Escape to Paradise: Pura Vida Varkala, India Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Pura Vida Varkala - A Real, Messy, and Wonderful Review! (Plus, a Booking Plea!)
Okay, let’s be real. I just got back from Escape to Paradise: Pura Vida Varkala. And let me tell you, my expectations? Thoroughly trashed. In the best way possible. This isn't some sterile, perfect hotel review. This is real. Buckle up, buttercups, because we're going on a ride.
The name, “Escape to Paradise,” is… ambitious. But honestly? They come pretty damn close. Varkala, India is already a slice of heaven, with those dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. And Pura Vida? Well, it leans into that “pure life” vibe.
Accessibility - Uh, Kinda…
Okay, let's start with the nitty-gritty. Accessibility: This is India, folks, and while they say they have Facilities for disabled guests, I wouldn't bet my bottom dollar on it being perfect. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I noticed some areas where navigating might be tricky. Elevator? Yes, thankfully. Exterior corridor? Yes, which is nice because you can see all the local views and smells. Facilities for disabled guests? They try, but it's not the slickest operation. Take that into account.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges - I was only able to find a few, and my time there was filled with the urge to find a little more exploration, and so, I didn't focus on this area, so I can't provide more information.
Wi-Fi - Bless the Gods of Connectivity!
Look, I need Wi-Fi. I’m a digital nomad. I got to work. So the fact that they have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? A HUGE selling point. And the Internet Access and Internet [LAN] options? Bonus points. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yup. Never a problem, mostly. Sometimes a bit slow, but hey, you're in India, not Silicon Valley. Settle down.
Rooms: More Than Just a Bed… (and More Than My Expectations!)
Alright, the rooms. Available in all rooms: We’re talking Air conditioning, a lifesaver, trust me. Alarm clock. Bathrobes (hello, luxury!). Bathroom phone (I never used it, but it was there!). Bathtub (yesss!). Blackout curtains (essential for sleep-deprived travelers). Closet. Coffee/tea maker (thank you, Universe!). Complimentary tea. Daily housekeeping (bliss!). Desk. Extra long bed (hallelujah for the tall folks!). Free bottled water. Hair dryer. High floor. In-room safe box (always a good idea). Interconnecting room(s) available. Internet access – wireless. Ironing facilities. Laptop workspace (important!). Linens. Mini bar. Mirror. Non-smoking (a must for me). On-demand movies. Private bathroom. Reading light. Refrigerator. Safety/security feature. Satellite/cable channels. Scale (don't judge me!). Seating area. Separate shower/bathtub. Shower. Slippers. Smoke detector. Socket near the bed (genius!). Sofa. Soundproofing (needed it!). Telephone. Toiletries. Towels. Umbrella. Visual alarm. Wake-up service. Wi-Fi [free]. Window that opens. I'm trying to go through everything. It’s… a lot. And it's great. The Room sanitization opt-out available? Cool, gives you that added flexibility.
My actual room? Clean, simple, and with a balcony that overlooked… well, sometimes the ocean, sometimes the jungle. The views are spectacular. The balcony was my personal sanctum. I'd sit out there with my coffee, listening to the jungle wake up. It's the little things, man. The Additional toilet? Never used it, but hey, options!
Cleanliness and Safety - Pretty Damn Good, Actually!
Okay, let's talk COVID. I'm a worrier. I'm not gonna lie. But Pura Vida? They are trying. They have Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Hygiene certification. Individually-wrapped food options (huge plus). Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Professional-grade sanitizing services. Rooms sanitized between stays. Safe dining setup. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Staff trained in safety protocol. And you could opt-out of room sanitation. I opted in. Because anxiety. But I appreciated the option. They're doing their best, and that counts for a lot right now. CCTV all over the place, which is reassuring. Fire extinguisher, Fire alarms, the works.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach Approves!
Okay, food. This is where Pura Vida really shines. And where I really let loose.
