Usuario invitado
31 de mayo de 2024
I had the pleasure of staying at Once Upon The River in Aluva, Cochin, after booking it last minute due to some wifi issues at the airport. A kind lady helped me connect to her wifi allowing me to book a hotel purely based on pictures without reading any reviews. Upon arrive I was warmly greeted by two courteous and polite reception staff who offered me a complimentary herbal tea. The king size room I stayed in was clean, spacious and beautiful providing great value for money. The hotel’s surroundings struck me with their sheer beauty as I ventured out to swim in the pool. The well maintained gardens featured palm trees, nutmeg, star fruit, mango and other plants. Tony, a staff member, explained the medicinal uses of these fruits and I enjoyed tasting as many as I could. For the meals, I chose light dishes including Jeera rice. Chef Shebin graciously shared his ingredients and method for making Dhal Fry, pickle, and jeera rice, adding a unique North Indian twist. with Dhal Fry, pickle, and yoghurt adding a unique North Indian twist. Chef Sreejith also very considerate explaining the health benefits of the food. Throughout my short stay the housekeeper Akshay was polite and attentive. The hotel’s setting is among the best I’ve experienced anywhere in the world, truly embodying the phrase, “Kerala is God’s Own Country”. The staff’s politeness, kindness and willingness to help ensure that I will definitely return. My family, who have seen the stunning views, also plan to visit during their next stay in Kerala. The hotel is beautifully situated between two rivers, with picturesque paths lined with fresh greenery, trees, and plants I’ve never seen before. The friendly cleaners keep the place immaculate. The swimming pool is reasonably sized, very clean and surrounded by greenery making it feel like swimming in heaven. Each building is named after the tree in front of it; I stayed in the Nutmeg room. I learned that the red fruit of the nutmeg is edible, as is the substance inside the hard shell. I also tasted the star fruit which was light, fragrant and juicy. Fascinated by the babu palm trees, as I plan to grow one in England, the gardener provided me with some helpful tips. As my son and his girlfriend are now cooking natural, nutritious food for clients, I picked up numerous hints to help them. From the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients to unique North Indian culinary techniques shared by the kind chefs, I gained valuable insights that I’m excited to pass on to them. Overall my stay here was a wonderful experience of paradise. Sorry for the lengthy review, but it is important not to miss out on this incredible, happy time.
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