A stay at Malabar Escapes Purity at Lake Vembanad is more than a simple holiday; it is an immersion into the tranquil soul of Kerala’s backwaters. This review isn’t just about listing amenities; it’s about capturing the essence of a place that redefines serenity and offers a genuine escape from the clamour of modern life. From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in a world where time seems to slow, guided by the gentle lapping of water and the rustle of coconut palms. This destination perfectly marries rustic Keralan charm with understated luxury, creating a sanctuary for those seeking Ayurvedic wellness and profound relaxation. It stands as a testament to sustainable tourism, offering a serene retreat that is deeply connected to its environment on the shores of the magnificent Vembanad Lake. Each aspect, from the architecture of its luxury villa accommodation to the locally sourced cuisine, is thoughtfully curated to provide an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Contents
- What Do Guests Really Think About Their Stay?
- An Unforgettable Arrival: Your First Glimpse of Paradise
- Where Do You Stay at Malabar Escapes Purity?
- What Is The Culinary Experience Like?
- The Heart of Wellness: The Purespa and Ayurvedic Treatments
- Exploring the Backwaters: The Malabar Escapes Purity at Lake Vembanad Houseboat Experience
- What Activities Can You Enjoy Beyond the Spa?
- Is This Keralan Retreat Right For You?
- How Do You Get to Purity at Lake Vembanad?
What Do Guests Really Think About Their Stay?
Feedback from visitors consistently paints a picture of a tranquil haven that exceeds expectations. Many reviews, shared across various travel platforms and with us at rollocks, highlight the exceptional service, often describing the staff as attentive, warm, and genuinely caring, which elevates the stay from great to extraordinary. Guests frequently mention the overwhelming sense of peace that descends upon them almost immediately upon arrival. The location, right on the banks of the vast and shimmering Lake Vembanad, is a recurring theme of praise, with many describing the sunsets as a truly magical and unmissable daily event. The culinary journey is another aspect that receives high acclaim, with travellers celebrating the authentic, flavourful Keralan dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. While the seclusion is a major draw for most, a few have noted that this same remoteness means you are quite removed from bustling towns, which is either a significant advantage or a minor drawback depending on your holiday preferences.
An Unforgettable Arrival: Your First Glimpse of Paradise
Your journey to Purity begins long before you step onto the property. As your car navigates the winding, verdant lanes of rural Kerala, the landscape itself starts to work its magic. The air grows fresher, scented with spice and damp earth, and the sounds of traffic are replaced by the calls of exotic birds. Upon arrival, you are not greeted by a grand, impersonal lobby but by a warm, traditional welcome that makes you feel like an honoured guest in a beautiful home. The architecture immediately captivates, with its heritage-style buildings, sloping tiled roofs, and intricate woodwork that speaks to the region’s rich history. The property is thoughtfully laid out, with lush gardens and meandering pathways that lead you towards the main event: the breathtaking, uninterrupted view of Lake Vembanad. This first impression is powerful, setting a tone of calm and promising a stay that is deeply connected to the natural beauty of the backwaters.
Where Do You Stay at Malabar Escapes Purity?
The accommodation at Purity is designed to be a private sanctuary, a space where you can unwind and feel completely at home while being surrounded by elegance and nature. The resort doesn’t offer a vast number of rooms, which is a deliberate choice to maintain an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Each living space is a blend of traditional Keralan aesthetics and contemporary comfort, ensuring your stay is both culturally immersive and exceptionally comfortable. The focus is on natural materials, open spaces, and, most importantly, the stunning views that make this location so special.
The Allure of the Vembanad Lake View Villas
The Vembanad Lake View Villas are arguably the most sought-after accommodations on the property. These spacious, independent villas are positioned to offer the most spectacular, panoramic views of the lake. Waking up in the morning, drawing the curtains, and seeing the vast expanse of water shimmering in the early light is an experience in itself. Each villa features a private veranda or garden, a perfect spot for your morning tea or for simply losing yourself in a book as the houseboats drift by. Inside, the decor is tasteful and understated, with classic wooden furniture, cool terracotta floors, and high ceilings that create a sense of airy spaciousness. The bathrooms are modern and luxurious, often featuring open-air elements that allow you to feel connected to the outdoors without sacrificing privacy.
