I've had many great memories of Kerala Blog Express 2, surrounding the great camaraderie formed among thirty travel bloggers from around the world, the organizers, and of course—our jovial new friends from the hospitality industry. The Raviz Resort & Spa in Kollam was one of the many hotels that made us feel completely at home. Mirroring the glitzy setting of that palatial lakeside resort, the service, hospitality, architecture, food, and overall vibe made our brief stop there truly memorable.
The Raviz Resort & Spa | Kollam, Kerala, India
Backwater Cruise
Upon our arrival, our hosts immediately showed us to one of their traditional houseboats, where we had our afternoon backwater cruise and snacks—and most importantly—to further bond among each other.
The time of day was perfect for our lake excursion, as the glistening skies bouncing off the glass-like waters dished up a dramatic sight. Feasting on southern Indian snacks, fruit juices, and tea, we all stood at the upper deck and simply enjoyed the lovely view.
Just before the sunset, some of us transferred to a small boat for a kayaking tour of the lake.
Lake View Room
Following our smooth check-in, I was led to my spacious room, which opened to a veranda overlooking the scenic Ashtamudi Lake. From my terrace, I could see the charming rustic life unfolding from the lakeside villages.
A king-size bed, an ensuite bathroom, a couch, a widescreen TV, a work desk, and a tall closet completed the amenities inside my room.
Other Amenities
As a posh wellness resort, it came as no surprise to be led to the expansive Ayurveda and Rejuvenation section of The Raviz Resort & Spa. The surrounding grounds of the resort are also used for yoga sessions, while the pool sits on a lot overlooking the lake. The resort's restaurants serve a medley of Oriental, Western, and traditional Kerala cuisines.
Dinner Banquet
The management of the Raviz Resort and Spa then treated us to a dinner banquet complete with cultural performances and a cooking demonstration of some of the finest Kerala dishes. They each gave us traditional clothing to wear for the night: Mundum Neriyathum for the women (the mundu is the lower garment, while the upper one is the neriyathu), while for us men, we wore the Dhoti matched with a long-sleeved shirt.
As we wound up the fun night, I retired to my room with a tired body and a heart full of joy, knowing our Kerala Blog Express was off to a great start. Extending my gratitude to the management of Raviz Resort and Spa, I not only got to experience staying in another cozy hotel, but I also got to bond further with newfound friends.
Book your stay now at The Raviz Resort & Spa Kollam
