Escape to Paradise: Lake & River Resort, Munroe Island, India
Escape to Paradise: Lake & River Resort, Munroe Island - Seriously, You NEED This! (My Honest Review, Rambling Included)
Okay, listen up, because I just finished a stay at Escape to Paradise: Lake & River Resort on Munroe Island, and I’m still buzzing. Forget those glossy travel brochures – this is the real deal. Prepare for a messy, honest, and hopefully helpful(with a LOT of rambling) review. Buckle up, buttercups!
First Things First: Accessibility (Because Seriously, It Matters)
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but accessibility is ALWAYS on my radar. Especially on an island. While the resort says they have "Facilities for disabled guests," I didn't see a detailed breakdown of how "accessible" it actually is. I saw an elevator which is a huge plus and a few ramps. I would advise anybody needing high levels of accommodations reach out directly to the resort to confirm. They have good service here.
Getting There & Around - Smooth Sailing? (Mostly)
Getting to Munroe Island is an adventure in itself – a beautiful, slow one. Once there, the resort offered airport transfer. The roads are… well, they’re island roads. Be prepared for a charming, bumpy ride. Free parking is a huge bonus if you drive yourself. They also offer a Taxi Service.
Rooms - Cozy Cocoons or Just… Rooms?
My room? Delightful. Clean, comfortable and air conditioned (bliss!). The "Additional Toilet" and "Separate shower/bathtub" was a nice touch but was especially great by the end of a long day of adventure! They provided "Bathrobes", "Slippers", "Free bottled water" and all the basic amenities. I'm a sucker for "Blackout curtains" and "reading light" - seriously, a game changer for a good night's sleep. The "Wi-Fi [free]" worked a treat even on the far side of the island so you can still upload your Instagram story.
Cleanliness & Safety - Did I CatchAnything? (Thankfully, No!)
This is a BIG deal for me, especially post-pandemic. They're clearly serious about hygiene. They were using "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas", and the "Staff trained in safety protocol," and it showed! They also had "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. The "Rooms sanitized between stays" gave me peace of mind. I noticed things like "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items" and "Individually-wrapped food options," which felt like a very thoughtful touch.
Dining - From Buffet Bonanza to A La Carte Adventures
Okay, food. This is where it got interesting. They had a "Breakfast [buffet]" with a "Asian breakfast" option – think fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, and the freshest coconut chutney. The "Restaurants" included a "Vegetarian restaurant" and options for "International cuisine in restaurant". My favorite? The "Poolside bar." Picture this: sun setting, a cocktail in hand (they do a mean mojito!), and the gentle lapping of the lake. Pure bliss. I missed out on a meal they had a "Breakfast takeaway service", but I heard you can order it.
Things To Do - Seriously, Time to Chill (or Get Active!)
This is where the magic happened. They had a gorgeous "Swimming pool [outdoor]" where I spent most of my days, plus a "Pool with view"! The "Spa" was fantastic (more on that later!), and the "Fitness center" had enough to keep me from getting too lazy. There was a "Steamroom" but honestly, I didn't go. A "Sauna" and "Foot bath" sounded heavenly.
The Spa Moment That Changed My Life (Okay, Maybe Not, But It Was Close)
Okay, the spa. I booked the "Body scrub" then the "Body wrap". I was skeptical at first… What's a body wrap? Why would I want to be wrapped in a blanket? I just wanted a massage! But trust me: the "Massage" was phenomenal. Professional, relaxing, and the perfect way to unwind. The masseuse was amazing, somehow knowing exactly where my knots were. This was a total highlight, a must-do. Seriously, book that Spa.
Services and Conveniences - They Think of EVERYTHING! (Almost)
The "Concierge" was super helpful, the "Daily housekeeping" kept everything tidy, and the "Luggage storage" was a lifesaver. They even had a "Convenience store" for those random snacks I forgot. They had "Dry cleaning" and "Laundry service" but I'm not brave enough to leave my clothes to strangers. I liked that there was a "Cashless payment service" and "Currency exchange". I didn't need any of the "Business facilities" or "Meeting/banquet facilities" but they're there if you do.
