Xandari Pearl Beach Resort

Pros: * the food is very good. * the staff are very attentive and there is high levels of service all round. * the rooms are spacious and comfortable. * it’s a very peaceful setting. * the pool area is pleasant. * my wife and daughter were very impressed with the spa treatments. Cons: * the bathrooms for the villas all seem to be external, which in itself isn’t a problem but there are issues with condensation forming on the outside of the windows and in particular on the ceiling of the bathroom. We regularly had discoloured drops of condensation falling on our backs and shoulders while trying to clean our teeth. This also happened in our children’s room though to a lesser extent. The hotel must be clearly aware of this given that the bathroom ceiling in our room (number16) has obviously been replaced and that the shower curtains that would’ve increased your privacy have all been removed. Frustratingly, when we highlighted this situation to reception they implied that it was our fault for leaving the door to the bathroom open and therefore letting out the cold air from the bedroom. This theory just does not stand up to scrutiny. * intermittent power cuts. * the beach is featureless and there is a steep drop off into the sea. The section in line with the hotel is clean, but you don’t have to travel too far to see masses of litter. The hotel hasn’t made much effort to utilise their stretch of beach and you probably won’t get much use out of it yourself. * they were a number of items on the menu that were never available. In particular they listed three or four different Indian beers of which only one was ever in stock. Conclusion: We we booked this hotel as somewhere quiet to relax after touring around Kerala and it delivered in that respect. However, if you’re looking for entertainment, you may be better off elsewhere. The service and food were excellent , hence 4 stars, but I can’t help but think that they were hindered by the management/owner not sufficiently investing in maintenance and stock.

After two weeks touring in beautiful Kerala, we arrived at Xandari Pearl for three days relaxation before our flight home. We were welcomed and looked after by Manju (customer liaison) throughout our stay. The whole team of staff were so friendly, helpful and always smiling - the gardening team who were constantly sweeping up leaves, housekeeping who returned my laundry smelling beautiful within a couple of hours, the spa staff and the restaurant team, in particular Vishanth who spoke brilliant English and had an amazing sense of humour and fun. The pool area had extremely comfortable loungers and the pool was small but adequate. The spa treatments were reasonably priced and so relaxing. I would recommend the Njavara facial. The private beach with very attentive lifeguard is beautiful. Worth going at sunset and also try the kite-flying - great fun. The sea is a bit rough - best to go in the morning. Towels are provided for the pool and beach. There is an extensive and interesting fruit and vegetable garden providing home grown produce for the restaurant and also a butterfly and orchid garden. There are trees, plants and flowers everywhere throughout this peaceful resort. Our room was huge with everything we needed including a garden with hammock and lounger and outdoor shower. And last but certainly not least, the food was absolutely delicious. Just beware - a portion is for two! I recommend this resort wholeheartedly for a relaxing experience in a calm, friendly environment.

The villa was of a high international / minimalist standard with a huge comfortable bed, a well designed and stylish outdoor bathroom with decent flow shower, and a walled very private garden with hammock, sun lounger, chairs and table. Like the rest the resort, villa gardens and even the bathroom are perfectly coifed with lush grass and tropical flowers. Every day a band of gardeners rake up every stray leaf, and there is lots of new planting as well as what already exists on this former coconut plantation. The butterfly garden is gorgeous as is the incipient orchid garden. These guys are true to their eco ethos with their own kitchen garden, no plastics in the toiletry offering and the delicious daily fresh juices, snacks and water are delivered in reusable sterilised glass bottles. Even for the late afternoon kite flying on the beach - these have been lovingly made of newspaper and cotton reels… So, excellent creature comforts - including the best ever facial by Shiseida - but the staff are also incredibly charming, helpful and numerous. A special mention to Shimlaj in the restaurant who helped us choose our supper choices each evening and was chatty and informative. The only downside is the lack of any other restaurants in the area though there are some charming bars just ***** the beach serving drinks and lunch. The beach is incredible: almost deserted in one direction with only early morning fishermen sorting their catch and a small cluster of beach cafes in the other. People are so friendly in Kerala but there is a joyful lack of beach hawkers so you can walk for miles without anyone disturbing you other than to smile and perhaps ask where you are from. Would definitely recommend Xandari Pearl and return again myself.