Reviewed 07 Nov 2008 by Philippa Rimell
Just a quick message re my recent holiday in Kerala. I would like to say how much I enjoyed my 2 weeks. I stayed in a number of homestays, all very comfortable with friendly staff and fabulous food. There were all in very different places, so it gave me a good overview of the area. The drivers were helpful and very safe and my week's ayurveda/yoga holiday left me feeling 10 years younger and full of energy.
Jos arranged a trip of a lifetime for me and I would recommend it to all other independent travellers heading to Kerala. So much better than staying in bland, air conditioned (non spicy) tourist hotels! I would give it a 4 and a half stars.
Reviewed 08 Jun 2008 by Maria Arbelaez
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's hard to pinpoint the best part of the trip! Arriving to the homestay and the wonderful setting of the bungalow, was breathtaking, it's so peaceful, and Lamy's cooking is lovely. Harivihar in Calicut and the Ayurveda treatment were incredibly relaxing and invigorating, exactly what I was looking for. The staff are some of the nicest people I have ever met.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Jos Bylu will take care of everything! You don't have to worry about a thing. He will organise the entire holiday for you, it's fantastic to not have to worry about a thing. The only thing is that in order to complete the basic Ayurveda treatment you really need to stay for a minimum of 7 nights, 2 or 3 weeks is ideal.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The homestay setting and location do. The local fisherman comes to the edge of the property in his boat and sells Jos the fish that he has just got out of the back waters, then there is the Tody man who collects the nectar of the coconut flower and sells it to the local shop. At the other homestay everyone of the employees are local, all the food is local, some of the herbs and spices are grown at the homestay, and of course the Ayurveda is an ancient Keralan tradition.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
For my first trip to India was fantastic. I will recommend it to any of my friends who are interested in Kerala. Jos is one of the most efficient people I have ever met, anywhere in the world. Just leave it up to him!!! He will make your holiday memorable. The Harivari homestay and the Ayurveda exactly what I was looking for.
Reviewed 22 Apr 2006 by Emily Blackburn
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I loved the canoe ride on the backwaters. I also loved the hike with the naturalist. It was beautiful and he was completely fabulous.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is extremely easy and organised. It gets a bit lonely if you do it on your own, but it is completely safe and interesting.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I feel that the people I stayed with knew the community they were in, cared for it, and were doing a wonderful job supporting it. I really felt I was being invited into their homes and being shown the community. The innovations for caring for the environment were far beyond my expectations.
