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Review submitted by Nicole from LONDON (Submitted: 29 Apr 2013)
I stayed at this property for 3 weeks, the ownner Preman was amazing, what a friendly helpful guy. Anything you want to see or do just ask him. He visits most days to make sure you are ok, he arranged a mobile phone for us with an indian sim - it was so cheap to call the UK, i think we paid 1000rp (£12) and it lasted the whole time we was there. He also arranged a Moped for us (if your brave enough to drive their crazy roads). He filled the fridge with essentials for when we arrived (even a few bottles of Kingfisher) and he kept the place clean and changed our bed sheets regularly, the 2 seperate double bedrooms come with their own wash basins/vanity areas and shower-rooms. We took our own Hammocks and spent many evenings chilling on the balcony listening to the waves crashing. There are regular power cuts everywhere in kerala so take a hand torch with you, this didnt effect anything, if anything it added to the ambiance of our evenings. I would recommend this house to anyone.
Thanks preman for looking after us x
Review submitted by Syd from Welshpool (Submitted: 14 Apr 2013)
Marielin Villa offers a lot for your money but does not deliver. The dining room is a table and four chairs on the outside veranda. The sitting room is four chairs further along the veranda. The property is not on the beach. There are three properties in front of it which are on the beach. It was the kitchen that drove us out just ten days into our 33 day holiday. From memory it is about 1.4 metres x 3.5 metres. A few dirty open shelves, a cast concrete work top with an inset sink, no drainer. The worktop was painted black and this came off along with the dirt when we tried to wash it. Premans solution was to spread newspaper on it.
The two shower rooms were up to Kerala standard and the beach is the quietest we have found in five trips to India.
The food next door at Kadaltheeram restaurant is consistantly good, reasonably priced and served by the very pleasant owners. To see our montage of the villa photos copy paste this link onto your browser. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgBcW7Q5KbM
Owner reply:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Above the mentioned mail made me very upset because I done my best service to this respectable guest.I found their unsatisfation arised by the influence of my neighbour,owner of Kadaltheeram resort who was not very happy with me past many years.When they compared with Kovalam beach they feel its very quite beach and they told me that they went to see their previous rooms in samudra beach,kovalam.Even I tried to do my best service they want move to Samudra beach.
When they leave they were happy,they didn't ask anything about money. After few days I got a guest for room,may be my neighbour had informed to them. After their holidays they send me a message, I have to give them 1000 pounds as compensation!!. I told them you never complained about my rooms when stayed here and also never informed villa rentals (The company).They told me that you got custmer after we left!!.I am respecting my company so I gave them 500 pounds through my English friend.If you like more Information i am ready send to you.As you know me I do my best for our valuable guests.
I expect your valuable business co-operation coming years.
Your's faithfully,
Mr.Preman
For Marielin Villa.
Review submitted by John and Judy from Durham (Submitted: 20 Mar 2013)
We have just returned home from out third time at this wonderful villa after staying for a month. This is our favourite place in the world to come and relax and next year (2014) it will be even better with the refurbishments that Preman, the villas owner is planning.
With snorkelling equipment available and now, a two person catamaran also available to rent this is a great spot for more confident swimmers.
You could also try your hand at a cooking competition pitting your culinary skills against Premans wife, Reena. I lost the tiger prawns challenge, the mussels challenge and the kingfish challenge, three in a row!! I am now perfecting some recipes ready for next year.
We would also recommend that you use Premans cousin, Raj who is the best and safest driver we have had the pleasure of sharing a taxi with.
If you want to take a look at the video that we shot while we were there then copy paste this link into your browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEdexmMj6Bo
You will need to book well in advance as this has to be the most popular traditional Kerala villa that you will find in the area. I could not imagine that you would find better value for money anywhere in Kerala.
Review submitted by Fifi from London (Submitted: 13 Feb 2013)
We spent Christmas 2012 and New Year at Marielin Villa - the perfect place to relax and experience rural life by the beach. There are restaurants close by or you can simply enjoy fresh fruit and veg bought on the beach or from the local village, a short walk away. The villa is spacious, clean and tidy. Preman the owner makes you welcome and can organise trips to interesting places in the locality. He has a tailoring business - silk and linen shirts that are great quality and value. This our 4th visit to the villa and totally recommend to people who want to experience incredible India.