The Purity Suites: A Blend of Tradition and Comfort
Located within the main heritage building, the Purity Suites offer a different but equally enchanting experience. These suites are rich in character, showcasing the architectural beauty of old Keralan homes. They are generously sized and feature beautiful antique furniture, local art, and textiles that add a layer of authenticity to your stay. While they may not have the direct, front-row lake views of the villas, they offer lovely vistas of the lush, tropical gardens and partial glimpses of the water. These suites are perfect for those who appreciate history and architecture, providing a cosy and elegant base from which to explore the resort and its surroundings. The comfort level is uncompromised, with plush bedding, modern amenities, and a quiet ambiance that guarantees a restful night’s sleep.
What Is The Culinary Experience Like?
Dining at Malabar Escapes Purity is a celebration of Keralan cuisine, a journey through the region’s rich tapestry of spices and flavours. The resort’s restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s an integral part of the experience, deeply rooted in the philosophy of using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. The open-air restaurant offers a charming setting, allowing you to dine while enjoying the gentle breeze from the lake and the ambient sounds of nature. The focus is on authenticity, health, and flavour, creating meals that are both delicious and nourishing.
Authentic Keralan Flavours at the Restaurant
The menu is a masterful showcase of local specialties, with a particular emphasis on seafood fresh from the lake and the nearby Arabian Sea. You can expect to find classic dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated in spices and baked in a banana leaf) and rich, fragrant prawn curries made with freshly ground coconut. The chefs are adept at balancing the complex spice profiles for which Keralan food is famous, using everything from black pepper and cardamom to turmeric and cloves with a delicate touch. They also cater wonderfully to various dietary needs, offering a fantastic selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that are just as flavourful and inventive. Every meal feels like a home-cooked feast, prepared with care and a deep respect for culinary traditions.
Can You Take a Cooking Class?
Yes, and it is an experience not to be missed for any food enthusiast. Purity offers interactive cooking demonstrations that allow guests to delve deeper into the secrets of Keralan cuisine. These sessions are conducted by the resort’s talented chefs, who patiently guide you through the process of creating a few signature dishes. You get to learn about the different spices, their properties, and the techniques used to blend them perfectly. It’s a hands-on, fun, and engaging activity that gives you more than just a meal; it gives you a skill and a deeper appreciation for the food you’ve been enjoying throughout your stay. Going home with the ability to recreate a piece of your Keralan holiday is a wonderful souvenir.
The Heart of Wellness: The Purespa and Ayurvedic Treatments
The soul of the wellness experience at Purity lies within its serene Purespa. This is not a modern, clinical spa but a tranquil space dedicated to the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda. The approach here is holistic, aiming to balance the body, mind, and spirit. Upon consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor, a personalised treatment plan is crafted to address your specific needs, whether you are seeking relaxation, detoxification, or relief from specific ailments. The therapists are highly skilled and trained in traditional techniques, using herbal oils and preparations to perform treatments that are both therapeutic and profoundly relaxing.
Dr. Anjali Varma, a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner, often says: “True Ayurveda is not a simple massage; it is a dialogue with the body. At a place like Purity, the serene environment of the backwaters becomes part of the healing process, amplifying the benefits of the treatments and allowing for deeper rejuvenation.”
The spa’s ambiance is designed to promote calm, with quiet treatment rooms that look out onto the lush gardens or the lake. The signature treatments, such as Abhyanga (a synchronized full-body massage by two therapists) or Shirodhara (a continuous stream of warm oil on the forehead), are transformative experiences that can melt away stress and restore a sense of well-being. A stay at Purity would be incomplete without indulging in this authentic and restorative wellness journey.
