Soorya Attingal: India's BEST Kept Hotel Secret? (You NEED to See This!)

Hotel Soorya Attingal India

Soorya Attingal: India's BEST Kept Hotel Secret? (You NEED to See This!)

Soorya Attingal: India's BEST Kept Hotel Secret? (You NEED to See This!) - A Messy, Honest Review

Alright, buckle up, because I’m about to unravel the "best kept hotel secret" that is Soorya Attingal. And let me tell you, it's less "secret" and more "hidden gem that’s whispering sweet nothings to your wanderlust-starved soul." I’m not going to pretend I'm a polished travel blogger. This is me, unfiltered, after a week of serious pampering and existential pondering in Kerala.

First Impressions (and a little bit of a freakout about accessibility):

Landing in Attingal, I felt the usual travel jitters. Finding Soorya Attingal wasn't a problem – thankfully, the airport transfer (more on that amazing service later!) was seamless. But my initial scan for accessibility? Okay, let's be real, here's where the "secret" part worries me a little. The hotel, while beautiful, doesn't scream "universally accessible Utopia." They do have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, which is HUGE. But I’m not sure about the exact ramps and specific access within the pool area. This is where I'd suggest calling ahead and actually checking. (I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, because the vibe is all about being helpful.)

The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (and minor OCD breakdown):

Okay, the room. Let’s get the practical stuff out of the way: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank the travel gods. Internet access – LAN too! They’ve thought of everything. There was air conditioning (essential!), a desk (for pretending to work…), and a safe box… which, let's be honest, I barely touched because I trusted the lovely staff. Also a refrigerator, and… wait for it… SLIPPERS! (Yes, people, little touches like that make a huge difference.) And they even had a fresh bottle of water waiting.

But, me, I was totally hooked on the blackout curtains. They were like a bear hug of darkness, perfect for chasing away jet lag and my crippling fear of being awake at 3 AM. And the soundproofing? Glorious. The outside world became a muffled hum, which was exactly what I needed after dealing with the chaos of…well, life. Seriously, I could have stayed in that room forever. Okay, maybe not forever… but a long time.

Now, the bathroom. It was clean. REALLY clean. Let's talk about daily housekeeping… they were on it! (I even left a little tip!) And the towels? Fluffy. The toiletries? Excellent. I may or may not have stolen a few of the mini bottles. Guilty. They had a separate shower/bathtub – and a hair dryer. The bathrobes were supremely comfy, I lived in them. I was so relaxed I started thinking about all the things I needed to do – like my toenails and a face mask. Ah, perfection.

Food, Glorious Food (and my waistline’s demise):

Breakfast. Breakfast [buffet] and Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. They had it. In abundance. From the moment I saw the buffet in restaurant I knew the diet was going to have to wait. They even had coffee/tea in restaurant – and seriously good coffee at that. There was Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and a vegetarian restaurant. They really catered for everyone, even the fussy veggie guests like me. The restaurants are a real highlight. I ate a seriously delicious soup in restaurant. The salad in restaurant was fresh. I loved the desserts in restaurant! And then the Happy hour at the bar? Oh. My. God. Cocktails with a view. Pure decadence. They even had a poolside bar, so you can sip your drink of choice while watching the sunset. Don't forget the occasional cheeky snack bar.

Things to Do (and How I Officially Reached Peak Relaxation):

Okay, this is where Soorya Attingal really shines. I'm talking Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view. Seriously, breathtaking. I think I spent half my vacation just staring at it. And the spa/sauna! They offer a Body scrub, a Body wrap, and lots of Massage. I can still feel the tension melting away… I treated myself to a full body massage, and I swear I emerged a different person.

I was also interested in the Gym/fitness but I did the exact opposite. Things to do: Ways to relax:

Spa
Spa/Sauna
Steamroom
Swimming pool
Swimming pool [outdoor]
Massage

Cleanliness & Safety: A COVID-Era Reality Check:

Let's be real. We're all a bit hyper-aware of cleanliness now. Soorya Attingal has been seriously on it. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. There were also Rooms sanitized between stays and the option to have Room sanitization opt-out available. It was reassuring.

Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:

This is where the hotel proved it understands travelers! The airport transfer? Phenomenal. The concierge was helpful. The Air conditioning in public area was welcome. The Cash withdrawal was handy. I especially appreciated the Daily housekeeping!

Getting Around:

The car park [free of charge] was handy, and there’s car park [on-site] if you’re willing to pay. They also have a taxi service.