For The Kids - Keeping the Little Monsters Happy
I don't have kids, but I noticed they had "Babysitting service" and "Kids facilities". This seemed like a great spot for a family.
Internet Access - Stay Connected (But Try to Disconnect!)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" – yes! And it actually worked. I still recommend you spend the majority of your time offline.
Now, The Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t Perfect)
No place it without a few quirks, right?
- The food, while generally good, could sometimes take a while to arrive. But hey, you're on island time!
- The "Bar" drinks - I felt the prices were a bit high.
- I did not find the "Couple's room", "Proposal spot" if you're looking.
My Verdict – Book It, Right Now!
Honestly, Escape to Paradise: Lake & River Resort exceeded my expectations. It's a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and genuine hospitality. It's a place to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself. If you're looking for a rejuvenating getaway, a honeymoon spot, some time to relax with family, or just a damn good vacation, this is it. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience.
Final Note: SEO Stuff (Because I have to!)
- Munroe Island Resort
- Lake and River Resort Kerala
- Kerala Backwater Resort
- Spa Resort Kerala
- Family-Friendly Resort Kerala
- Romantic Getaway Kerala
- Best Hotels Munroe Island
- Accessible hotels Kerala.
The Ultimate Offer (Just For You!)
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Lake & River Resort within the next month and receive a complimentary spa treatment, complimentary upgrade to Deluxe room (subject to availability), AND a free welcome drink upon arrival! Use code "ISLANDDREAM" when booking on their website or contacting them directly. Don't wait – your paradise awaits!
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Munroe Island Mishaps & Magic: A Rambling Itinerary (That's Probably Going to Get Me Lost)
Okay, folks, brace yourselves. This isn't your meticulously planned, bullet-pointed, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is real life in the Kerala backwaters, and let's be honest, I'm probably going to sweat through my linen and mispronounce everything. But hey, that's the fun of it, right?
Days 1-3: The Arrival (and the Great Mosquito Massacre)
- Arrival Day (or "The Luggage Labyrinth"): Arrived at Kochi Airport, after a flight from… well, let's not talk about the flight. Let's just say, thank god for noise-canceling headphones. Then, the pre-booked taxi situation: Apparently, my insistence on "small, eco-friendly" translates to "rickety, smells faintly of diesel." But hey, scenic drive! Finally made it to Munroe Island. The resort, Lake n River, looked idyllic in the photos. Spoiler alert: It is. Check-in was a blur of smiles (mostly mine, I suspect, trying to appear competent) and paperwork. Then, the room… Sigh. Gorgeous view of the backwaters, but the AC sounded like a dying walrus. And the mosquito situation? Unbelievable. Operation Mosquito Massacre: commenced with furious swiping and liberal application of repellent. Wish I could say Team I won.
- Day 2: The Houseboat Debacle (and the Unexpected Fish Fry): Houseboat tour booked! (Okay, the "booking" involved a lot of frantic hand gestures and the word "tomorrow?" which, surprisingly, worked.) The houseboat itself was, shall we say, "rustic charm" personified. Think: wooden planks, questionable plumbing, and a captain who seemed to communicate primarily through eyebrow movements. The cruise was stunning – emerald waters, the occasional heron posing dramatically, life unfolding on the riverbanks. Then, disaster struck. The engine sputtered, coughed, and died. We were stranded! (Cue the inner dramatic monologue: "Will I become one with the backwaters? Will they find my sun-bleached linen?"). However, it turned into a surprisingly lovely afternoon of chatting with the crew (despite the language barrier), and sharing stories (Mostly I made the other guess what I mean). And then, a total game-changer: a roadside fish fry! Fresh from the river, perfectly spiced, and eaten with my hands – pure bliss. Honestly, the breakdown made the whole experience.
- Day 3: Kayak Chaos & Curry Conundrums: Kayak adventure! (Pro-tip: Learn how to steer BEFORE you get on the water). My kayak, bless its splintery little heart, had a distinct preference for the mangroves. Spent a good hour doing a tango with the branches, whilst shouting at myself and the kayak (mostly myself. This is the part where I became convinced I'd actually be one with the river. Then I actually got the hang of it, and it was pure serenity: gliding through the narrow waterways, watching the fishermen cast their nets, feeling the sun on my face. Dinner was planned as special experience which included various dishes, all of which looked amazing, all of which I had no idea how to eat properly. Managed to spill curry down my front and onto my neighbor, I think I might need a few more classes.