Review submitted by paul from derby (Submitted: 2 Dec 2012)
hi four of us stayed here from 16/11/12 to 23/11/12 the location was very good but the house itself needs work,air con did not work,they did fix it but every time you put a light on the air-con went off,bed+rooms were not what we call clean, the shower well dribble needs work,the kittchen lol. and the owner calls two or three times a day its like having somone else staying with you, hope you do better if you stay here
Review submitted by Karen from Glasgow (Submitted: 3 Nov 2012)
We didnt know what to expect when we were met at the train station by Mr Preman but from the moment he picked us he his attentiveness and service were faultless. The villa is basic but all that is needed for a stay in Kerela. Preman introduced us to the people who own the restaurant below the villa and although the food is good, except breakfast, order at least 2hrs before you want to eat. We also bought prawns locally and they cooked them for us. The villa is situated on a spectacular piece of Kovolam Beach and very private with two small hotels close by, when compared to the main Kovolam beach it is perfect. A few hawkers selling their wears but not intrusive. Preman organised a houseboat for us which was fabulous, although a 4th drive from Kovolam. Anything we wanted Preman made sure we had and he even called after the houseboat to make sure all was well, he definitely understands customer service, but if you are not used to having some one around your villa on your holiday
you could find it intrusive. It is India after all so. Ot everything works as you would expect but we had a great time and would highly recommend.
Review submitted by John andJudy from Durham UK (Submitted: 21 Mar 2012)
This was our second year staying at this property. Last year we stayed for two weeks but loved it so much we stayed for one month this year (2012). We have also booked the villa for one month next year and here are the reasons:
Preman, the owner is meticulous about taking care of his guests and usually checks in at least once each day to make sure that everyone is comfortable and they have everything that they could possibly need. The Villa is very clean and comfortable and just perfect for a totally relaxing vacation in the sun. For confident swimmers there is free snorkling equipment available and the fish especially around the rocky areas are spectacular. You can dive for fresh mussels or Preman can arrange to get them for you fresh from the local fisherman. Fresh fruit is also available daily and is delivered right to your door. Also if you want to do any sightseeing Preman can arrange this for you much more inexpensively than any of the local tour operators. If you need a taxi or a tuk tuk again this can be arranged for you at the best possible cost. One day we wanted fresh coconuts and Preman simply climbed up one of the trees by the villa and brought down several for us to sample. Amazing!
Most evenings we sat back on the front porch and ate a meal that we had prepared in the more than adequate kitchen while listening to the sound of the surf, just a stones throw away. A half day fishing trip on a local catamaran cost us around £8 or $10 US dollars and we landed plenty of fish to eat that evening. So if you want a very relaxing vacation in a really peaceful location then this is the place for you. If you want to be rubbing shoulders with all of the tourists then Kovalam beach would be the place to go. If you want to rub shoulders with the real India then I would highly recommend this villa.
Review submitted by Marc and Jesie from Juneau, Alaska (Submitted: 17 Mar 2012)
Our first time to India...a great place to stay...quiet and comfortable...very relaxing. Rooms are clean, kitchen has everything you need. Villa is out of the way of the more touristy area so you are not hounded by people. Preman did a great job and checked on things every day to make sure we had what we needed. Great restaurant nearby and folks are very friendly. Beach was clean and quiet with close proximity to enjoy touristy area only a quick ride away. If you are accustomed to four star hotels with people waiting on your needs this may not the place for you. You might be more comfortable elsewhere. We have read a previous review that commented about the graves nearby being a bother but we had no issues with this as they are apart of the village that is next door and part of the cultural surroundings and several centuries old. This place suited us just great...we were able to vacation inexpensively while really being able to relax and enjoy our surroundings. We would definitely stay here again.
