Escape to Paradise: Moon Waves Beach Resort, Varkala, India
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my brain after a stay at Escape to Paradise: Moon Waves Beach Resort in Varkala, India. Forget polished travel brochures; this is the real, sunburnt, slightly-salty truth. This review is for the adventurous soul, the weary traveler, the person who wants a vacation, not a photoshoot.
First Impressions: Did I actually Escape to Paradise or Just a Slightly Nicer Sandpit?
Okay, the name? Moon Waves? Lyrical, right? Does it live up to it? Well… that depends on what you consider paradise. My initial impression was… it's nice. Clean, breezy, the obligatory palm trees swaying like they’re trying to catch a secret. Honestly, the accessibility was great, at least to get to the reception, which is always a worry for me. But this whole "escape" thing? I wasn’t convinced, at first. I’d seen the pictures, the promise of moonlit walks on the beach (spoiler alert: you can do that!). The truth is, I'd just arrived, feeling like a damp, crumpled sock from a 20-hour journey, and needing a stiff drink and a nap.
Accessibility: Navigating the Indian Ocean of Bureaucracy (and Actually Getting Around)
This is huge for me! Listen, I'm not a mobility-impaired person, but I’m a big person who appreciates a smooth experience. So, what about Escape to Paradise? Good news, and some minor… hiccups.
- Wheelchair Accessible?: They say facilities and accessibility are available, and from what I can tell, the main areas, like the reception, restaurant (with some maneuvering), and the pool, seemed at least partially accessible. But India has a way of surprising you. Always double-check directly with the resort about specific room accessibility - my room felt accessible.
- Elevator: Yes, an elevator! Thank you, sweet baby Jesus. This saved my weary legs so many times.
- Getting Around: The pathways seemed mostly flat, but there might be some uneven steps.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Check with the hotel and make sure it’s suitable for your specific needs.
Rooms: My Own Tropical Cave (and the Great Wi-Fi Debate)
Okay, the rooms. They’ve got everything, which is an amazing standard. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Glorious, for those jet-lagged mornings. A safe to hide my passport in? Double check.
- Wi-Fi: The big one, right? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and it actually worked. Shockingly, the connection was decent.
- Room Extras: They included a coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra-long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa.
- The Bathroom: Clean, functional, with actual hot water – a luxury after some of the places I've stayed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Get Sick or Just Sunburnt?
This is a biggie, especially post-pandemic.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes.
- Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Yes
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
I felt safe. Varkala is generally a chill place, but the 24-hour security was reassuring. My only "illness" was from eating too much delicious food, and a healthy dose of sunburn.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Digestive System's Workout
Okay, let’s talk about the real reason we travel: food.
- The Restaurant: Offers: A la carte, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet, Coffee/tea, Coffee shop, Desserts, Happy hour, International cuisine, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad, Snack bar, Soup, Vegetarian, Western breakfast, Western cuisine.
- My Experience: The Asian breakfast was a masterpiece, a symphony of spices and flavors that woke up my taste buds. The Western options were… well, they were Western. The coffee shop became my morning ritual. The pool bar? Perfection.
- Vegetarian Options: Plenty. Indian cuisine thrives on vegetarian dishes, and they were all delicious.
- The "Happy Hour" Scene: Ah, the pool bar. I sunk into a lounge chair with a cocktail and just let the sun bake the stress out of me. I think a couple of times the "happy hour" stretched on a bit longer than the advertised time. Who's complaining?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Beach, or, How to Chill Like a Pro
This is where Escape to Paradise kind of lived up to its hype. They definitely offer ways to relax.
- The Beach: Obviously. Varkala Cliff is a short walk away, with stunning views and access to the beach.
- The Pool: Amazing pool with a view, a perfect place to cool off and soak up the sun.
- Spa/Sauna: Oh yes! Spa/sauna, steamroom, Massage: I got a massage that just melted all the travel stiffness away.
- Fitness Center: Okay, this wasn’t a state-of-the-art gym, but sufficient for a quick workout.
- Things to do: They offer bike riding, yoga, walking, and more, but ultimately, I spent the majority of my time on the beach, reading, and just being.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make Life Easier (or Harder)
- Cash withdrawal: Easy to access on site.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: They do a great job of keeping everything spotless.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
- Food delivery: Yes.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: No issue.
