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Some trips are about ticking off tourist attractions. Others are about slowing down and enjoying the moment. Our anniversary stay at Taj Bekal Resort & Spa turned out to be exactly that kind of experience. Surrounded by backwaters, lush greenery, and a quiet stretch of beach, the resort offers a peaceful luxury retreat in northern Kerala.
Even better, this stay was largely powered by points, perks, and Taj benefits, bringing a ₹60,000+ luxury stay down to just around ₹2000 out of pocket. Here is a detailed review of the property, the experience, and how we optimized the stay using credit card benefits.
Location and How to Reach
Taj Bekal is located in Bekal, Kerala, close to the Karnataka border. It feels tucked away from the more commercial tourist circuits, making it feel like a true discovery.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE), around 65–70 km from the resort.
Arrival Logistics: Guests typically have two options to reach the resort. You can take a prepaid taxi from the airport counter or opt for a self-drive rental car from Mangalore.
The Drive: A taxi from the airport usually costs ₹2,500 to ₹3,000, and the journey takes around 1.5 hours. The drive is smooth with excellent road conditions. As you leave the city behind, the route becomes quieter and greener, making the journey pleasant and scenic.
Arrival Experience
Taj properties are known for their arrival experience, and Taj Bekal delivers exactly that. Guests are welcomed with a traditional garland greeting and a refreshing welcome drink. The check-in process is warm and relaxed, reflecting the brand’s signature hospitality.
The lobby is spacious and airy, overlooking greenery and water features around the property. The subtle Taj fragrance and calm ambience immediately create a sense of retreat. It sets the tone for staying ahead.
Rooms and Accommodation
The architecture of Taj Bekal draws inspiration from traditional Kerala kettuvallam houseboats, visible in the curved roof designs across the property. We stayed in a Deluxe Room with Plunge Pool, which turned out to be the highlight of our stay.
Deluxe Room with Plunge Pool
The room is spacious and thoughtfully designed with a blend of modern comfort and regional design elements. Key features include:
Large bedroom with a dedicated seating area
Private courtyard with a personal plunge pool
Outdoor lounge seating for slow afternoons
Spacious bathroom with a bathtub and a separate shower
Since we were celebrating our anniversary, the hotel also arranged special room decorations, which was a thoughtful touch. The private courtyard quickly became our favourite spot. Whether it was relaxing in the plunge pool or enjoying room service in complete privacy, the space felt like a sanctuary within the resort.
Dining Experience
Dining at Taj Bekal focuses heavily on coastal flavours, Kerala spices, and relaxed resort-style meals. The property offers multiple dining venues, giving guests a variety of options during their stay.
Backwater Café
Most of our meals were at Backwater Café, the resort’s main all-day dining restaurant overlooking the backwaters. The restaurant serves breakfast buffets along with lunch and dinner options across Indian, Asian, and international cuisines.
Breakfast here is particularly enjoyable. The spread includes a live dosa station, eggs cooked to order, fresh fruits, and traditional Indian breakfast options paired with excellent filter coffee. The outdoor seating area overlooking the backwaters makes the experience even better.
Specialty Dining
By The Bay: This is the specialty restaurant focusing on coastal Kerala flavours. It highlights fresh seafood and regional dishes inspired by Malabar cuisine in an intimate setting.
Grills N More: Located near the pool area, this spot offers a casual outdoor dining experience focusing on grilled seafood, meats, and tandoor preparations.
Ivory Bar: A lounge-style bar offering cocktails and premium spirits, perfect for a quiet evening drink before dinner.
Complimentary Evening Hi Tea
One pleasant surprise during our stay was the complimentary evening hi tea. Usually arranged near the backwaters, it includes tea, filter coffee, and light savoury bites. Watching the sunset over the backwaters with a cup of tea became a favourite daily routine.
Beach Access and Facilities
Taj Bekal offers direct access to a quiet stretch of beach along the Arabian Sea. The beach is relatively uncrowded and ideal for slow evening walks. Sunsets here are particularly beautiful as the sky turns shades of orange and pink over the water.
Resort Facilities
Swimming Pool: The main pool is well-designed and scenic, though it is best enjoyed in the early morning or around sunset, as afternoons can get quite hot.
Fitness and Recreation: There is a functional gym, a library, and various indoor games. Families will also appreciate the dedicated kids' play zone.
Buggy Service: Since the property is quite large, buggy service is available to help guests move around comfortably between rooms, restaurants, and the beach.
Activities: On-Site & Beyond
Taj Bekal strikes a perfect balance between high-energy adventure and quiet relaxation. Whether you want to stay within the resort gates or explore Northern Kerala, there is plenty to fill your itinerary.
Inside the Resort, the property is a playground for both adults and kids. You can spend your day cycling through the lush lanes, kayaking the backwaters, or trying your hand at archery, pickleball, and net cricket. For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, there is ziplining, paintball, and even moonlight rafting for a unique evening on the water.
Exploring Bekal If you decide to step out, the surrounding landscape offers a mix of history and nature:
Bekal Fort: One of Kerala’s largest and most iconic sea-facing forts.
Kappil Beach: A stunning spot where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea.
Green Hills Thonikadavu: A peaceful estate featuring waterfalls and a natural fish spa.
Ranipuram Hills: Ideal for a quick trek with panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
How We Reduced a ₹60,000+ Stay to ₹2,162
One of the most satisfying parts of this stay was how credit card perks and Taj benefits significantly reduced the final cost. Here is how we structured the redemption:
Benefit Source | Application |
Taj Epicure (via ICICI EPM) | Used the complimentary night voucher for Night 1. |
Epicure Vouchers | Redeemed a complimentary set meal voucher for two. |
Epicure Dining Benefit | Applied the 25% discount on food and beverages for all à la carte meals. |
Amex Taj Vouchers | Used three vouchers (worth ₹10,000 each) to settle the bill for Night 2 and extras. |
Hotel Upgrade | The hotel auto-upgraded Night 1 to match the Plunge Pool category. |
Axis Atlas | Settled the final remaining balance of ₹2,162. |
This is a great example of how combining hotel memberships, vouchers, and credit card perks can unlock luxury stays at a fraction of the price.
Final Verdict
Taj Bekal is ideal for travellers seeking a slow, peaceful luxury getaway. With backwaters on one side, a quiet beach on the other, and private plunge pool rooms, the resort is perfect for anniversary celebrations and romantic getaways. For us, it delivered exactly what we wanted: calm, thoughtful hospitality, and a stay made even more rewarding thanks to smart use of credit card benefits.