North Kerala is not where you’ve traditionally go for your luxury fix. Well, here’s a hotel that might just change that. The Lalit group’s property is perfectly located on a virgin strip of beach in Bekal, in northern Kerala’s Kasargod district: natural backwaters on three sides and the Arabian Sea on the fourth; it even has lagoons within the property. The 26-acre resort even has a kettuvallam (‘floating cottage’). Highlights of the resort include the Lalit’s signature spa, Rejuve, which overlooks the lagoon, yoga classes, a fully equipped gym, and private dining by the backwater or cocktails on a houseboat. And then there’s everything else you’d expect, including private butler service, jacuzzi baths, the works.

The information
Where: 12km from Kasargod railway station/75km from Mangalore airport
Contact: www.thelalit.com