Dining: The Delicious Details

A la carte in restaurant
Alternative meal arrangement
Bottle of water
Breakfast [buffet]
Breakfast service
Coffee/tea in restaurant
Coffee shop
Desserts in restaurant
Happy hour
International cuisine in restaurant
Poolside bar
Restaurants
Room service [24-hour]
Salad in restaurant
Snack bar
Soup in restaurant

What Could Be Better (Because I’m Honest, remember?):

Honestly? The "secret" is getting out. I'd suggest booking in advance. Also, I wish they offered more activities. I did a day trip and I wish the hotel gave me more tips.

The Verdict: Is Soorya Attingal Worth It?

Absolutely. This is a place to unplug, unwind, and rediscover the joy of doing absolutely nothing. The staff are lovely, the food is fantastic, and the whole vibe is geared towards utter relaxation. And for the price? It’s an absolute steal.

My Personal Anecdote (Because Why Not?):

One afternoon, I was lounging by the pool – feeling like the most privileged human on Earth. A monsoon decided to crash the party. Now, I was pretty bummed at first. But someone from the hotel, brought me a hot chai. As the rain hammered down, I was sitting under a veranda, sipping hot chai, watching the storm blow in. I knew I was living my best life. That little moment encapsulates the magic of this place.

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Hotel Soorya Attingal India

Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my attempt at wrangling chaos into something resembling a travel plan, centered around the Hotel Soorya in Attingal, India. And trust me, knowing me, it's going to be a wild ride. I'm going for messy, real, and hopefully, hilarious. Here goes nothing…

Subject: Attingal Adventure: Expect the Unexpected (and Probably a Lot of Sweat)

Day 1: Arrival and Deep Breath (or, the Day I Almost Melted into a Puddle)

Morning (or, What Time Is It Even?): Arrive at Trivandrum (TRV) airport. Debarking from the air conditioned aeroplane into the blast furnace that is Kerala air in April? Holy moly. I swear, the humidity hit me like a wet, warm, angry hug. Immediately, I'm questioning every life choice that led me here. Luckily, the hotel had arranged a car pickup (thank god!), because navigating Indian traffic after a 20-hour flight? Nope. Not happening.
The Drive: The drive to Attingal was a blur of vibrant color, honking horns (the soundtrack to Indian life, apparently), and roadside stalls overflowing with things I can't even identify. I saw so many saris, bright and flowing, like a river of silk moving up the roads. My driver, bless his soul, kept chatting away in Malayalam, which I understood about as well as a cat understands quantum physics. I mostly smiled and nodded, hoping I wasn't agreeing to buy a yak.
Hotel Soorya: First Impressions and Mild Panic: Finally! Hotel Soorya. It's… well, it’s… it’s charmingly, delightfully… rustic. The lobby smells of incense and something vaguely floral, which is both calming and slightly alarming. Check-in was a bit slow (again, jet lag!), and the room… well, let’s just say the air conditioning works, but it’s a bit of a battle. The bathroom, well, it has a shower. And a toilet. We're good, we're good.
Afternoon: Curry and the Cult of the Nap: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. They have this biryani, and holy hell. Spicy. Delicious. My mouth is on fire, my eyes are watering, and I am seriously considering ordering a second plate. (Did I? You bet your bottom dollar I did.) The humidity had already started to weigh its heavy hand, and after lunch I basically had to get in bed and close myself in a bubble, to get the energy to face the rest of the day. The nap? Glorious. Like sinking into a cloud made of cool.

Day 2: Beach Bliss and the Art of the Beach Snack (or, I Tried to Swim and Almost Got Eaten by a Wave)

Morning: The Road to the Beach: My goal: Varkala Beach. They told me it's beautiful, and the pictures look amazing. This time, I attempted to navigate transport via auto-rickshaw! A small, 3-wheeled vehicle that is, I'm told, the pinnacle of transport in Kerala. It's also terrifying, exhilarating, and smells faintly of exhaust fumes and jasmine. The ride was bumpy, the driver was a daredevil, but the view was fantastic. The drive itself took me about an hour and a half. In that heat. After an hour, I wanted to murder.
Varkala Beach: The Beach and The Waves: As soon as I arrived, I wanted to run into the water and embrace the ocean. Turns out, the ocean has other ideas. The waves were HUGE. I mean, monster waves. I tried to swim. Briefly. I got knocked on my back, swallowed a pint of saltwater, and decided that sunbathing on the sand was a much safer bet.
Lunch: Beachside Feast: Okay, the beach snack experience. I'm at a small shop, and I ordered a couple of samosas and a chai. The samosas were hot, crispy, and perfectly spiced. The chai… the chai was the nectar of the gods, I swear. Suddenly, I was at peace. It was a moment of total bliss.
Afternoon: Cliffside Stroll and Sunset Serenity: After a nap to recover from all the physical activity, I took a walk along the cliff overlooking the beach. The view was spectacular. But honestly, the best part was just sitting and people-watching. I saw a group of young men playing volleyball, a couple holding hands, and an old lady selling something that I couldn't quite identify. The sunset was one of those jaw-dropping spectacles that makes you believe in magic.

