Planters Retreat Homestay

A beautiful property set within lovely gardens and plantation. Or room was huge and the bathroom a good size. The large well furnished verandahs were peaceful to sit and read or snooze in my case. The hosts were very welcoming. The ladies of the house made food which aimed to give us a taste of different types of Indian food, some we had had before some was new to us, it was all enjoyed. ||The host's son showed us around the plantation which was fascinating. There was a much more diverse range of crops than I had expected. The descriptions of rubber and cocoa production were very interesting. I was impressed by Vivek (son) he appears to be an astute business man.||We were taken for an all day safari to a local forest and reservoir. A picnic lunch was provided along with tables, chairs and an umbrella for us westerners. We had a lovely day and expected to pay for the drivers time and petrol, but it was complimentary, although we would have been happy to contribute. A very enjoyable stay in some of the most picturesque scenery we encountered on our three week trip.

We spent three nights in the beautiful home of Matthew and Rosie. The house has many beautiful teak features with a huge terrace to enjoy a glass of homemade juice or beer in the evening.|The bedroom was spotless, air conditioned, great shower and tea making facilities.|Three delicious home cooked meals a day, produced by Rosie and her daughter in law Tina. All dishes explained and true authentic Keralan flavours.|We enjoyed a visit to our hosts rubber plantation and coconut oil processing plant. Fascinating for us Westerners and fully explained by Matthew's son Vivek together with his two bright and delightful little boys. |We made two visits to the surrounding plantation and were simply overwhelmed by the variety of crops produced.|The family were all so welcoming, warm and a joy to spend time with.

We arrived very lat in this privately owned Manor on a huge plantation. The proprietor, a very educated and cultivated medical professor waited with his family with the dinner which we took together with him! In the conversations we learned a lot about the christian minority's life in southrn India. The room was spacious, calm, with views only on the palm trees. You can sleep with open windows, because it is cool outside! Beautiful bath of grey granite. - Next morning the owner made a private tour over hs plantation with us, explaining all spice plants and the cultivation of trees and fruits - really interesting! I only can recommend this place because it gives you the rare opportunity to learn to know a member of the Indian upper class personally!!

We were welcomed graciously by Dr. Matthew and his family, and we enjoyed learning more about healthcare in India as well as about the challenges of running an organic plantation. We had a tour of the plantation and marvelled at the diversity and complexity of running such a venture. We enjoyed a trip to the nearby dam, and the wonderful picnic that Tina provided for us. We felt uncomfortable eating in splendour at a folding picnic table while our guide and driver sat behind the car for their lunch. Coming from New Zealand, this just does not feel right but we simply had to accept it.||Tina catered beautifully for us and we enjoyed getting to know her delightful little boys.||We enjoyed being in a family home, though quite a formal one. The wifi did not work for us, but otherwise it was a very comfortable stay.

We stayed one night during our month visit to S. India. We were warmly greeted by our charming host and owner (a retired medical man) who showed us to our spacious rooms. The property is large and beautifully constructed with much teak in evidence. The garden grounds and estate beyond are all well tended and most attractive. With this being a 'home stay' we had thought we were going to join in with the family for their meals - however the guests had their own dining room, the food was placed on the table and the contents explained by the lady of the house. We then ate while the doctor stood behind us. Frankly we felt rather uncomfortable - we would have liked to have eaten with the family - having one of them standing over us made us feel awkward. Maybe this is the custom in India. But don't get me wrong - our host was most attentive, very cultured and most interesting to talk to.||The following morning, before departing, we had a tour of the estate which was most informative and well worth the time. Our driver was delighted with his accommodation and food which he shared with another driver. If we go to India again we'll try another homestay or two - I didn't have the feeling I had stayed with a family - more like being in a hotel with an attentive house manager. Sorry, but there you are.

Spent 1 night at Planters Retreat as part of a VJV tour of Kerala. We were not sure what to expect but Matthew and Tina made us very welcome and their home is just lovely. Our room was massive, comfortable with a terrific bathroom. Matthew took us to visit a coconut oil factory run by his cousin and to see his rubber plantation. The trips were interesting and we got an insight into the local economy, the use of coconuts and the problems faced by the local population.||||Matthew and Tina were great company and we also enjoyed meeting two of their sons Thomas and Joseph who were really good hosts.||||Our experience was a highlight of the trip and it made a lovely change from hotels. Well worth it.

We stayed here for 2 nights on our tour of India. What a fantastic place to stay. Such an incredible home and wonderful welcoming family. A place of peace after some hectic days.|Delicious meals taken with the family, who were so interesting to talk with and learn about India, their culture and way of life. We so enjoyed this aspect of the stay.|Lovely large room, with good facilities. |Really enjoyed the walking tour of the rubber and coco plantations and learning about the plants and environment. A must in anyone's trip. ||

Dr Mathew and his family run a fine homestay, with pleasant ,if not exciting, air conditioned rooms and quite acceptable bathroom facilities and a relaxing lounge if you have the time in the evening. The good doctor and his family conducted us around the one time full rubber estate , which is now diversifying to meet modern requirements , and gives his guests a warm insight into a planters day. The homely meals were splendid , This is a good night stop , whether we should more enjoy an extended stay I am not sure .