DUNE ECO VILLAGE AND SPA, PUDUCHERRY
Offering sixty two uniquely designed bungalows and rooms and fusing traditional and modern architecture, The Dune Eco Village & Chopra Healing Center is an eco-friendly beach resort in Puducherry sprawling across 35 acres of rich gardens and untouched nature, located just by the beach. The Eco Village has been designed in such a way that it emphasizes on wellbeing, organic living, nature, purity of the mind, body, and soul. Hence, it is ideal for those seeking a paradise away from the fast-paced world. The center offers Ayurvedic treatments and cure, yoga and meditation, as well as many western massages and hot water therapies like Watsu (Water Shiatsu) and Woga (Water Yoga). Their restaurants serve healthy gourmet delicious food, prepared using their own organically farmed vegetables. What’s more, the menu combines Indian and western food and the restaurants work closely with an Ayurvedic doctor to prepare personalized meals that meet the dietary requirements of each of the guests. Also, what’s really cool about this place is that they offer an Artist-in-Residence Program which provides working spaces and studios for artists from all around the world.
Rs 7,347 onwards.
BUNGALOW ON THE BEACH, TRANQUEBAR
The Bungalow On the Beach in Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) is a unique honeymoon destination in India, revitalized by the Neemrana group. An early 14th century Pandya temple on the left and a 17th-century Danish fort to the right make it one of the most distinctive hotels you’ll ever stay in. Its carefully chosen vintage paintings and artifacts and the fact that it is perched tantalizingly close to the beach make it a perfect weekend stopover. You can stay in the Prince Christian room, which gives you views of the pool, sea and the early 14th-century Masilamani Nathar temple, or try the Queen Anna Sophia room, which has splendid views of the Dansborg Fort. If chilling on the beach is not your scene, you can go on a boat ride.
Rs 7000 onwards.
BAREFOOT AT HAVELOCK, ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS
Think white sandy beaches, crystal azure waters and lush curtains of rainforest green – that’s Barefoot for you. The resort is inspired by everything the Andamans have to offer and does a damn good job at it. The property is an ecologically sensitive and activity oriented nature retreat which has been designed to ensure that the natural beauty and rhythm of the land is preserved. You can choose to go diving or snorkeling and if that’s not to your liking, you can choose to take a brisk walk around the rainforest resort and witness a beautiful world full of exotic birds and animals. The Andamans is an international hub for water sport enthusiasts and you can train with seasoned professionals and learn to ride the waves. We aren’t exaggerating when we say that a holiday at Barefoot is an experience of a lifetime. Seeking a distraction from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life? You know where to go.
Pricing: Rs 17,920 onwards
A BEACH SYMPHONY, ALLEPPEY
If you want to switch off and tune into the sounds of the waves, but also want easy access to the usual modern comforts, including free Wi-Fi, A Beach Symphony is where you should head. The rooms and cottages are tastefully decorated with a simple, uncluttered aesthetic and the surrounding gardens are filled with heliconia, frangipani trees, hibiscus, and oleander. It’s also the perfect getaway for birders and ornithologists who may spot a Brahminy Kite, amongst other native birds. The resort has specially curated tours that are designed to offer glimpses of the unique colors, sounds, and flavors of Kerala. You can take the village tour in a rickshaw, or catch the fish auction on the beach the minute the fishing boats arrive. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a mountain bike and explore the nearby attractions, like St. Andrew’s Basilica in Arthunkal, or the Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi. Of course, you can always just toast the end of another perfect day with a beachside drink, while enjoying the brilliant colors of the sunset or take a tour of the atmospheric, narrow canals of the backwaters.
Rs 9,900 onwards
NAKSHATRA BEACH RESORT, GANPATIPULE
Ganpatipule is a small town located in the Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. It hosts a series of beaches and vantage points offering some stunning views of the sea. The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, on the Ganapatipule beach itself, is the primary attraction in Ganapatipule that draws thousands of pilgrims every year to this village. This is where Nakshatra Beach Resort is located. While the multi-cuisine restaurant in the resort offers the best that Konkani cuisine has to offer, the Emerald Standard, Emerald Deluxe and Solitaire Super Deluxe rooms offer amazing views of the sea. The best part, though? Pets are allowed! You can visit the 400-year-old Ganapati Swayambhu Temple, the Thibaw Palace which was the home of the exiled king and queen of erstwhile Burma for nearly five years or just take a walk on the Ganapatipule Beach. You can also check out the Jaigarh fort and the Bhatye beach while you’re at it.
www.nakshatrabeachresort.com
Rs 4000 onwards.