Day 3: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and the Trauma of Temple Rice (or, My Stomach's Spiritual Awakening)

Morning: Exploring Attingal: Decided to explore the town of Attingal itself today. First stop: a local Hindu temple I found on the map. I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit intimidated, but also intrigued. The air is thick with the sound of chants and the smell of incense. I tried to be respectful, didn't know what to expect.
Tuk-Tuk Troubles and Thrills: Took another tuk-tuk ride because, why not? This time, I told the driver to take me to the market. The ride was a blur of people, sounds, and smells. But what a trip!! I'd never seen so many fruits and vegetables, spices, and vibrant fabrics. My eyes were probably popping out of my head.
Temple Rice of Death: Okay, here's the down and dirty. At the temple, I got offered some "prasadam," i.e., rice or something that was given to worshippers. I knew that if someone offered it, I had to take it. I'm thinking, okay, this might be gross, but it's the culture! The texture? Slightly gluey. The taste? Well, let's just say it involved a generous amount of cumin and a hint of… dirt? I politely ate about half of it and smiled. My stomach, a traitorous beast, erupted in protest about three hours later. Let's just say it's an experience I won't forget in a hurry. I had a horrible time later getting back to the hotel.
Afternoon: Hotel Recovery: The rest of the day? Spent in bed, clutching my stomach, regretting all life choices, and drinking endless cups of ginger tea. I learned the hard way – always be prepared for your gut to stage a revolt when you travel.

Day 4: Ayurvedic Adventures and Farewell Feast (or, The Day I Got Oiled and Ate Way Too Much)

Morning: Ayurvedic Treatment at the Hotel: Hotel Soorya offers Ayurvedic treatments. I booked a full body massage. I'm thinking, This'll be relaxing, right? Wrong. It started with a stream of warm oil being poured onto my forehead. Then, the massage. The therapist was incredibly skilled, but it also felt like a wrestling match with a very oily octopus. By the end, I was covered in oil, feeling like a well-marinated chicken, and utterly, completely relaxed.
Lunch: Last-Minute Eating: I was absolutely starving - and ate up basically all of the food. I had a huge plate of rice, dal, and a spicy vegetable curry. Delicious, but again, overdid it.
Afternoon: Packing and Regrets: Spent the afternoon packing and trying to decide which souvenirs to buy. I'd probably buy absolutely nothing. Mostly because I had a plane to catch. I'm also feeling a creeping sensation of sadness that my adventure is ending. I'm not quite ready to leave this crazy, beautiful, and occasionally tummy-troubling place.
Evening: Farewell Dinner: Dinner at the hotel. I had one last plate of biryani and tried to savor every bite. Said goodbye to the staff, who were all incredibly kind and patient with my clumsy attempts at speaking Malayalam. Then, it was off the airport. The end.

Day 5: Back to Reality (and the Urgent Need for Pepto-Bismol)

Departure: The dreaded airport experience. The car ride, the flight, the long lines. All of it. I'm tired, a bit sunburned, and my stomach is still a little bit precarious. But I'm also happy. I saw things I'd never seen before, ate things I'd never eaten before (some of them good, some of them… unforgettable), and made memories that will keep me laughing for years.
Home: Back at home, the first thing I did was shower off the layer of lingering sunscreen and what-not that hadn't been washed off during my visit. The second thing I did was collapse into bed. The third thing I did? Start planning my next trip. India, here I come again! (Maybe next time, I'll learn to handle the spice a little better.)

Final Thoughts: So, there you have it. My Attingal adventure, documented in all its messy, imperfect glory. It wasn't always pretty. It wasn't always comfortable. But it was real, raw, and unforgettable. And isn't that what travel is all about? Now, if you'll excuse me,

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Hotel Soorya Attingal India

So, Soorya Attingal: India's Best Kept Secret? Seriously? What even is it?