First off, the Asian breakfast was a winner. Honestly, I could have lived on their Asian cuisine in restaurant alone. Just… delicious. Breakfast [buffet] was overflowing. They provide a Breakfast takeaway service to allow you to start your day on the run. You got your International cuisine in restaurant, your Western breakfast, your Vegetarian restaurant – basically, something for every stomach. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Essential. Happy hour at the Poolside bar? Don't mind if I do! And the Restaurants are so pretty and relaxing - you'll feel like a god sitting there. I tried the Soup in restaurant. Oh, the soup. Sob. So good. The Desserts in restaurant - you'll want to buy them all. They have Bottle of water ready for you. They have Snack bar just in case the hunger is not stopping. They offer A la carte in restaurant, to change up the game. I was particularly partial to the Salad in restaurant – fresh, vibrant, and a welcome break from the richer dishes. They had Alternative meal arrangement options which is very nice. I'm not gonna lie, I spent a fair amount of time at the Bar. The cocktails were… potent. And the vibe? Relaxed. This is how you spend a life.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Ah, Bliss
Body scrub? YES. Body wrap? YES. Fitness center? Yup. Foot bath? Oh my god, the foot bath. Honestly, that alone was worth the trip. Picture this: warm water, infused with herbs, overlooking… well, the ocean again. Pure bliss. Gym/fitness? They've got the basics. The Massage? You need this. Just book it. Pool with view? Absolutely. The Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool are all on deck. I spent a lot of time just chilling by the Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Terrace? Another great place to chill. The Couple's room? Probably great for couples. The Proposal spot? They literally have a proposal spot (you know, if that's your thing). Getting Around is made easy. Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking. Luggage storage. Oh, you do not need to worry about all of that.
Anecdote Time! (Because You Need to Know)
Okay, so one day, I was at the spa, getting a massage. I’m lying there, feeling all zen, when the masseuse – bless her heart – accidentally knocked over a pot of essential oil. The smell? Incredible. Like, seriously intoxicating. I wanted to bottle it and take it home. But then, the pot smashed. Shattered everywhere. I thought I’d get annoyed, but honestly? It was so wonderfully messy. It perfectly summed up the whole experience. It was imperfect, it was real, and it was beautiful.
Services and Conveniences - They Thought of Everything!
Concierge was super helpful. Cash withdrawal and a Convenience store on site? Lifesavers. Daily housekeeping was on point. Doorman was always there. Dry cleaning and Laundry service? Saved me time. Food delivery? Well, the restaurant delivers directly to your room so you don't have to worry about the food being left at the door. Gift/souvenir shop? Always a temptation. They had Meeting/banquet facilities. On-site event hosting. They were working with the locals. Cashless payment service. They provided Invoice provided. They have Facilities for disabled guests. Laundry service. Luggage storage. Meetings.
Jaisalmer's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Marugarh Camp & Resort!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're hitting the Pura Vida vibe in Varkala, India, and it's gonna be a chaotic, beautiful mess. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram grids; this is the real deal.
Pura Vida Varkala: A Messy Love Story (Itinerary, Kinda)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Holy Cow, I'm Actually Here" Moment
- Morning (Mostly): Landed in Trivandrum. The airport? Let's just say it's a sensory overload of a different kind. The humidity hits you like a warm, sticky hug. And the smells! Curry, jasmine, diesel – a symphony of aromas that either makes you hungry or question all your life choices. The taxi ride to Varkala? An adventure. Horns honking, cows casually strolling across the road, and the driver, bless his heart, seemed to have a navigational system powered by pure intuition.
- Afternoon: Check into the guesthouse, "Sunset Shack," which, despite its name, is actually a bit of a sunrise shack at the moment because I got the room in the back. No AC, but hey, it has a view, and that's what matters, right? Right? (Cue me sweating like a pig for the next 20 minutes, contemplating whether a cockroach is a friend or foe. Spoiler: I’m still undecided.)
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Hit the beach! I practically sprinted and tumbled in the waves. The sand felt like powdered sugar between my toes. The sunset? Majestic. Seriously, I almost cried. Almost. Then, I realized I'm starving and I went to Cliffs Cafe for some food. The food was good, the sunset view, amazing.
- Evening (Later): Dinner at a beach shack. Mango lassi? Heaven. Attempted some yoga on the beach at sunset. Let's just say my downward-facing dog looked more like a collapsed poodle. Felt like I was being watched by a whole flock of cats who are probably judging my form, but the beach vibes were great and I didn't care.
Day 2: Cliff Life & The Curry Coma
- Morning: Walk along the cliff. This is where the Pura Vida really hits you. The views are ridiculous. Ocean crashing, palm trees swaying, yoga studios galore. I went to a place called Yoga Retreat, and it was nice, but i have heard that there is one place called The Ayurveda Yoga Center that is where you can get a unique experience of holistic wellbeing. I decided to visit there the next day.
- Mid-morning I had a small breakfast at a small place called The Coffee Temple. Nice vibes there.
- Lunch: Decided I would get a beach shack, and went to Cafe del Mar. The curry…oh, the curry! I ordered the prawn masala and it was a religious experience. I swear, I almost licked the plate. (Don’t judge me.)
