Raj Resort Kelwa: Your Dream Indian Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Raj Resort Kelwa experience. Forget the glossy travel brochures and the sanitized reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all. And let me tell you, after spending a week there, I've got opinions. Ready? Let's GO!
Raj Resort Kelwa: Your Dream Indian Getaway… Is It Really?
First things first: the tagline. "Your Dream Indian Getaway Awaits!" Hmm. Ambitious. Let's see if Raj Resort Kelwa delivers on that promise.
Accessibility: Can You Get There? (And Can You Get Around Once You're There?)
Okay, so getting there is a minor adventure. It’s accessible, in the sense that roads lead to it. No helicopter required. But! The drive from… well, wherever you're coming from… can be a bit bumpy. This isn't some slick, city hotel. It's rural. So, keep that in mind.
Once you are there… Wheelchair accessibility? They claim to have it. But I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give you a definitive "yes" or "no." I did see ramps… and some areas that looked a little… challenging. My gut says call ahead and really grill them on specifics. Don't take the website's word for it. Ask about the pool access, the restaurant access… be thorough. (If you have a physical disability, take my advice here, not my rambling.)
Internet Access: The Eternal Struggle… and The Glorious, Occasional Victory
Alright, let's talk about the bane of all existence in the modern world: internet. I’m a digital nomad, a writer… I need to be connected, even in paradise.
Internet Access? Yes. Sort of. Officially, they boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and even throw in Internet [LAN]! In reality though, it's up and down like a yoyo. Some days it's blazing fast, streaming Netflix and whatnot. Other days… well, let's just say writing a simple email felt like climbing Mount Everest. Internet services themselves aren't exactly amazing, but they're there. Wi-Fi in public areas is also a mixed bag. My advice? Buy a local SIM card. Save yourself the frustration.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Actually Sanitize?
Okay, COVID-19 era. Let's talk about the necessary paranoia. Raj Resort, from what I saw, tried. They had the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Daily disinfection in common areas. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available. I saw a lot of Anti-viral cleaning products being used, seemingly. I didn't see any Sterilizing equipment, but I wasn't exactly looking for it either. Rooms sanitized between stays? Hopefully.
They offered Cashless payment service, which is always a plus. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were hopefully in use, but you never really know, do you? Individually-wrapped food options were on offer. Safe dining setup? Yeah, looked okay. They were certainly trying.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Fueling My Indigestion?)
The food situation at Raj Resort Kelwa is a journey, let me tell you. They offer Restaurants, plural! And A la carte in restaurant is an option! But the main one? The main restaurant is "The Spice Route" – and believe me, it’s a route filled with some unexpected turns.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant? Present.
- International cuisine in restaurant? Also present.
- Vegetarian restaurant? Not exactly. But a generous selection of vegetarian options are offered in the main restaurant.
- Western cuisine in restaurant? Mostly Indian-ized versions, so expect a bit of a culinary identity crisis (or, depending on your mindset, a cultural immersion!).
The Breakfast [buffet]… ah, the buffet. This was the highlight. The Asian breakfast was pretty good. They offered Coffee/tea in restaurant and Breakfast service. The Breakfast takeaway service was a nice touch, for those mornings when you just can't face interacting with another human before sunrise. They even had a Coffee shop - but the coffee was often… weak.
**Here's my confession: **I ate far too much Samosa. Desserts in restaurant? Available, and mostly fantastic. Salad in restaurant? Yes. Soup in restaurant? Yes. Bottle of water? Provided. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver. The Poolside bar? The drinks were… strong. And cheap. Snack bar? Small but does the trick.
The one thing that really sticks in my head is the soup, because one day it was the only thing I could stomach after overdoing it on the curries the first night. It was a delicious, and very comforting tomato soup. I’m not generally one for tomato soup, but after a few too many spices, it really did the trick. You'll have to be slightly flexible on the menu… but the food is a part of it.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Consider it!
Okay, THIS is where Raj Resort Kelwa shines. They REALLY get the "relaxation" thing. This is what I was looking forward to, and they delivered… for the most part.
- Spa? Yes. That's really the whole point here.
- Sauna? Yes. Lovely.
- Steamroom? Yep. Hot and steamy.
- Pool with view? Absolutely. The highlight.
- Swimming pool? Yes. Outdoor.