- Airport transfer: They can arrange it (which is a lifesaver after a long flight).
- Taxi service: Easily available.
The Quirks and Imperfections: Because Nobody's Perfect (Except Maybe That Coconut I Ate)
- The "Moon Waves" Effect: Honestly, I didn't see any actual waves at night. Just the sound. But I'm okay with that.
- The Occasional Stray Cat: India is a land of free-roaming creatures, and a few furry friends might make an appearance, hoping for a snack. Just embrace it.
- The Noise: India is alive. Expect some noise – the calls of vendors, the sounds of life.
- The Food: I ate way too much. My fault, not theirs.
My Verdict:
Escape to Paradise: Moon Waves Beach Resort? It was a good experience. It's a solid choice for a relaxing beach vacation, especially if you want a little pampering, decent food, and a comfortable place to call home base. It's a very well-managed hotel.
Would I go back? Yes.
The "Escape to Paradise" Offer - Because You Deserve It!
Stop dreaming, start living! Escape to Paradise: Moon Waves Beach Resort in Varkala awaits! Book your stay now and experience the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
- Book a minimum of 3 consecutive nights and GET a complimentary couple's massage at the spa!
- Get Free airport transfers
- Enjoy a complimentary bottle of our finest wine upon your arrival.
Why Escape to Paradise?
- Bask in the sun: Beautiful beach awaits.
- Indulge your tastebuds: Amazing dining options, with a special emphasis on vegetarian cuisine.
- Unwind completely: The spa is a treasure trove of relaxation.
- Get the Best deals
This offer is available for a limited time only. Book now and start your unforgettable journey!
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Moon Waves & My Messy, Glorious Meltdown (in Varkala) - A "Itinerary" (Sort Of)
Okay, so "itinerary." Ha. Let's call this a suggestion of how things might go at Moon Waves Beach Resort in Varkala. Or, you know, a record of how I spiraled delightfully into a sun-kissed, coconut-oil-drenched chaos. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't going to be neat.
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread & Curry
- Morning (aka "The Arrival Disaster"): Landed in Trivandrum. The pre-booked taxi? MIA. Cue internal screaming. Turns out, the driver was “stuck in traffic, madam.” Classic. After 45 minutes of sweating and internally debating the merits of spontaneous hitchhiking on an Indian highway, a charmingly apologetic man finally materialized. The drive? Breathtaking. Coconut palms swaying, the air thick with the scent of jasmine… and the lingering aroma of my own rising panic. Moon Waves itself? Glorious. That first glimpse of the cliff, the ocean… almost made me forgive the taxi situation. Almost.
- Afternoon (aka "Finding My Feet… and Nearly Tripping"): Checked in. Bungalow was adorable – all whitewashed walls and a hammock that called my name. Spent a solid hour attempting to master the art of hammock-sitting. Failed spectacularly. Somehow, managed to twist my ankle. This trip was off to a fantastic start, people.
- Evening (aka "Curry Revelation"): Found the on-site restaurant. Ordered whatever looked delicious. Ended up with a fish curry so good, it actually made me cry. Literally. Like, full-on, mascara-running, snot-bubble-forming tears. The taste… it was a symphony of spices, a love letter to my taste buds. Honestly, I think the curry was a spiritual experience. I ate it slowly, savoring every bite. By the end, I felt… transformed. And completely full. Best. Curry. Ever.
Day 2: Yoga, Cliffside Angst & Monkey Business
- Morning (aka "The Yoga Debacle"): So, yoga on the beach, sunrise, the whole shebang. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. Turns out, I am not, nor will I ever be, a graceful yogi. I spent most of the class wobbling, sweating, and feeling deeply self-conscious. The instructor, a serene woman with the patience of a saint, kept saying things like "breathe into your hips." My hips, however, remained stubbornly un-breathed-into. I suspect she was judging me.
- Afternoon (aka "Cliffside Contemplation & Minor Meltdown"): Walked the cliff path. Breathtaking views. Then, the existential dread kicked in. You know, the usual. "What am I doing with my life?" "Am I even remotely happy?" "Why can't I do a headstand?" Sat on a bench, staring out at the ocean. The waves crashed, the sun beat down… and I had a proper mini-meltdown. Tears, again. (I'm sensing a pattern here.) Decided a coconut water was needed.
