April 15, 2025
There’s a corner of Kerala where time slows to the rhythm of river tides and birdsong—and that’s exactly where I found myself at The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal. Located in the northernmost tip of Kerala, where the Nombili River gently meets the Arabian Sea, lies this serene luxury retreat. Just a 60-minute drive (around 50 km) from Mangalore International Airport, this 26-acre resort blends nature, heritage, and indulgence into a quiet, immersive escape.
Fringed by swaying palms and built around a calm internal lagoon, The LaLiT Bekal offers private access to a white-sand stretch of Kappil Beach. As you walk along the winding pathways flanked by lotus-filled canals and lush gardens, the soundscape shifts—birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the river murmuring in the distance. Each of the 38 elegantly designed suites comes with its own private jacuzzi, parquet floors, and balconies that overlook either the lagoon or the river.
I visited during Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, and was lucky to experience a traditional Kerala Sadhya—a celebratory vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, complete with classics like avial, olan, pachadi, and crispy banana chips.
Another unforgettable meal was their bamboo raft dining experience. Floating gently on the Nombili river under soft golden light, I was served a freshly prepared local meal, making it one of the most peaceful and romantic dining moments I’ve had in recent memory.
Early mornings at the resort begin gently. I opted for a kayaking session on the Nombili, paddling past a variety of birds and watching the river dissolve into the sea. Later, I joined the resort’s naturalist for a guided walk through the on-site Ayurvedic garden. What makes this garden special is its unique design—it’s laid out in the shape of the human body, with medicinal plants mapped according to their healing effects on different organs.
The resort’s 20,000-square-foot Spiceology Spa is among the largest in Kerala. With 13 treatment rooms, including open-air therapy spaces, it offers Ayurvedic, herbal, and aroma-based treatments using herbs grown in-house. Whether you’re signing up for a detox, weight management, or just a relaxing massage, the experience is holistic and deeply rooted in tradition.
After your treatment, relax at the outdoor swimming pool (there’s a separate one for kids), or order a drink from Nombili, the resort’s multi-cuisine restaurant that serves everything from local Kerala favourites to North Indian curries and continental fare.
The LaLiT Bekal is also equipped with a helipad for guests who prefer to arrive in style, and it features over 3,500 square feet of banqueting space for weddings and events.
But more than its facilities, it’s the stillness of this place that stays with you. Whether you’re watching the sunset from the private beach, listening to the lap of water from your balcony, or meditating in your suite’s jacuzzi—this is the kind of stay that slows you down in all the right ways.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (approx. 50 km / 1 hour by car)
Closest Beach: Kappil Beach (private access from the resort)
Double rooms start at Rs. 12,000 plus tax including breakfast.
Website: www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-bekal