Exploring the Backwaters: The Malabar Escapes Purity at Lake Vembanad Houseboat Experience
A trip to Kerala is synonymous with a cruise on its famous backwaters, and Purity offers an exceptional way to experience this. Their private houseboat, a modern interpretation of the traditional Kettuvallam, provides a luxurious and intimate way to explore the vast expanse of Lake Vembanad and its intricate network of canals. Drifting along the water, you witness a slice of local life unfold: children playing by the water’s edge, fishermen casting their nets, and vibrant birdlife all around. It’s a slow, meditative journey that allows you to truly absorb the beauty of your surroundings.
The houseboat is beautifully appointed, featuring comfortable lounging areas and an attentive crew, including a personal chef who prepares a delectable Keralan lunch on board. This experience offers a unique perspective of the resort and the lake, providing countless photo opportunities and lasting memories.
Feature | Day Cruise | Overnight Stay |
---|---|---|
Duration | Approx. 4-5 hours | Approx. 21 hours (Check-in noon, check-out 9 am) |
Meals Included | Welcome drink, traditional Keralan lunch, afternoon tea & snacks. | All meals: Lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and breakfast. |
Experience | A fantastic snapshot of backwater life and scenery. | A fully immersive journey, including a tranquil evening and morning on the lake. |
Best For | Guests on a tighter schedule or those who prefer to sleep at the resort. | Those seeking the ultimate romantic and comprehensive backwater experience. |
What Activities Can You Enjoy Beyond the Spa?
While relaxation and wellness are central to the Purity experience, there is a wealth of gentle activities to engage in that connect you with the culture and nature of the area. The resort encourages guests to explore at their own pace, offering experiences that are both enriching and enjoyable, ensuring there is always something to do if you desire a break from blissful inactivity.
The Serenity of the Infinity Pool
The resort’s infinity pool is a stunning centerpiece, appearing to merge seamlessly with the waters of Lake Vembanad. It’s the perfect place to cool off, swim a few laps, or simply relax on a sun lounger with a refreshing drink in hand. The view from the pool is absolutely mesmerizing, especially during sunset when the sky and water are painted in brilliant hues of orange and pink. It’s a social yet peaceful hub of the resort where you can unwind completely while soaking in the incredible scenery.
Engaging with Local Life: Village Walks and Bird Sanctuaries
Purity offers guided walks through the nearby villages, providing a fascinating glimpse into the local way of life. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you can observe the daily routines of the community, see local artisans at work, and learn about the region’s unique culture. For nature lovers, a visit to the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must. This sanctuary is a haven for a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.
Rohan Das, a local naturalist and guide, explains: “The ecosystem around Lake Vembanad is incredibly rich. On an early morning canoe trip, you can spot everything from kingfishers and herons to the more elusive cormorants and egrets. The silence, broken only by birdsong, is something truly special. It reminds you of the delicate balance of nature we must protect.”
The resort can also arrange canoe trips through the smaller, narrower canals that are inaccessible to larger houseboats, offering a more intimate and quiet exploration of the backwater ecosystem.
Is This Keralan Retreat Right For You?
Malabar Escapes Purity is not for everyone, and that is its strength. It is an ideal destination for travellers who are seeking peace, authenticity, and a deep connection with nature. It is perfect for couples on a romantic getaway, solo travellers looking for a restorative solo journey, or anyone needing to de-stress and disconnect from a hectic lifestyle. If your idea of a perfect holiday involves tranquil moments, cultural immersion, wellness, and exceptional, unobtrusive service, then Purity will feel like a paradise found. However, if you are looking for a bustling resort with a high-energy nightlife, extensive entertainment options, and proximity to major tourist attractions, this might not be the best fit. Purity’s magic lies in its quietude and its celebration of the simple, beautiful rhythms of backwater life.
How Do You Get to Purity at Lake Vembanad?
