Melo Villareal
Since much of my work involves travel blogging, I love staying in different hotels not just to review them but also to experience anything that is unique to that place. Prior to arriving in Kerala, I already did my research about Turtle on the Beach Hotel in Kovalam (hotel info), Kerala–our home for two nights. From what I read, people call it the best of the best. It’s one of those hotels in Kerala that is visited by tourists from all over the world.
Turtle on the Beach in Kovalam Kerala India
Last October 2014, I was lucky enough to win a free trip to Kerala, in line with the Kerala Tourism Department’s Come to Kerala and Visa on Arrival campaign. Surprisingly, with the courtesy of the department and the hotel itself, I, along with the other lucky participants, were designated to stay on the famous Turtle on the Beach Hotel in Kovalam (check rates). The hotel served as our official residence for 2 nights, and, I had to say I was really overwhelmed with what the 5-star hotel had to offer us.
Inside my Bathroom
For one, the hotel staff was really friendly and empathic—they immediately knew what their guests needed, like how they immediately served us Come to Kerala participants a hearty breakfast when we arrived in the hotel. The hotel’s restaurant served really good authentic Kerala food, which definitely changed my impression of India as a whole. Aside from that, the hotel’s services were available 24/7, so my stay was really convenient and relaxing.
Arabian Sea View Room with Balcony
We participants of Come to Kerala were given individual rooms, and mine was located a few steps away from the infinity pool and the restaurant (the restaurant was also open 24/7). I was more than happy with my room.
Infinity Pool at Turtle on the Beach Hotel
It was luxurious—my bed was huge, my bathroom was spacious and complete with toiletries, and the lighting in the entire room was also perfect to my liking. My room also faced the sea, so I had this amazing view all to myself, and got to breathe in a lot of Kerala’s freshest air!
Sunset at the Poolside
Our activities the following morning were also done with no hassle—the hotel was roomy, and we participants got to meet and discuss effortlessly.
My Bed for two nights
The hotel’s location was also very strategic, if I were to say. It’s just a short walk from the famous Kovalam beach, so staying in it was just like staying in two Kerala tourist attractions all at the same time.
Poolside area
Although I got to stay in Turtle on the Beach in Kovalam for only 2 nights, my stay in it gave me an experience I would never forget (my favorite part of my stay was my spacious room, of course.). After my trip to Kerala, I found out that Turtle on the Beach (hotel photos) had actually been rewarded a certificate of excellence for 3 consecutive years, and, it was also considered the best 5-star hotel by Kerala State Tourism—and that’s not too surprising anymore.
View of Kovalam Beach from the Roofdeck
I’m really happy that I got to stay in Turtle on the Beach Resort. It made my stay in Trivandum Kerala unforgettable. Trust me, the hotel is better than what we read on the internet, and, if I could, I would give it a score of 11/10!
Turtle on the Beach Hotel Kovalam (check rates)
Address: VPI/439, ITDC Road, Kovalam,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695527, India
Phone:+91 471 251 4000
