Kerala or the Maldives?

My 31-year-old daughter and I would like a week-long visit to a spa next February in either Kerala or the Maldives. We would like somewhere not too isolated (so we can venture out in the evening) and somewhere known for its good food. Have you any suggestions?
19 September 2007

Miranda responds: Kerala and the Maldives could not be more different!

The Maldives are staggeringly beautiful islands with white coral sands and heavenly aqua blue water and there are some seriously wonderful spas to be found. However, as each resort is an island in itself there is nowhere to wander off to in the evenings and all meals can only be taken in one of the resort restaurants. If good food is important then you really do need to go to one of the more upmarket resorts. Due to lack of arable land most produce beyond fish and coconuts is imported into the islands - you definitely get what you pay for and it’s not cheap!

The spas on the luxury island resorts are extremely good with a philosophy of “East meets West” thereby offering a treatment menu to suit all. Budget is not mentioned in your question. Island Hideaway, Soneva Fushi and Coco Palm are three I would recommend though the first two are pricey. Both Island Hideaway and Soneva Fushi are large islands by Maldivian standards and offer a bit more space with bikes to use as transport. Coco Palm is less expensive but still very popular and all three can be reached by seaplane offering a sensational start and finish to the holiday.

Kerala on the other hand is India. Most spas are purely Ayurveda centres and if local culture and a traditional Indian spa experience is what you are after then this is the place. The Southern country is famous for its waterways and there is certainly more to explore when not in the spa. The beaches are large and open but not in the same league as the Maldives – this is ocean rather than coral reef waters.

International food is not always good but there are many local restaurants with excellent spicy dishes to try. Taj Green Cove Resort sounds like a serious option for you. The hotel is wonderful, the spa also offers international and Western treatments as well as Ayurveda and you can walk to nearby shops and restaurants. To be nearer the waterways Kumarakom Lake Resort is better positioned for small barge nature excursions through the jungle while still offering a great spa holiday.

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