The resort is located on the shores of Lake Vembanad, near the town of Muhamma in the Alappuzha (Alleppey) district. The most convenient way to reach it is by flying into Cochin International Airport (COK), which is well-connected to major cities in India and several international destinations. From the airport, Purity is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. The resort can arrange for a private car transfer, which is a comfortable and hassle-free option. The scenic drive takes you from the bustling city outskirts into the serene, green countryside of Kerala, setting the stage for the tranquility that awaits. Alternatively, for those travelling by train, the nearest major railway stations are in Alappuzha and Kottayam, from where you can take a taxi for the final leg of the journey.
This review from rollocks aims to give you a true sense of what it feels like to stay at this remarkable property. It is more than just a place to sleep; it is a holistic experience that nourishes the soul. The thoughtful blend of nature, culture, and wellness makes a visit to Malabar Escapes Purity at Lake Vembanad an unforgettable chapter in any traveller’s story, leaving you with a profound sense of peace and a longing to return to its tranquil shores.
Comments
Name: Eleanor Vance
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: My husband and I stayed for our anniversary in November 2023, and it was pure bliss. The sunset cruise on the lake was the most romantic experience. The staff went above and beyond, even arranging a special floral decoration in our villa. The food was divine, the best Keralan cuisine we’ve ever had. We will be back.
Name: Benjamin Carter
Rating: ★★★★☆
Comment: A truly beautiful and peaceful place. The Ayurvedic massage was world-class and deeply relaxing. The infinity pool overlooking the lake is stunning. My only small critique is that the Wi-Fi in our villa was a bit spotty, but perhaps that’s the point – to disconnect! Overall, a fantastic retreat.
Name: Priya Sharma
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: I travelled solo for a 5-day wellness retreat in March 2024. It was exactly what I needed. The staff made me feel so safe and welcome. The daily yoga sessions by the lake were magical. The Ayurvedic doctor was very knowledgeable and the treatments were incredibly effective. A life-changing trip.
Name: Marcus and Isabelle Dubois
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: We are from France and were looking for an authentic Keralan experience without sacrificing comfort. Purity was perfect. We loved the cooking class with Chef Thomas and the village walk. Waking up to the view of the lake from our villa every morning was a dream. Service was impeccable.
Name: Samuel Jones
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: As a keen birdwatcher, this location was a paradise. I took a canoe trip at dawn and the guide was brilliant, pointing out dozens of species. The resort itself is an oasis of calm. The architecture is beautiful and the grounds are immaculately kept. Highly recommended for nature lovers.
Name: Chloe Tan
Rating: ★★★★☆
Comment: We stayed for 3 nights in January 2024. The property is gorgeous and the staff are incredibly friendly. The houseboat day trip was a highlight. The food was excellent, though the menu didn’t change much during our short stay. A wonderful, relaxing end to our India trip.
Name: David O’Connell
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: A 10/10 experience. We booked a Lake View Villa and it was worth every penny. The privacy, the view, the sheer tranquility… it’s unmatched. We spent hours just sitting on our veranda watching the world go by. Don’t miss the sunset, it’s a spectacle every single evening.
Name: Sofia Rossi
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: My stay in February 2024 was simply perfect. I came to Purity to de-stress and it worked wonders. The atmosphere is so calming. I particularly enjoyed the Purespa – the Shirodhara treatment was an out-of-body experience. The staff are the heart of this place, so warm and attentive.
Name: Henry Williams
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: I’ve stayed at many luxury resorts, but Purity has a special charm. It feels authentic and soulful, not corporate. The attention to detail is remarkable. The fresh seafood at the restaurant was a highlight. A truly memorable stay from August 2023.
Name: Aisha Khan
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: We spent the first part of our honeymoon here last month, in April 2024. It was the perfect start. So quiet, so beautiful. The team made it so special for us. We loved just lounging by the pool and taking in the incredible views. We left feeling completely refreshed and reconnected.