You’ve probably seen the photos. Those sweeping, curved roofs that look like houseboats frozen in time, nestled between a lazy river and the crashing Arabian Sea. Honestly, when people talk about Vivanta by Taj Bekal (now more formally known as Taj Bekal Resort & Spa), they usually get stuck on the aesthetics.
It's pretty. We get it.
But after a decade in the luxury circuit, does it actually hold up? Or is it just another aging resort coasting on a famous brand name? Having tracked the evolution of North Kerala’s hospitality scene, I can tell you that what happens behind those laterite walls is way more interesting than the Instagram fodder.
The Architecture You’ve Likely Misunderstood
Most folks think the resort is just "Kerala style." That’s a bit of an oversimplification. The design, spearheaded by the late architecture legend Nickolas G. Kent of Ground Kent Architects, is actually a weirdly successful marriage of Balinese landscaping and Keralan houseboat (Kettuvallam) forms.
Look closely at the rooflines.
They aren't just for show. The woven bamboo ceilings and the specific pitch of the thatch were engineered to handle the brutal monsoons of Kasaragod while keeping the interiors naturally cool.
Why the "Vivanta" Tag is Confusing
Here’s the thing: Taj has been shifting its branding. While many still search for Vivanta by Taj Bekal, the property has largely transitioned into the core "Taj" luxury portfolio. Why does this matter to you? Because the service standards shifted from "upscale lifestyle" to "ultra-luxury."
You’ll see this in the room count.
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With only 66 rooms (some newer counts suggest 71 to 77 including the massive Presidential Suite), the staff-to-guest ratio is higher than your average beachfront hotel. It’s quiet. Sometimes, unnervingly quiet.
What No One Tells You About the Rooms
If you're booking here, don't just click the cheapest option. The entry-level Superior Charm rooms are fine, sure, but they are essentially hotel rooms with a balcony.
The "real" experience starts with the Deluxe Delight Villas.
These villas feature a private courtyard that basically acts as an outdoor living room. You get a massive stone tub and—the best part—an outdoor shower that lets you bathe under the stars (or the afternoon sun, if that’s your vibe).
- The Plunge Pools: They aren't just oversized bathtubs. Most are deep enough for a proper soak and are surrounded by high laterite walls for total privacy.
- Chitra Pothi Art: Every room features hand-painted murals on Tussar silk. It’s a nod to the regional tradition of storytelling through art, and it makes the rooms feel less like a corporate hotel and more like a curated gallery.
The Food Situation: Beyond the Buffet
Let’s be real—resort food can be hit or miss. At Vivanta by Taj Bekal, the focus is heavily on the "Latitudes" restaurant and the "By the Bay" seafood spot.
You haven't lived until you've had the Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot fish marinated in spices and steamed in a banana leaf). It’s messy. It’s spicy. It’s absolutely essential.
But here is a pro tip: Ask for the Sadya.
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It’s the traditional Kerala feast served on a banana leaf. Most guests skip it because it looks intimidating or they don't want to eat with their hands. Don't be that person. The nuances in the different types of Pradhaman (dessert) alone are worth the trip.
Drinking at the "Elephant's Watering Hole"
The Ivory Bar is modeled after an elephant's watering hole. It’s a bit kitschy, but the cocktails are surprisingly modern. They use local ingredients like ginger, curry leaves, and fresh coconut water in ways that actually work.
The J Wellness Circle (Formerly Jiva Spa)
You can't talk about this place without the spa. It’s enormous—over 25,000 square feet. This isn't just a place to get a quick massage before dinner. It’s a serious wellness center.
The Sushupti treatment is their flagship. It’s an aromatic foot bath followed by a full-body scrub and a warm soak. It basically forces your brain to shut down.
Honestly, the "Innergise" programs they've introduced recently are a bit more structured, focusing on diet and yoga. If you’re just there to relax, stick to the Ayurvedic massages. The therapists here are trained at the Taj’s own internal academy, so they actually know what they’re doing with those herbal oils.
Getting There is Still the Biggest Hurdle
Let's talk logistics. Bekal is not easy to get to.
Mangalore International Airport is about 75 kilometers away. In 2026, with current traffic patterns, that’s a solid 2 to 2.5-hour drive. The roads are winding and often under construction.
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Is it worth it?
If you want the party vibes of North Goa, no. If you want the crowded backwaters of Alleppey, also no.
Bekal is for the traveler who wants to disappear. The Kappil Beach nearby is practically empty most days. There aren't rows of shacks or people trying to sell you sarongs. It’s just you, the red sand, and the Arabian Sea.
Things to Actually Do (If You Get Bored of the Pool)
- Moonlight Rafting: This is probably the coolest thing they offer. They take a bamboo raft out onto the backwaters at night. It’s silent, dark, and slightly eerie in the best way possible.
- Bekal Fort: It’s 10 minutes away. It’s the largest fort in Kerala and looks like a giant keyhole from the air. Go for sunset; the views of the coastline are ridiculous.
- Kayaking: The Kappil River is calm. Even if you have the core strength of a cooked noodle, you can handle a kayak here.
The Honest Truth: Is it for Everyone?
Look, if you hate bugs or humid heat, North Kerala in the summer is going to be a struggle. This is a tropical resort. You will see geckos. You might see a dragonfly the size of your palm.
And the price point? It's Taj. It’s expensive.
But you're paying for the fact that you won't see another soul if you don't want to. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers how you like your coffee after one morning.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- When to go: November to February is the "sweet spot" for weather. June to August is for those who love the drama of the monsoon (and significantly lower rates).
- What to pack: High-SPF sunscreen and serious mosquito repellent. The backwaters are beautiful, but the bugs are dedicated to their craft.
- The "Secret" Perk: Every evening, they do a complimentary high tea by the backwaters. They serve local snacks like Achappam and Pazham Pori. It’s a small touch, but it’s often the highlight of the day.
If you’re planning a trip, check the Taj website directly for "Innergise" or "Suite Surprises" packages. They often bundle spa credits or private dinners that save you a fortune compared to a-la-carte pricing.
Pack light, bring a book you've been meaning to finish, and prepare for your phone to stay in the room safe. That’s the only way to actually do Bekal right.