Days 4-5: Into the Island Heart (and the Search for the Perfect Chai)
- Day 4: Village Walk & The Coconut Conundrum: Guided village walk booked through the resort. I was prepared to be the "annoying tourist" with all the questions and incessant picture-taking. Met some incredibly kind, welcoming people: a lady demonstrating how to weave coconut fibres (I attempted, failed spectacularly), a guy explaining spice cultivation (loved it), and a family who welcomed me with big smiles. It felt like a true glimpse into local life, and, it turns out, a fantastic opportunity to embarrass myself by attempting to pronounce the local names of things.
- Day 5: The Chai Quest & the Return of the Walrus AC: The quest for the perfect chai began! Every morning, I’d venture out, sample chai from different stalls, and offer my expert (read: amateur) opinion. And finally, success! Found a tiny little place, barely big enough to fit a couple of stools, where they brewed the most amazing, fragrant, milky, cardamom-y chai I've ever tasted. I seriously considered staying there forever. The perfect Chai, the end. That evening, the return of the AC walrus. I'm half-convinced the resort just keeps the sound on for ambiance. Tried to ignore it, but it's a constant, sad, little symphony.
Days 6-7: Farewell Backwaters (and the Unfinished Business)
- Day 6: Hammock Hangs & the Final Feast: Decided to do absolutely nothing. Spent the day in a hammock, reading, napping, and generally embracing the slow pace of island life. Ate the freshest seafood at the resort– a feast of flavor!
- Day 7: Departure (and the Promise to Return): Goodbye Munroe Island, you beautiful, imperfect, mosquito-filled haven. As I sat in back in that rickety taxi, heading toward the airport and the real world, I felt a pang of sadness. There was so much I didn't see, so many things I didn't do. But I would be back, I was certain of it. And next time, I will conquer the AC walrus and master the art of the perfect curry. Until then, back to reality… and the memory of the backwaters, the chai, and the simple joy of getting wonderfully, gloriously, lost.
Notes, Nonsense & Regrets:
- Pro-tip: Pack extra mosquito repellent AND anti-itch cream. You’ll thank me later.
- Regret: Didn’t learn more Malayalam. Need to practice saying "thank you" beyond "nandi".
- Quirky Observation: The number of geckos in the room is truly breathtaking.
- Emotional Reaction: Mostly joy. And the occasional mosquito-induced rage.
- Unfinished Business: Learn how to navigate the backwaters without getting lost. Get back on that houseboat and try again.
- Final Thought: Munroe Island is not just about the place, but about the people.
So, Escape to Paradise... is it *actually* paradise? Like, genuine, no-bullshit paradise?
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? Depends what your personal heaven looks like. If your heaven involves pristine, manicured lawns and perfectly synchronized waiters, probably not. But if your heaven is: rustling coconut palms, being serenaded by the occasional caw of a crow (hey, they have to live *somewhere*), slow boat rides at sunset, and the kind of laid-back vibe that lets your shoulders just melt, then yeah, *Escape to Paradise* comes pretty damn close.
It's not spotless. There might be a stray mosquito. The Wi-Fi... well, let's just say it encourages you to *actually* escape. But that, for me, is part of its charm. My first time, I was expecting this perfectly Instagrammable experience. It *is* beautiful, don't get me wrong, but it's got this... *lived-in* quality. Like, the kind of place where the owner might pop by, ask if you're enjoying your fish curry, and then tell you a rambling story about how he caught the biggest snapper in the lake last year. Which he totally might, by the way. And I'm not even a fish person, but I was *riveted*.
How do you *get* there? Because, you know, Munroe Island isn't exactly on the Times Square express.
This is where things get… interesting. You’re basically going to a place that *wants* you to slow down. Getting there is part of the adventure – which, if you're me, is a slightly terrifying, slightly annoying, and ultimately *rewarding* experience.