- Massage? I had two. Absolutely worth it.
- Body scrub? Offered.
- Body wrap? Ditto.
- Foot bath? They do that, too.
I spent a glorious afternoon getting a massage, followed by a steam, finished with a soak in the pool. The pool is the star here. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with a view. They clearly designed this place around chilling.
Things to do:
- Gym/fitness? Didn't use it, but it was there.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (or Annoy)
- Cash withdrawal: Possible.
- Concierge: Helpful, but not always omnipresent.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Generally good.
- Laundry service: Yep.
- Food delivery: Didn’t try it.
- Luggage storage: Standard.
- Smoking area: Designated.
And here's a little gem: they provide Essential condiments in your room! Sweetness. They also do Air conditioning in public areas and a Convenience store on-site. Facilities for disabled guests are advertised. See above comments about getting specific details for accessibility.
For the Kids Babysitting service is a plus point for the family.
Getting Around
They offer Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site] is also available. Taxi and airport transfer are there as well.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
- Air conditioning: Crucial.
- Alarm clock: Old school!
- Bathrobes: Yes.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleep.
- Coffee/tea maker: Excellent.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: Mostly reliable.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Standard.
- In-room safe box: A must.
- Internet access – wireless: When it works.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Shower: Yes.
- Slippers: Comfy.
- Wake-up service: Reliable.
- Wi-Fi [free]: When it's on.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
- Additional toilet is a plus.
Now for the good stuff: what I really loved
- The pool: As mentioned, the highlight. It's just… stunning. The view is everything.
- The spa: Seriously, get the massage. It's worth it.
- The staff: Generally friendly and helpful, despite the occasional language barrier hiccup.
- The vibe: It’s laid-back, and rural. You can really switch off here.
What could be better:
- The internet: (I'm saying it again)
- Consistency in the restaurant: Some days it was amazing, other days… not so much.
- **Accessibility
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Raj Resort Kelwa. Expect sand, sun, and a healthy dose of my internal monologue. Let’s get this mess started:
Raj Resort Kelwa: A Hot Mess Express of a Schedule (Maybe?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Beach Bluff (or, "Where's the Sunscreen?!")
- 7:00 AM (Actually, Maybe 8:00 AM - that alarm clock and I are NOT friends): Wake up. Groan. Remember I'm supposed to be on vacation. Smile. Pack the last-minute items I swear I’ll need (read: a book I won’t touch, 5 different types of snacks, and a "just in case" sweater).
- 9:00 AM (Or, You Know, Whenever We Actually LEAVE): Chaotic taxi ride to… somewhere. Probably the wrong place first. I swear, I'm convinced the driver is just circling the town.
- 11:00 AM (Give or Take a Delays): ARRIVAL at Raj Resort Kelwa! Omg, it's REAL. And… actually kind of cute! Palm trees swaying, the (hopefully) turquoise water winking. Sigh of relief. Check-in. Probably bicker with the front desk about internet access.
- 12:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and That Damn Wardrobe: Unpack. Immediately realize I packed WAY too much. Try and fail to organize. Discover that the wardrobe is, in fact, a labyrinth of questionable hangers and the ghost of previous guests' forgotten belongings.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch Disaster Averted (Maybe!): Head to the resort restaurant, which will likely be a sea of sweaty tourists and uncertain-looking food. I will probably order something extremely adventurous (for me), like… a sandwich. Pray to the food gods it doesn't make me sick. Visions of Delhi Belly dance through mind.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: BEACH. GLORY. (Or, The Sunscreen Wars Begin): Beach! The whole reason I came. But… where is the sunscreen?! Panic ensues. Search every single bag, closet, and pocket for that darn sunblock. Probably end up improvising with some questionable coconut oil concoction (don't judge, I'm on holiday!). Bask in the sun, read a book, people-watch. Get a sunburn.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset Serendipity? Find a spot on the beach to watch the sunset. Take a million photos, because the colours will be INSANE. Try to be present, and not stuck in my phone, and failing miserably. Maybe get a little emotional, like, "Wow, life is beautiful" (cue cheesy music).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and a (Probably Mediocre) Drink: Dinner at the resort, followed by drinks. Try the local cocktail. Regret it slightly. But hey, it's vacation!
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime (Maybe). Collapse into bed, exhausted but happy. Or, maybe I'll sneak a midnight walk on the beach. Or, maybe I'll discover a secret stash of snacks. You never know.
