Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has added a fifth Vivanta by Taj property in the Indian state of Kerala, bringing its portfolio to 24.
The property is set on 25 acres (10.1 hectares) in northern Kerala, near the Kappil River with easy beach access.
Vivanta by Taj — Bekal features 73 guestrooms and suites. Some accommodations include private courtyards with outdoor dining space, rain showers and soaking tubs, and private plunge pools.
Design features include copper and gold leaf murals, birdcage lanterns and Chitra Pothi art and artifacts. Dining nooks are inspired by the Bekal Fort, while soaring, hand-woven bamboo roofs celebrate the traditional houseboats found in the area.
The resort offers dining options such as Latitude, the all-day restaurant with regional specialties; Ivory, a dome-shaped island bar with a water-garden moat; a poolside barbecue, and gazebos for private dinners by the Kappil River. In addition, the Soiree and Agenda venues can hold 8 to 400 for private events or meetings.
Vivanta by Taj — Bekal also features the 165,000-square-foot (15,329-square-meter) Jiva Grande Spa, which includes two pavilions dedicated to body anointment and purifying bathing ceremonies, some with chanting by a resident priest. The Ayurveda sanctuary has a satvik dining lounge, courtyards, meditation nooks and a wellness library. The resort will offer long-term wellness programs over the course of two to four weeks, such as Panchkarma, an Ayurvedic treatment that must be given under medical guidance.
Vivanta by Taj —Bekal opened March 12.