HolisticStay – Looking for an amazing and relaxing vacation? Look no further!

HolisticStay – “Savor health, tranquility, and comfort on your stay with us”

HolisticStay

Kerala – God’s own Country! This was our destination of the year when we started planning for a relaxing one-week trip down south. Also, just like it happens each time, I and my wife had disagreements, squabbles, and finally, some altercation on the hotel and itinerary.

I preferred comfort, while she wished for a place with great views and activities. Needless to say, all this within our meagre budget. By the stroke of luck, our search ended when we stumbled across the website of HolisticStay, which was a quaint and rustic property nestled quietly on the mountains, between borders of Karnataka and Kerala, overlooking some greenest pastures ever witnessed by us.

HolisticStay – How we reached?

From Delhi, we took a Delhi-Mumbai flight and then another one from Mumbai to Kannur Kerala. Finally, from Kannur airport, there were a plethora of options.

• State bus – Indefinitely wait for state bus, which would never come as per the requirements. A friendly piece of advice, please skip this option without an iota of doubt. We did not even consider this option.
• Cab from the airport – We could have hired an expensive cab from Kannur airport. However, we were concerned about our safety by hiring a cab from someone unknown. Our legendary knowledge of Malayalam was limited to ‘Malayalam ariyilla’, meaning I don’t know Malayalam. Finally, we did not consider this option too.
• Hotel cab – HolisticStay provides pick up and drop to Kannur airport in an AC cab on a chargeable basis. Since the cab was arranged by HolisticStay, our safety concerns too were addressed. We went ahead with this option. 

HolisticStay was about two hours’ drive (45 km) from Kannur airport. The soothing drive was through small towns amidst countryside views and lush green meadows. Every moment the scenery changed and the views became better.

For nearby tourists, Thalassery is the nearest railway station on Southern Railways.

Property Details

HolisticStay was a covid guideline compliant (Temperature testing, Sanitization, insisting on the usage of mask, social distancing, etc.), pet-friendly, gated property in the rustic ambiance of Vanchiyam, Kerala, spread across sprawling 15 acres of lush green manicured land. As we entered the main gate, leaving behind the tumult of the chaotic world, an idyllic atmosphere awaited us. The check-in was a breeze and everything looked immaculately in place. 

Our room was tastefully decorated and maintained by the owner. Our room had a huge window, which overlooked the mountain view outside. The room opposite ours had a mountain stream view. The property had ample free parking, high-speed broadband Wi-Fi, CCTV, Security Guard. The check-in time is before 17.00 hrs (for 24 hrs) and homemade meals can be prepared accordingly, as per the choice of guest, if they inform in advance.

HolisticStay – Amenities

At HolisticStay, comfort and grandeur go hand in hand. Our room had a huge king-size bed, an Almirah with hangers, TV with cable & a working remote, a writing table, an iron table, a coffee machine, a quiet but effective Split AC, clean linens and loads of quietude, which is a real luxury for city people like us. 

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Each room has an attached bathroom fitted with modern & luxurious sanitary ware and is equipped with a lavish bathtub, a western commode, and a running hot and cold water shower. Toiletries, personal grooming items, and towels were available but were provided on-demand only, owing to unprecedented covid times.

Food – Love at first bite

Enjoyment is delicious food, great company, and a wonderful time together. At HolisticStay, soul-filling happiness comes in lazy sips of South Indian filter coffee prepared by their dedicated home chef. Both veg and non-veg meals are simple yet deliciously prepared and aesthetically presented. 

Most of the vegetables served to the guests are organic and grown inside the property in the kitchen & herbal garden. During late evenings, barbeque with music and live grill along with alcoholic drinks can be arranged on guests’ demand, on a chargeable basis. 

Engagements

There is a multitude of activities available at HolisticStay. The property has all common indoor games like Carrom, Ludo, Tambola, Badminton, Dartboard, Business, etc. available. Musical chair, tug-of-war, campfire, camping tents, treehouse fun, kundalini meditation class, consultation of an ayurvedic doctor, ayurvedic massage, herbal products, etc. can also be arranged. 

We met a few foreign nationals during our stay at HolisticStay. They too, had an amazing experience at HolisticStay.

Places nearby

Other activities include a visit to the dairy farm, goat farm, poultry farm, duck farm, and rabbit, birds & butterfly watching, and honey bee park. Also, one can visit a few rubber and cashew plantations nearby. There are plenty of places around wherein one can spend a full day gazing at the splendors of nature. A visit to Paithalmala hills, Palakkayam Tatt, Sasippara viewpoint, Kanjirakolli, longest driving beach, can be exhaustive but absolutely worth the effort. 

Natural Water Pool

However, the numero uno attraction of HolisticStay is a natural water pool. There is a freshwater cascade flowing next to the property which has been smartly developed into a natural water pool. Undoubtedly, taking bath in this gush of water reminded me of the tube well bath I used to have during my childhood in my village. Truly nostalgic. The kid in me was reborn while enjoying this natural water pool.

Weather

Since the property is about 4800 ft above sea level, early mornings and late evenings could be a little chilly, so carry light woolens for kids and windcheaters for adults.

Booking and Payment

I prefer calling at the property and booking it directly. This ensures that there is no ambiguity in the booking. Also, I get to talk about the available amenities on the property and the vicinity around so that I can plan my itinerary better.

I called HolisticStay at +91 94958 50389 for booking and got terrific rates. In fact, they promised to provide me a room with the best view, and I was not disappointed when we checked in. The payment can be made by all major credit and debit cards. Even google pay is acceptable.

Refund Policy

We plan, God laughs. This is the way life is. At the last moment, there could be some unforeseen circumstances, some unprecedented hiccups in plans. Fortunately, HolisticStay understands this aspect of trip planning. Cancellations are accepted and refunds are made depending on the tourist season. However, no refund on cancellation within 24 hrs or no show. Full refund is made due to unfortunate covid-19 reason, before 48 hrs from check-in date.

Responsible Tourism

How great it would be if we leave a lighter footprint on our environment by minimizing the single-use plastic, by having good waste management practices, by purchasing a majority of items locally, and by abiding by the reduce, reuse and recycle mantra.

At HolisticStay, meals can be served on leaf plates with wooden spoons, which are easily biodegradable. The owner desires to keep this corner of the earth as pure as possible by adapting earth-friendly items and practices.

Epilogue

The four days we spent at HolisticStay certainly helped us press the pause button to our busy lifestyle. It was not a lavish resort or a fancy hotel, but a home away from home where we could relax, rewind and rejuvenate before limping back to the grind of our mundane urban lifestyle.

HolisticStay provided the much-needed break we longed for!

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