- Evening (aka "Monkey Mayhem"): Returning to my bungalow, I found a troop of monkeys feasting on the fruit from my balcony. One particularly cheeky monkey tried to grab my sunglasses. Chaos ensued. I shrieked, they chattered, and eventually, they retreated, leaving behind a trail of banana peels and a lingering scent of… well, monkey. I retreated inside, locked the door, and ordered room service. (More curry, naturally.) The terror of the monkeys was very real. I'd never been chased by a monkey gang. I began to suspect my fear was feeding into their enjoyment.
Day 3: Beach Bliss, Failed Surfing & The Sunset Verdict
- Morning (aka "Beach Bumming & Blissful Ignorance"): Spent the morning on the beach. Actually managed to relax. Read a book (mostly about finding inner peace, ironically). The sound of the waves, the sun on my skin… pure heaven. No major existential crises, no monkeys, no yoga-induced injuries. Just… peace. Sigh.
- Afternoon (aka "Surfing: Humbling Experience"): Thought I'd be adventurous. Tried surfing. Epic fail. I mean, I fell. A lot. Repeatedly. Face-planted in the sand more times than I care to admit. The instructor, a charming surfer dude, tried to offer encouragement. I suspect he also thought I was hilarious. I was. By the end, I was covered in sand, salt water, and a healthy dose of humiliation. But, strangely, I felt… exhilarated. It was a total mess, but I’d given it a go.
- Evening (aka "Sunset Salvation"): Sat on the cliff, watching the sunset. Seriously, the sunset. The colours were insane – fiery oranges, blushing pinks, deep purples. The ocean was a mirror, reflecting all the glorious chaos of the sky. The world felt… beautiful. And for a few precious moments, I forgot all about the monkeys, the failed yoga, and my generally messy state. This. This. Was why I came. The sunset. The sky. The ocean. Utter, magnificent perfection. The feeling of sun on my skin, the moment of peace… made it all worthwhile.
Day 4: Departure - The Sweet Sorrow
- Morning (aka "The Curry Withdrawal & Packing Parade"): Last curry breakfast. Another tear-inducing experience. I needed to say goodbye. Packing. (Ugh.) Accidentally left my favorite scarf in the bungalow. Realized I hadn't properly explored half of the local shops. A surge of sadness hit me. I hadn't done enough, seen enough, felt enough. Still, the sunset. The curry. The monkeys were an experience of some sort.
- Departure (aka "I'll Be Back"): Saying goodbye to the staff was bittersweet. They were so lovely, so welcoming. As the taxi pulled away, I looked back at Moon Waves. I was a mess. Sunburned, slightly traumatized, and definitely craving more curry. But also… utterly, completely happy. Varkala, you crazy, beautiful place. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing earplugs for the monkeys.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a "perfect" trip. It was messy, unpredictable, and filled with moments of both pure joy and utter chaos. But that's life, isn't it? And honestly, despite the minor disasters, the emotional rollercoaster, and the monkey-induced terror, it was the best kind of messy. Moon Waves, you magnificent, slightly-maniacal resort, you gave me an experience. And that, my friends, is all that matters.
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Okay, so, like, is "Escape to Paradise" actually… paradise? Because I have trust issues.
Alright, let's be real. Paradise... that's pushing it. More like "Escape to Pretty Damn Good with a Side of Occasional Chaos." Look, the view from Moon Waves? Stunning. I mean, *stunning*. You're practically perched over the beach, the sound of crashing waves is your 24/7 soundtrack, which is *amazing* until you realize it’s also your alarm clock. And trust me, after five days of the constant rumble, you consider taking a sledgehammer to it just for a damn moment of silence. But the *vibe*? Pure, unadulterated chill. Felt like I was instantly three years younger. So, paradise adjacent? Definitely. Actual paradise? Maybe after a few more Kingfishers.
The Rooms. Tell me about the rooms. Are they clean? Do they bite?