Okay, deep breath. Soorya Attingal... imagine a place where time kind of... melts. It's not a *hotel* in the sterile, chain-hotel sense. Think more... a sprawling, lovingly crumbling Kerala-style mansion, maybe with a surprise elephant wandering past your balcony. (Okay, *maybe* not the elephant. But the overall vibe...) It's in Attingal, near Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, India. And yes, *technically* it’s a hotel. But trust me, it's so much more. It's an experience.

Is it actually good? Like, really good? Because the internet hype is sus sometimes.

Alright, I’ll give it to you straight. My first impression? Utter chaos. We arrived late, it was pitch black, and the driver vanished quicker than my last slice of pizza. I was *hangry* and skeptical – the photos online were… romanticized, let’s say. But then… dawn broke. And BAM! The view. Palm trees swaying, the backwaters shimmering… Suddenly, the slightly patchy paint job and the questionable Wi-Fi (more on that later…) faded into the background. Was it perfect? Nope. Did I fall ridiculously, head-over-heels in love? Absolutely. It's got soul. It's got character. It's got... well, it’s got *something*.

What's the best thing about it? Don't just say "the vibe"!

Okay, okay, fine. Not the vibe. Although, *seriously*, the VIBE. For me, it was the *food*. Oh, the food! Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh curry leaves and coconut, then FEASTING. Seriously, I mean *feasting*. Breakfast was a ridiculous spread of appams, stew, idlis, dosas… and the lunch and dinner? Forget about it! I swear, I gained five pounds in three days, and it was WORTH EVERY SINGLE CALORIE. Particularly the fish curry… I'm still dreaming about that fish curry guys. The best dish I have eaten ever, and I’ve eaten Michelin-star food.

Alright, alright, but what about the downsides? Spill the tea!

Okay, honesty time. It's not a luxury resort. The Wi-Fi? Spotty. Like, really, *really* spotty. Think intermittent signal, and occasional pleading with the router. And the rooms… well, they're charming, but not exactly *pristine*. The air con in my room sounded like a jet engine taking off. My first night, I was sure I'd never sleep. Also, there was a distinct lack of nightlife in the area. Basically, if you're expecting a five-star experience with flawless service and constant entertainment, you might be disappointed. Come for the serenity, and accept that there might be a few more bugs than you're used to.

Is it family-friendly? Bring the kids?

Hmm… it depends. If your kids are the adventurous type and you want to unplug, absolutely! There's a pool, space to run around, and plenty of opportunities for exploration. But if your children need constant entertainment or are easily bored, maybe not. There aren't any kids’ clubs or organized activities. It's more a place for quiet relaxation and enjoying each other's company. Think reading books, playing board games, and actually *talking* to your family. (gasp!)

What activities are there to do around Soorya Attingal? Besides stuffing your face with amazing food, obviously.

Ah, that depends on your definition of "activities." You can take a boat ride on the backwaters (do it!), visit nearby temples (fascinating!), or… well, mostly just relax. There’s not a ton to do that’s centrally organized by the hotel. It's very much "do what you want" kind of place. I took a cooking class one day, which was amazing. I learned how to make the perfect Kerala fish curry, which, as I mentioned before, changed my LIFE. The main attraction is the place itself. Seriously, just wander around, soak it in (the surroundings, not the dirty rainwater), and let go of any rigid plans.

So, is it really a "secret"? Hard to believe.

I'm not sure it's still *entirely* a secret, but it’s definitely not overrun with tourists, which is one of the things that I loved. It’s not a giant chain hotel, and it hasn't been plastered all over social media (yet!). The clientele seems to be mainly a mix of travellers who love authenticity and a bit a of a bargain. I feel like *I* discovered a genuine place, an actual gem. I am genuinely protecting it.

Would you go back?

Without a doubt. In a heartbeat. I'm already planning my return. I miss the food, the laid-back atmosphere, and the feeling of being completely disconnected from the world. Sure, it's not perfect, but that's part of its charm. It's real. It's raw. And it's utterly unforgettable. Just… please don’t all go at once. I want to make sure I can get a room next time!

Any packing tips?

Bug spray. Lots of it. And a good book. Seriously, the internet is useless there. Oh, and be prepared to unplug. Embrace the lack of connectivity. It's actually liberating. And don't forget your appetite!

Is it safe?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe. I felt completely secure during my stay. (Though I did have a minor scare when a large lizard scurried across my room one afternoon… but that’s more a me-being-easily-spooked-by-wildlifeproblem than a safety issue.) Kerala is generally a very safe state for tourists.