Day 2: The Ocean Awakens (or, "Why Did I Think I Could Kayak?!")
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Regret last night's cocktail. Vow to drink more water.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast Battle: Navigate the breakfast buffet. Attempt to eat something healthy, fail miserably. Load up on fruit and pastries. Judge the people who only eat deep-fried things.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Kayaking! (Or, The Struggle is REAL): Rent a kayak. (Insert overly ambitious laugh.) Attempt to paddle. Wind up looking like a confused turtle. Probably capsize. Get soaked. Laugh hysterically. Swear off kayaking forever.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch (Again!). Back to the restaurant for another round of culinary roulette. Pray I don't get food poisoning.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Sunbathing (and Maybe a Nap). Back to the beach. Lather myself in sunscreen (this time, ideally). Read. People-watch. Doze off. Wake up with sand in places I didn't know existed.
- 4:00 PM: A Walk and a Moment. Walk along the seashore. Collect shiny shells. Contemplate my life, or just the logistics of getting a decent cup of coffee.
- 6:00 PM: Evening cocktails (Again!) Pre-dinner drinks at the bar. Chat with strangers. Make questionable life choices.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner (hopefully more exciting than yesterday's) followed by a stroll along the sand.
- 9:00 PM: Bed, or the beginnings of a dance party, depending on how much I’ve had to drink.
Day 3: Culture Shock and (Probably) Seafood (or, "Is This Actually Real Life?").
- 9:00 AM: Wake up confused. Where am I? Are these my fingers?
- 10:00 AM: Sightseeing (Or, Trying to Look Like I Belong). Explore the town. Try to navigate the local markets. Get completely lost. Bargain ridiculously for a souvenir I probably don't need.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Seafood! Hopefully, it's FRESH. And won't make me sick. Order at a local place. Attempt to converse with a waiter in broken Hindi. Look incredibly awkward.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Beach Ritual - Sun, Sand, and Sanity.
- 6:00 PM: Farewell Sunset (Sob!). Admire the final sunset. Realize I’m going to miss this place – even the sand in my undies.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell Dinner: One last, possibly disastrous, meal. (It's the end of the trip. Let's live a little!)
- 9:00 PM: Pack. Cry. Repeat. (Or, The Awkward Goodbye). Start packing. Feel a wave of sadness. Vow to return.
Day 4: Departure (or, "Back to Reality with a Side of Sand").
- 6:00 AM (Ugh): Wake up. Pack the last-minute items I actually need (passport, phone charger, regrets).
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast and a Final Farewell to the Buffet.
- 8:00 AM: Check out and Departure!! (Let’s Go Home!!!!)
- 9:00 AM: Chaos in transit.
- Whenever the airplane actually lands: Back Home.
Okay, so that's the plan. Will it go according to plan? Absolutely freakin' not. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? This is my trip, my mess, and my memories in the making. And who knows, maybe I’ll actually learn to kayak. Or, at least, get a good tan. Wish me luck! And if you see a woman with a sunburn, a confused expression, and sand in the most inconvenient of places, it’s probably me. Come say hi!
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Raj Resort Kelwa: FAQs - My Brain Dump Before Your Trip!
Okay, Seriously...Is Raj Resort Kelwa Actually *Nice*?
Alright, let's be real. You’re probably looking at those Insta-glam photos and thinking, "Is it Photoshopped paradise, or just...paradise with sand in the toilets?" Okay, here’s my honest take. Raj Resort Kelwa *is* nice. Emphasis on *is*. It's not some five-star monstrosity where you need a silver tongue and a trust fund to fit in. It's… comfortable Indian hospitality. Think clean rooms (mostly!), a decent pool, and views that actually make you take a deep breath and go, "Whoa."
My first impression? Breathed a sigh of relief. This was back when I was desperately trying to escape the Mumbai chaos. My room? Perfectly fine, with a balcony that overlooked… well, not the ocean, but a pretty green space, which was better than the concrete jungle I’d left behind. The AC worked. A HUGE WIN in Indian summer. But maybe the water pressure in the shower was a bit…optimistic. I had to practically stand under the nozzle to get wet. Again, this is INDIA. Adjust expectations. It's not a deal-breaker.