First, you fly into Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) or Kochi. From there, it’s a taxi ride. The drivers are... colorful. One time I got a flat tire, and the driver, bless his heart, tried to fix it himself with a rusty wrench and unwavering optimism. We eventually got a new tire. That's just India. Another time, I *swear* the driver navigated by the stars. It's part of the fun (mostly). Then, the real magic happens: the boat ride to the resort. Which is absolutely, positively *gorgeous*. The backwaters... I just sat there, slack-jawed, taking it all in. It’s a perfect antidote to the city. It’s like the world is giving you permission to just... breathe. And for me, a stressed out, city-dwelling person, that’s worth the price of admission. Even if the admission includes a slightly wonky taxi ride.
What are the rooms like? Are we talking luxury suites or… backpacker digs?
Okay, let's be clear. This isn't a five-star resort with Egyptian cotton sheets (though the sheets were perfectly clean, don't worry). The rooms are comfortable, clean, and charming. They're built in a way that blends with the environment. I stayed in a cottage right by the water. Waking up to the sound of the water lapping... Pure bliss.
They're not minimalist, sterile hotel rooms. They're cozy. You feel like you're staying in a traditional Kerala home, which, more or less, you are! The decor is simple, with lots of wood and natural light. The bathroom was, you know, a bathroom. It did its job. The important part is that you're not actually *in* the bathroom that much. You're out exploring the island, or relaxing on the veranda, or, you know, trying to avoid the afternoon heat. And for the price you're paying, it's a damn good deal! Forget the marble floors. Give me a view of the backwaters any day. Honestly, I don't need a fancy hotel room when I'm surrounded by that much beauty.
What is there to *do* besides, you know, existing?
Alright, so "existing" is a perfectly valid option, and very encouraged. But if you're the type who needs a little *doing*, fear not! There's plenty.
The boat trips are a MUST. You can explore the backwaters, see the daily lives of the people who live there, and just breathe in the serenity. Then there's kayaking. That was my favorite part. I'm terrible at kayaking, I probably looked more like a flailing duck, but the scenery was *stunning*. I even tried to kayak at sunset, but I got a little lost and ended up paddling around in circles. (Embarrassing, yes. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything). And the food!! Don't even get me started on the food. You can participate in cooking classes. I recommend it! I learned to make a proper fish curry and it was sublime. You can bike around the island, visit the local temples and have a chat with the friendly locals. You can also just... sit. Read. Stare at the water. Honestly? That's what I did most of the time. And every time I did, I felt my worries melt away.
The food... is it any good? Because, you know, vacation disaster stories are *made* of bad vacation food.
The food. Oh, the food. First, a confession: I'm a picky eater. There. I said it. So, when I say the food at *Escape to Paradise* is phenomenal, believe me. Fish curry? Amazing. Freshly caught fish grilled to perfection? Heavenly. Veggies with local spices? *Chef's kiss*.
They use fresh, local ingredients. The spices are incredible. And the best part? They'll often tailor the food to your preferences. I told them I didn't like overly spicy food, and they were incredibly accommodating. The staff is genuinely lovely and happy to tell you all about the dishes and how they are prepared. They'll even sneak you seconds (or thirds, if you're like me and shamelessly love food). And they'll bring it right to your little balcony. If you love food, you will *adore* this place. Don't expect Michelin-star dining. Expect authentic, delicious, and soul-satisfying food. And a full stomach. Always a full stomach.
What was the *worst* part? Because there has to be a catch, right?
Okay, fine. I'll be honest. There was ONE thing that drove me slightly bonkers. And it's not even really *the resort's* fault. It's *me*. I am, unfortunately, a hyper-connected individual. I check my email too much. I'm glued to my phone way more than I'd like to admit. The Wi-Fi is dodgy. It's patchy. It sometimes vanishes completely. And, for a day or two, I was *utterly lost*. I panicked. I whined. I paced the room.
Then, something shifted. I realized I *wasn't* actually missing anything important. The world wouldn't end if I didn't check my work emails. And the lack of constant connection forced me to actually *be present*. So, to be honest, the *Honeymoon Havenst