Review submitted by Stanislav from Moscow (Submitted: 12 Feb 2012)
Two weeks in January had a rest on a country house with a family. Weather was fine, the pure sea, not populous beach, palm trees, singing of birds in the mornings - a silent quiet place for the pacified rest. On a country house there is all necessary for comfortable residing., including small kitchen. It is possible to prepare fresh juice, tea, coffee. An excellent combination of the price and quality. There was a possibility to observe a real life of the local population living in the neighbourhood, that also makes impression. Nearby there are 2 excellent ?yurvedichotel where it is possible to make a massage course, little shops with a wide range of beautiful things and souvenirs, small restaurants on a beach. Operating Preman very positive person, is benevolent, does not forget about needs and desires having a rest on a country house. We recommend for fans of quiet, weakening rest
Review submitted by Marion from Esher (Submitted: 9 Feb 2012)
The 10 day stay at Marielin Villa near Kovalam was our first experience of India and exceeded all our expectations of a real value for money villa. My partner and I were wanting a real get-away-from-it-all holiday and the villa met all our requirements. The location in a coconut grove is idyllic, with the sights and sounds of the deserted beach with you at all times. There are about 6 family graves near to the villa, but this does not detract from the atmosphere, and indeed adds to the serenity of the area, especially when they were decorated with garlands one morning.
The local hotel serves amazing meals at very reasonable prices, and with beautiful sunset views.
If you are looking for a luxury villa with nightlife and all modern day facilities, then this is not the place for you. However, if you are looking for a quiet, down to earth villa, giving you a glimpse of the real Southern India - then this is it. The villa has air conditioning, fans, wet rooms, TV and a basic kitchen, but we made little use of the kitchen as we ate out, and no use of the TV. Who needs TV when you have a beach to yourself ?
Preman and Rajesh (taxi driver) ensured that our stay went without a hitch, and organised all trips and visits we wanted, making suggestions for visits we would not have known about. Preman visited us every day to ensure we wanted for nothing. After leaving the villa to go on a houseboat trip which Preman had helped organise, he called to ensure that all was OK ! You cant ask for more attention than that.
We will be returning for another glimpse of paradise next year.
Review submitted by Fifi from London (Submitted: 10 Jan 2012)
Marielin Villa is the perfect location for living the dream. Preman thank you for making our stay so wonderful. From the welcome to leaving your property we had the most fantastic time over Christmas and New Year.
You go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the waves and can walk along a quiet beach, have a pineapple juice or lemon ginger at one of three restaurants.
The villa exceeded my expectations. With a well organised kitchen you can attempt to make curry or salad bought at Mukkola market about 2km away. Or you can buy fruit on the beach. It has everything you need, comfortable beds, the shower room is a wet room and a terrace with a resting chair to relax after a day on the beach!
Easy to get to Trivandrum or Kovalam if you want to explore more of Kerala.
Thank Rajesh (taxi 5111) who is the best driver in Kerala.
I would totally recommend Marielin Villa. We will be back!
Namaste - Fifi - London
Review submitted by Gemma from Nottingham (Submitted: 23 Oct 2011)
The property is perfect for a quiet getaway. We are a couple in our late 20s and wanted somewhere to relax. Preman who rented the villa to us is very nice and helpful. He couldnt do enough to help us.
Review submitted by Ganesh from Bristol, UK (Submitted: 27 Aug 2011)
We stayed at the villa for a few days and it was definitely the best holiday weve had this year! The villa is beautiful and in a v peaceful setting. Weve had morning walks on the beach and kids have splashed and paddled in the water (although the sea is not advisable for swimming in).
Lots of places to visit nearby. Looking forward to going back for another lovely holiday!!
Review submitted by Robert from Nottingham (Submitted: 25 Mar 2011)
An excellent base for our trip to Kerala made even better by the owner Preman. Nothing was too much trouble for him and everything we asked for was done with a smile. He arranged trips for us to the Backwaters, changed money for us and even made clothes for us!!
The property itself is a haven of tranquility and such a contrast to the frenetic journey from the airport. It is about 50 metres from the almost private beach and the warm Arabian Sea and has some very good restaurants within walking distance. We had some memorable evenings sat on the verandah watching the sunset with our G&Ts and likewise in the mornings with breakfast on the verandah watching the waves roll in on the almost deserted beach and the sun shining through the palm trees - heaven!!