- Afternoon: Attempted to read on the beach. Failed miserably due to the constant temptation of the waves. Spent an hour chasing a particularly sassy crab. Got sand everywhere. Realised I probably looked like I'd been through a war with a sandstorm, but, hey, at least I spent time at the beach.
- Evening: Found a small place for dinner. The owner? Delightful. He told me about his life, his family, and the secret to the perfect fish curry. Felt like I had known him for ages.
- Night: Lay on the shore and tried to look at the stars, but my eyes just kept wandering back to that darn ocean. The feeling of freedom? Unmatched.
Day 3: Ayurveda, Spices, and the Unexpected Rain
- Morning: The The Ayurveda Yoga Center. I had heard so much about this place. I was hesitant, but the overall experience was one of a kind. I felt myself being at peace with myself.
- Late Morning: I wanted to visit Rock and Roll Cafe. That's where I had my lunch. The food, was excellent. It has a good vibe and most importantly, it has AC.
- Afternoon: Wandered around the local markets. The colors, the smells, the sheer stuff – it's an assault on the senses in the best way possible. Got completely lost. Bought way too many spices. Found a genuine smile from a woman who barely spoke English. That moment? Worth the entire trip.
- Late Afternoon: The heavens opened. Monsoon season, baby! Torrential downpour. Ended up huddled under the awning of a tiny shop, sharing chai with a bunch of locals. Laughter, even though we couldn't understand each other. That's Pura Vida, right there.
- Evening: Tried to find a place for dinner. Most places were either closed or packed due to the rain. Ended up eating street food under an umbrella. Spicy, delicious, and slightly questionable in terms of hygiene. YOLO, as the kids say.
Day 4: Doubling Down on the Ocean + the "Almost Didn't Leave" Feeling
- Morning/Early Afternoon: Back to the beach. I can't get enough of it, it's like an addiction. This time, I went bodyboarding. I swear I looked like a floundering whale, but the feeling of the waves? Pure joy. I spent several hours there, the waves were not perfect to surf, but it was still fun.
- Afternoon: Strolled along the cliffside again. Saw a monkey. The monkey stole my banana. Lesson learned: don't bring bananas.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The moment of truth - I have to go. I walk around the beach one last time. I go to my old favorite cafe, Cliffs Cafe, and i order a mango lassi and I watch the sunset, like I did on my first day. Tears almost came to my eyes. I wanted to stay. I don't want to leave this.
Day 5: Departure and The "Now I Need a Real Vacation" Phase
- Morning: Last-minute breakfast. One last mango lassi. One last long stare at the ocean.
- Late Morning: The airport. The sensory overload returns. The humidity is now a part of my body. The journey back home.
- Afternoon Back home. I am tired. Too much travel. I need a vacation, from my vacation.
Quirky Observations & Rambles (AKA, My Brain Dump)
- The cows. They are everywhere. And they do whatever they want. They're basically the landlords of Varkala.
- Indian men have great hair. Seriously, I am jealous.
- The sunsets. They are the best sunsets I've ever seen.
- The street dogs. They're friendly, but they also have opinions.
- I drank way too much chai. Zero regrets.
- The sheer kindness of the people. Even when they're trying to sell you something, there's a genuine warmth behind it.
- My relationship status with the ocean is complicated. We're in love.
- My packing skills? Still a work in progress.
And Finally…
Varkala isn't perfect. It's messy. It's chaotic. It's sometimes frustrating. But it's also… glorious. It's a place where you can be yourself, embrace the chaos, and get completely lost in the moment. It’s a place where the sunsets are magical, the food is divine, and the memories? Priceless. Now I need to sleep for 24 hours.
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Escape to Paradise: Pura Vida Varkala, India Awaits! (...And the Chaos That Comes With It 😉)
1. Okay, spill the beans! Is Varkala *really* paradise?
Alright, alright, let's get real. Varkala… it *can* feel like paradise, yeah. The beach? Stunning. The sunsets? Prepare to weep (happy tears, mostly). The vibe? Chill and relaxed. But let's not sugarcoat it. It's Indian paradise. That means… things happen. Unexpectedly. And sometimes, beautifully, messily, wonderfully messily.
I went there expecting Instagram-perfect bliss, and I got that… interspersed with power outages during my midnight chai craving, a rogue cow blocking my path to the beach, and a near-miss with a tuk-tuk that probably thought I was *actually* walking in the middle of the road (I wasn't, I swear!). It's the imperfections that make it magical, weirdly.
