Estuary Island Hotel

1 reader found this review helpful

Having read some of the reviews we were a little reticent about our 5 night stay at Estuary Island Hotel but we shouldn't have worried.
The arrival was breathtaking as the little complementary ferryboat carries you through the backwaters to a perfect beachside idyll. Our private kingsize room in the gardens of this beautiful, tranquil resort was spotlessly clean and comfortable although not plush but who needs plush when the sun is shining and the sea, river and lagoon meet right outside your door? The staff were friendly, helpful and professional in the extreme. The ayurvedic massage was extremely relaxing. Breakfast was a lazy, buffet affair with plenty on offer - continental, American and Indian dishes to choose from as well as eggs cooked to order, cereals and fresh fruit. In the evening the two restaurants provided a good selection of extremely fresh seafood and many other dishes besides - the local Keralan dishes being the best of course. The bar didn't stay open particularly late but then that's not unusual in India we have found and, in actual fact, there wasn't that much demand for it*.
Being only an hour's drive away from Trivandrum the transfer from the airport is not arduous and you are handily located for a day trip where you can do everything the town has to offer. Another beautiful but busier beach is only 30 minutes drive away in Kovalam.
*Due to the Mumbai incident (Nov 2008) and the recession in the UK (70% of holiday-makers in Kerala are Brits apparently) the entire resort of Poovar was incredably quiet in Jan 2009.

1 reader found this review helpful

My Mother and I spent 8 nights here and had a really relaxing time. It is an ideally placed hotel to visit all other areas of Kerela. The boat trip to and from the hotel added to the ambiance of the place.
The staff were really really helpful and attentive, some of their english was a little basic , but how many English people can speak another language!
The rooms were spacious, clean and pleasant. The gardens lush and there was a well tended array of diverse plants. The continuous bird song also added to the atmosphere.
The choice of food at breakfast was good and the evening buffetts, well, we went back for thirds ! as the food was so delicious. The price was very reasonable I would have no hesistation in going back there again.