How's the Food? Because Let's Be Honest, Indian Food is EVERYTHING.
FOOD. The ultimate decider. Raj Resort’s restaurant is…a mixed bag. Look, the breakfast buffet? Pretty solid! Parathas, idli-sambar, something for everyone. DON'T skip the masala chai. Seriously. If you’re not ordering chai at least twice a day, you're doing it wrong. Now, lunch and dinner? That where things get interesting. They have a menu with Indian and continental options. I've had some absolutely divine butter chicken there, and some… less memorable pasta.
My biggest tip? Ask the waiters for recommendations. They're usually pretty spot-on with what's fresh and delicious that day. And don't be afraid to ask for things to be spiced to your preference. I like it HOT, and let me tell you, sometimes, I regretted asking. Tears streaming down my face hot. But it was worth it. Mostly.
One small thing: I wish the restaurant had more variety in desserts, but that's a minor quibble. And make sure you try the local seafood if it's available! Kelwa is near the coast, so fresh fish is definitely a good move.
Is the Beach *Actually* Swimmable? Because I've Heard Horror Stories...
Alright, here's the beach truth, straight from someone who's actually *been* there. The beach itself is…long. Like, really long. And sandy! That part's good. It's a fairly clean beach for India. Compared to some… let’s just say I’m not going to name names of other beaches I've seen, you're good. But... swimming? Hmm. It *can* be. The waves can be pretty strong. And the water is sometimes a little…murky. I've seen it crystal clear and inviting, and I've seen it churned up with sand.
My suggestion? Check the conditions when you arrive. Ask the locals. They'll tell you if it's safe or not. Even better: just wade in, enjoy the waves, and embrace the opportunity for a good, old-fashioned splash. Because even if swimming isn't ideal, the feeling of the ocean breeze and the sand between your toes is pure bliss after the scorching city sun. Also, carry beach essentials like sunblock, hat and sunglasses, and don’t forget a towel.
What's There to *Do* Besides Eat and Swim (Maybe)?
Okay, this is where Raj Resort (and Kelwa in general) shines for a certain type of traveler. If you're expecting Vegas-style nightlife…look elsewhere. If you're craving a chilled-out escape from the city…you've hit the jackpot. Mostly, it's about relaxation. Lounging by the pool (which, by the way, is surprisingly nice!), reading a book in a hammock, and generally doing absolutely nothing. Pure bliss.
You can also explore the local area. There are a few temples around. You can take a walk along the beach (did I mention it's long?) and watch the sunset. If you're feeling adventurous, hire a tuk-tuk and see the surrounding sights. There's a fort nearby, I think (I might be remembering wrong, but ask – it's worth checking out). And honestly? Sometimes the best activity is just hanging out with your friends or family, playing cards, and drinking a cold beverage. Because that’s what vacations are about, right? You can get to know yourself, and have some peace of mind.
Tell Me About the Staff! Are They Helpful? Do They Speak English?
Okay, the staff. This is a big one. In general, they're very helpful. Indian hospitality is legendary for a reason. They're friendly, accommodating, and genuinely want you to have a good time. Do they all speak perfect English? No. But they'll understand the basics, and they'll try their best to help you out. And the effort is what counts, right?
I remember one time, I somehow managed to lock myself out of my room at like, 11 PM. (Don't ask. Long story involving a balcony and a questionable decision). The security guy had to wake up a caretaker to come and let me in. They did it with smiles on their faces. They’re genuinely nice people. Just be patient, smile, and treat them with respect, and you'll be golden. Tipping is customary and appreciated, of course!
Is There Wifi? Because, You Know, Social Media and Staying Connected is a Must...
Ah, the digital age. Yes, there is wifi. But… don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. It's fine for checking emails, browsing the internet, and maybe uploading a few Instagram stories (if you're patient, they'll upload eventually!). But streaming movies? Forget it. It's India. Embrace the occasional disconnect. It could do you good. Trust me on this one.
I also highly recommend getting an Indian SIM card for your phone anyway. It's cheap and gives you data access outside of the hotel. That way you can use Google Maps to navigate the area. Makes it much easier to get around.
Okay, Fine, I’m Considering Raj Resort. What's The One Thing You *Wish* You Knew Before You Went?
Okay, here's something I wish I had known. Pack a small, portable clothesline. Seriously. The balconies don'tPersonalized Stays