Review submitted by John from Durham, UK (Submitted: 25 Feb 2011)
We have just come to the end of our 17 day stay at the wonderful Marielyn villa which is right on Mullor beach, near Kovalam, Kerala. The Villa is like a paradise and is rustic but a great place to spend a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas of Kovalam. That said it is only a short drive away in a rickshaw (tuk tuk) to get to Kovalam and lighthouse beach if you want to experience the shops and restaurants there. We also took a two day break on a houseboat on the backwaters but found out after we had booked it that our great host and landlord Preman was able to get every excursion at a much discounted rate so be warned! Just let Preman know what you want to do and where you want to go and he will arrange everything to make this a dream holiday for you. Nothing is too much trouble for him and he checks in every day to make sure that his guests are comfortable and have everything that they need. Also do not worry if your bags are late to arrive at the airport as Preman is an expert tailor and can make any clothes that you want.
You would also be advised to bring snorkelling gear if you are a confident swimmer as the fish life around the rocks is something special. You can even dive for fresh mussels whenever you see the local fishermen out in their canoes doing the same. This will provide you with a very fresh and free meal! I also took a fishing rod and caught fish every day that I fished!
As for restaurants, we can recommend the Kadaltheeran which is right next door for amazing Indian, Western and even Nepalese food, all prepared to your own individual taste. The only disappointment that we had was having to leave this amazing area.
Will we return? Yes at the dro p of a hat.
Review submitted by John from London (Submitted: 22 Oct 2010)
The cottage is in a great location. The manager Prem, was extremely helpful.
Review submitted by Villem from Tartu (Submitted: 22 Jul 2010)
We had a great time in the villa - it has all the necessities and the landlord was also very helpful. It is very near to the beach, practically on the beach, so it was great to go for a swim or just enjoy the view of the beach from the porch. The weather was very nice though it was monsoon season - mostly sunny and very warm even during nights. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, will definitely visit again will recommend it to our friends and family. 5 out of 5!
Review submitted by Russell from Nottingham UK (Submitted: 9 Apr 2010)
A fantastic property in a fantastic (albeit quiet) beach front setting. Preman was extremely helpful and couldnt do enough for us.
Mulloor is small and quiet and was beginning to shut down as it was the end of the season when we left (April.) The current in the sea can be strong so it may not be suitable for less confident swimmers.
Review submitted by aminul from 39sherwood rd keynsham somerset unitedkingdom (Submitted: 23 Mar 2010)
as excellent relaxingpeacefull holiday we want book again near good restaurant delicious food the rickshaw driver rajesh and landlord helpful
Review submitted by madeleine from Martina Franca, Italy (Submitted: 16 Mar 2010)
Would rather keep it a secret than tell everyone about this amazing villa on Nellikunnus deserted beach. We will go there again... with an empty suitcase next time... as Premans excellent tailor made me a lovely white linen shirt and trousers... if only I had had more space!
Malayalis are such happy friendly people and the food is delicious!
Review submitted by Maria from Gothenburg Sweden (Submitted: 6 Feb 2010)
A perfect place for a relaxing and peacefull holiday. Preman the landlord was very helpfull and nothing was to much trouble. The litle restaurant Khadaltheeram next door had delicious food.
Review submitted by Madeleine & Jur from Martina Franca, Italy (Submitted: 21 Jan 2010)
A superb location on a very peaceful, palm fringed bay - a dream come true! Chilled out on the verandah, plopped into the sea, ate delicious food next door at Khadaltheerams on Thapovans terrace or at a candlelit table almost in the sea at Harrys Shack.
Preman was charming and extremely helpful.
Have booked again for another holiday in March.
Review submitted by Jane from Dubai UAE (Submitted: 8 Dec 2009)
Well..what can I say? We had a fantastic stay. Premen the owner was available everyday for help if needed. The views and the sound of the ocean right on your verandah was fantastic! If you need a place to chill this is it. We had three lovely ladies who came from the beach everyday and prepared us fruit, there is a juicer in the villa so you can make your own fruit juices, which with your duty free can make some nice cocktails! We had been working hard and this was the perfect break with no hassle. Premen even met us at 3am at the airport! Also the tuk tuk driver Raj was great! As for eating the two places next door on the beach did great food, the one right next door did us Masala Dosa everyday and they were delicious! Go and try it you will love it!
