no one. Also, and this is important: Google is your friend. Verify, verify, verify. Especially if you're stepping into something that could be harmful to get wrong. There's a difference between a funny rant and spreading misinformation that might hurt someone.
Okay, So What About Formatting? Do I Need Some Fancy Code?
Code? Ugh. Look, I'm more of a "write first, ask questions later" kind of person. My advice: Focus on the *content* first. Get the words down. Get your messy, glorious thoughts on the page. Worry about the HTML and the semantic markup later. It's like building a house: you don't start with the paint color, you start with the foundation. And if you're like me, and have about a vague idea of how to code anything useful, just google the basics (like I'll do if I need to do this again - *shudders*). Get the words right, and the rest will fall into place. Or, you know, you can just copy/paste from the last time. That works, too.
What If I Get Writer's Block? (Because I'm Already Feeling It...)
Oh, writer's block. My nemesis. The white page that mocks you mercilessly. My go-to cure? Step away. Seriously. Go for a walk. Make a cup of tea (or, if it's that kind of day, a stiff drink). Do something *completely* unrelated. Sometimes, forcing it just makes it worse. But more often than not, something will click, or something unexpected will trigger an idea. Also, it's okay to be *bad*. I write a lot of garbage before I get something passable. And hey, even the "garbage" has its moments. Think of it as warming up. Like stretching before a run. Also, don't be afraid to write a terrible first draft. You can always edit it later (or completely rewrite it, which is often what happens to me).
Can I Be Funny? Like, Actually Funny?
YES! Please! Be funny! Or, at least *try* to be. Humor defuses tense situations. Humor makes things more memorable. Humor makes life bearable. And if you're not funny, that's okay too! Just be *you*. The best humor comes from honesty, from revealing your own quirks and imperfections. Don't try to be someone you're not. The world needs more authentic voices, even if those voices sometimes sound like a slightly caffeinated, overly enthusiastic mess. Look at me! I'm the prime example! If I can do it, so can you! And if you fail,Book For Rest