Okay, the rooms. This is where things get… interesting. I had a "sea view" room, which, let's be honest, was the main reason I booked it. And the view? Spectacular. Absolutely worth the price of admission. The room itself… well, let’s just say it had character. "Rustic" is a kind word. "Slightly crumbling charm" is probably more accurate. My bathroom? Let's just say the hot water appeared to be on a tea break. One morning the whole room got invaded by tiny ants. Tiny, determined, relentless ants. I felt like a character in a low-budget horror film. Did I kill them all? Nope. Had a truce. They got the crumbs; I got to live in the room. Is it clean? Eh, it *was* clean-ish when I arrived. Let's just say, by the end of my stay, a whole ecosystem could have probably set up shop in the corners. Bring bug spray. Trust me. And maybe a Hazmat suit... just in case.
The Food! What's the grub situation? I'm a picky eater! Will I starve?
The food… okay, the food is a rollercoaster. The breakfast *was* pretty good - mostly toast, eggs, and fruit (which, if you're from anywhere other than India, you'll realise is 100% different from what you're used to, a lot more flavor, more tropical, it was great). The little breakfast hut overlooked the beach, so you could watch the waves crash while you ate, which was incredibly relaxing (when the ants weren’t around). Lunch? Hit or miss, really. One day it was a delicious fish curry, the next it was something… beige. Dinner? Often booked solid with the full house guests, so I'd end up wandering down to the beach shacks and you will not find better fish and chips anywhere. The main restaurant staff was friendly though, bless them. I managed to get them to remember what I could eat, which, for a picky eater, is a win. You won't starve. But you might need to be a little adventurous. And have a good supply of Immodium, just in case. (I didn't; I was fine, but just get it.)
What about the staff? Are they helpful or are they just… 'meh'?
The staff? Honestly, they were mostly lovely. They all seemed to know the beach, the ocean, the hotel itself. They're also generally chilled, and Indian chill is like, super-chill, which is what you're there for right? You're not in a rush, right? Right? Patience is a virtue. The service isn't always speedy, but they're genuinely trying. And they're always smiling, even when you're frantically trying to explain you ran out of toilet paper. My experience: I had a minor emergency where I locked myself out of my room at 2 am. They came to the rescue – half-asleep, but still came. That’s pretty good in my book. The best thing to do is get chatting to them. They will have the goods on where to go, what to see, and definitely avoid the pushy, expensive tourist traps.
The Beach! Is the beach as amazing as it looks in the photos?
Oh, the beach. This is where Moon Waves really shines (pun intended, I'm sorry). The photos, the Instagram posts? They don't even do it justice. Seriously. Varkala Cliff itself is spectacular. First up you've got the sand. Soft, golden, perfect for sinking your toes into. The waves? They crash in a rhythm, almost like a lullaby, so you just feel so relaxed. The sunsets? Forget about it. Utterly and completely breathtaking. One night, I swear, the sky was on fire. I spent hours just sitting there, watching the colours change, feeling the sand between my toes. It was pure magic. However, be warned. The rip tides can be nasty. And the vendors? They're persistent. But a firm "no, thank you" and a smile usually does the trick. And don't be surprised if you get a little sunburnt, no matter how much suncream you put on. The Indian sun is a beast. I ended up looking like a boiled lobster. Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
Any tips for surviving/thriving at Moon Waves?
Okay, listen up, because this is gold. **Survival and Thriving Tips:**
- **Pack Mosquito Repellent:** Seriously. Don’t even think about skipping this. They’re relentless.
- **Bring Earplugs:** The waves *are* beautiful, but they’re also loud. Unless you're a dolphin.
- **Learn to say "No, thank you" politely, but firmly.** You'll need it. Especially when dealing with the vendors.
- **Embrace the chaos.** Things will go wrong. Stuff will break. That's part of the charm.
- **Bargain!** It's expected. And fun! It's part of the fun. But don't be a jerk about it.
- **Tip generously (but not *too* generously).** The staff work hard.
- **Don't be afraid to explore.** Get off the cliff and discover the beach shacks, hidden gems.
- **And above all:** lower your expectations. That way you'll enjoy it all the more.
Would you go back?
Look, despite the ants, the dodgy plumbing, the sometimes-questionable foodUptown Lodging