2. Tell me about Pura Vida Varkala specifically. What's the deal?
Pura Vida… right. Okay, let's get personal. I fell in love with the *concept* of Pura Vida way before I actually walked through the gate. It's got a definite "boho chic meets laid-back surfer" vibe, and the pictures? Lush. The truth? Well, it's… more rustic charm than glossy brochure. Some things are a little… well, let’s just say "authentically Indian".
I remember my first day. The view? Incredible. The yoga shala overlooking the cliff? Heavenly. But the wifi kept cutting out when I needed to, well, actually *work*, and the shower situation was a bit… temperamental (read: water pressure resembling a gentle rain, sometimes). They also have a resident… *loud* rooster who seems to think sunrise should be announced at 4:30 AM. Every. Single. Day. But, you know what? I wouldn't trade it. The imperfections are part of the experience.
3. What kind of rooms are there? Are they comfortable? (And are there cockroaches? I'm asking for a friend, *cough*)
Rooms: They vary. I snagged a ‘deluxe’ one (thinking I’d be all fancy). It was clean enough, but the “deluxe” part was… debatable. The bed was comfy though, and the mosquito net was ESSENTIAL. Let me repeat: ESSENTIAL. They have a variety of accommodation types, from budget rooms to more… well, less budget-friendly ones. Check the latest reviews – things change, and honestly, it might depend on your tolerance for "rustic".
Cockroaches? Okay, let's be honest. You're in India. They exist. I saw a couple, but they were more like polite acquaintances who kept their distance. Keep your food sealed. That's the best advice I can give. My friend, let's just say, wasn't as chill about it as I was. He had a full-blown panic attack on night one, which was… entertaining, to say the least.
4. Yoga... tell me EVERYTHING about the yoga!
Okay, yoga. This is where Pura Vida *really* shines. The yoga shala on the cliff is just ridiculously beautiful. Ocean views, gentle breeze… honestly, sometimes I just wanted to sit and meditate on the view itself. The instructors? Mostly amazing. They're all different, but I loved the varied styles. I think I tried Hatha, Vinyasa, and even a little Yin. It was… transformative.
I’m not the most flexible person. I resembled a rusty tin man in most poses. But the instructors were patient, encouraging, and didn't make me feel judged when I wobbled and fell (which happened, a lot). The morning classes were the best! The sun rising over the Arabian Sea while I was sweating, stretching, and silently questioning my life choices… pure bliss. Just… pure, sweaty bliss. Afterwards, a fresh coconut water in the little cafe was the perfect ending to a great start!
5. Food! Is the food good? What should I eat? (Because, carbs.)
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? It's… Indian food. Which, if you like Indian food (and if you *don't*, you're missing out), is a total win. The Pura Vida restaurant had a good variety: fresh seafood, tasty veggie options, and decent Western-style breakfasts. They also had a little juice bar, which was a lifesaver after those intense yoga sessions (and, let's be honest, the occasional overindulgence).
My advice? Embrace the curries. The Kerala-style fish curry was otherworldly. Also, try the dosas (thin, crispy pancakes), the idlis (steamed rice cakes), and anything with coconut. And DON'T be afraid of street food! Find a vendor that looks busy, and order something. Trust me on this one. Just maybe bring some Imodium… just in case. It’s all worth it though. Every. Single. Bite.
6. What's the beach scene like? Is it a party place?
Varkala Beach… oh, Varkala Beach. It's stunning. Think long stretches of golden sand, the dramatic red cliffs rising up behind, and the waves crashing in. It is *not* a party beach, thankfully. Well, not a hardcore party zone, anyway. There are beach shacks with music playing, and you can find a beer and a dance if you want. But it's more about chilling out, watching the sunset, and soaking up the atmosphere.
The main beach area is pretty busy and can get a little… well, a little *touristy*. However, there are quieter coves and hidden gems if you're willing to explore. Stroll along the cliff walk, find a cozy cafe, and just… breathe. It's all about the vibe, and the vibe is generally: mellow. Unless the monkeys are raiding the bins, in which case… hold onto your belongings!
7. Beyond Pura Vida and the beach, what else is there to DO?
Okay, okay, so you can't JUST sit on the beach, *right*? Though… honestly, I could have. Anyway, beyond Pura Vida and the beach, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Varkala (and surrounding areas). You can get Ayurvedic massages (a MUST!), visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple (respectful clothing is required), explore the backwaters, and go for a hike. Or, you know, just wander around the local markets, people-watch, and soak it all in.
I took a day trip to a spice plantation, which was fascinating. The pungent smells of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves were intoxicating!Trip Hotel Hub