Review submitted by Jeanne from Hertford (Submitted: 23 Nov 2009)
This has to be the most amazing holiday we have ever had, the location was fantastic and Preman the owner was absolutely incredible and nothing was too much trouble for him and I cant wait to return as soon as possible.
Review submitted by Adam & Dash from Horsham (Submitted: 22 Nov 2009)
Wow what can we say! When you wake up to the sounds of crashing waves every morning and watch the sunset over your beach every evening. This place is amazing and would highly recommend it to anybody who wants to get away from all the hussle and bussle.
The villa is modest but has everything you need or want, including a jucier to enjoy freshly squeezed pineapple juice and fresh fruit for breakfast, to be enjoyed on your private veranda, overlooking the beach. What a way to start your day.
Paradise would be the right way to describe this place. The food is great and the people are friendly, including our host Preman. Who is always prepared to help and nothing is too much trouble.
We would recommend a couple of days on the backwaters, a trip down to three oceans and tamil nadu which can be done on the same day as a trip to the wooden place. All of which Preman helped us organise, which meant no stress or hassle and means we could just enjoy our time in Kerala.
We will be going back to kerala and will be staying at this villa again and have and will be recommending staying here to all our family and friends.
A holiday to remember made special by Preman.
Thank you once again are dear friend Preman
Review submitted by Ruth from Melbourne (Submitted: 16 Oct 2009)
This is a really lovely secluded spot. Preman, the landlord is very willing to help and if you have the chance, ask him about his tailoring business! Fantastic! If you want to kick back and relax this is the place for you. Quiet, private and charming. If you want to be in the middle of the action, then maybe dont come here unless you are willing to pay for regular travel costs into the bigger towns etc. Preman can organise a driver to take you on day tours if you require. Great food in the resorts around. Try Topovan=m for the best fish curries I had in Kerala! Also Topovam Resort has excellent Ayurvedic massages.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 12 Apr 2009)
were good
Review submitted by david from crawley (Submitted: 12 Apr 2009)
Me & my wife arrived in march 28th for 2weeks, and like the previous review the photos on the web does not do it any justice!!! We also told this to Preman the owner, who could not do enough for us. you are only a 15 min drive from the busy resort of kovolom (thats if you want to leave paradise) But every now and then you have to just to get a few groceries, as you can imagine as my wife said it was our own littlel piece of paradise.
Next to the villa are a few restarants but harrys shack at coconut bay is a must if you like your prawns or any food.
We ate at all the restraunts around the villa and had no problems at all.
I would suggest that if you like a little tipple and not just beer to bring duty free.
All in all we had a lovley time and will be coming back soon.
Review submitted by magdalena from london (Submitted: 2 Apr 2009)
We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived to find a mustard-yellow villa sitting peacefully amid the palm trees, with the soft sound of waves breaking on the beach. This was paradise. And every day we stayed made it harder to leave in the end. Preman our landlord and host bent over backwards to fulfill our needs. Preman made sure we wanted for nothing. All in all a great holiday and excellent value. We would recommended to anybody who wants a peacefull holiday. The photos on the web site did not do it justice.
Review submitted by Jim from London (Submitted: 3 Feb 2009)
This is a lovely villa set on the beach.Two ensuite bedrooms, care and thought put into decor etc.
Weather in late January was sunny and warm. There is a choice of places to eat or spend the day. Alternativly, the local village is a short walk away and the busy tourist beaches of Kovalim an easy drive away.
The villa has everything you might need on holiday and the owner took great care of us - really nothing was too much trouble. Also he has information on places to visit and very willing to set up trips (we went to the cape of India, to an ancient wooden palace and to a temple. on anotheer day we took a trip north to a colourful festival.
Very happy to recommend this property for a relaxing holiday. Jim and Linda