Really nice place - amazing people. Lovely outdoor communal areas - really easy to meet guests and chat to staff. Delicious, cheap food served there, yoga every morning. Great location - 5 min walk to the beach. My favourite hostel in Kerala!
Showing posts with label Chill Out Zone reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chill Out Zone reviews. Show all posts
Thursday, 13 March 2014
Monday, 24 February 2014
“BEAUTIFUL SETTING, HOMELY, GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY” ** Thank you Lucilla!
I stayed here in January after recommendations from a few travellers I had met. Although the location is not right on the cliff top, a quick five minute walk and you are there! It was actually very nice not staying right in the middle of the hustle and bustle as it gave you time to relax and absorb the wonderful surroundings. Shiva Garden had a lovely homely feel to it, which is great when you are travelling! The guest-house is surrounded by wonderful gardens, palm trees and hammocks - perfect for chilling out. The staff were very sweet and helpful and definitely contributed to the wonderful energy of the place. We stayed in a treehouse on the first night which was lovely and comfortable, we then moved to a double room with a little balcony which was spacious and comfortable. The breakfast was delicious - lots of fresh fruit and Masala tea! The communal area was great to relax in, either talking to other travellers or checking emails. My overall experience was a very positive one and I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Varkala. It was extremely good value for money! And the owners baby daughter is so adorable (an added bonus!) Thank you for such a wonderful stay!
Saturday, 25 January 2014
“Good place to chill out”
Really relaxed spot.
There is a sort of courtyard in the middle of the premises, we're they've build a roofed place with comfortable cushions and low tables, with nice lighting. Good speakers, nice mellow (Indian) music.
Besides plenty of hammocks, they also have a massive swing, attached to two palmtrees...
The guys running the place are nice and relaxed and the rooms are clean.
I went out for a couple of days on a motorbike in the countryside and it was OK to leave my things there, they looked after them.
There is a sort of courtyard in the middle of the premises, we're they've build a roofed place with comfortable cushions and low tables, with nice lighting. Good speakers, nice mellow (Indian) music.
Besides plenty of hammocks, they also have a massive swing, attached to two palmtrees...
The guys running the place are nice and relaxed and the rooms are clean.
I went out for a couple of days on a motorbike in the countryside and it was OK to leave my things there, they looked after them.
Thursday, 23 January 2014
“My soul place.” ** One of the best reviews ever, Thank you sweet Marianne!!!...
I came back to Shiva Garden for the third time this season. what can I say? it is my soul place in India. I go there when I want to connect with myself and meet my "Shiva Garden family" - that is a group of people who return every year and the owners, Jayan, Sonia and their family.
Shiva Garden is a place about the inner. about a certain vibration, a feeling, a meta theme of healing and wonder and well being.
it is about the smiles you exchange with the people you meet when you go get a chai. it is about the hugs you give and receive. the jokes you make, the laughs you create, the feeling you can allow yourself to relax and just be, in the now.
it is Jayan's smiley "good morning" when he asks you if you want your chai as usual. it is the caress Sonia gives you passing by, with her beautiful daughter Divya on her arm, who is such a radiant being, opening everybody heart. it is the peace you feel when you're "hammocking" with your friends, listening to the palm leaves bristle. it is the talks you come to pass unexpectedly which lead you to a better understanding. it is the small and big miracles that happen when you are there.
Shiva Garden is about belonging and realness and love. this is why I go back every now and then, to sense this freedom and bliss and to remind myself that all is well.
Stayed January 2014, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
Shiva Garden is a place about the inner. about a certain vibration, a feeling, a meta theme of healing and wonder and well being.
it is about the smiles you exchange with the people you meet when you go get a chai. it is about the hugs you give and receive. the jokes you make, the laughs you create, the feeling you can allow yourself to relax and just be, in the now.
it is Jayan's smiley "good morning" when he asks you if you want your chai as usual. it is the caress Sonia gives you passing by, with her beautiful daughter Divya on her arm, who is such a radiant being, opening everybody heart. it is the peace you feel when you're "hammocking" with your friends, listening to the palm leaves bristle. it is the talks you come to pass unexpectedly which lead you to a better understanding. it is the small and big miracles that happen when you are there.
Shiva Garden is about belonging and realness and love. this is why I go back every now and then, to sense this freedom and bliss and to remind myself that all is well.
Stayed January 2014, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
“Great atmosphere and a place to meet people”
The dorms are great value for money, good place to meet people as a solo traveler. Has great staff who are very helpful and friendly. Lastly has great hammocks.
“What a great vibe”
What a great place! if varkala is amazing, its this place that will make it.
the variety of very clean rooms and nice airy dorms are spread around in 3 or 4 building (and a couple of tree houses), all around a huge, well landscaped garden, with hammocks strown about between the palms and banana trees. centering it all is a great seating area which is the key, the place to sit around comfortably and meet the most lovely people all in one place. they serve a great thali and reffreshing juices, the staff are really warm, laid back and helpful there's also a badmington net, chess, karom etc all you need in anywhere to make it the number one backpackers/triavellers place i'vve found on any continent. I'm sure there is one, but i havent found it yet.
and to top it all off, the beach and the great variety of restaurants are all in just a couple of minute walk.
its my second time back to wonderful home from home and i'm sure it wont be too long before returning again. the only problem with the place is trying to leave!
enjoy x
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
the variety of very clean rooms and nice airy dorms are spread around in 3 or 4 building (and a couple of tree houses), all around a huge, well landscaped garden, with hammocks strown about between the palms and banana trees. centering it all is a great seating area which is the key, the place to sit around comfortably and meet the most lovely people all in one place. they serve a great thali and reffreshing juices, the staff are really warm, laid back and helpful there's also a badmington net, chess, karom etc all you need in anywhere to make it the number one backpackers/triavellers place i'vve found on any continent. I'm sure there is one, but i havent found it yet.
and to top it all off, the beach and the great variety of restaurants are all in just a couple of minute walk.
its my second time back to wonderful home from home and i'm sure it wont be too long before returning again. the only problem with the place is trying to leave!
enjoy x
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
“Amazing 2nd warm home abroad!” * Thank you Simon!
I arrived around midday and the warm hearten Sonia welcomed me in a very lovely way.
They gave me a mattress covered with a mosquito net in the dorm on the rooftop. Simple but extremely cheap and charming. The atmosphere at this guesthouse is really gorgeous. Its like one big family where you always feel at home. The garden is beautiful and perfect to relax at the chill out area. From time to time they are doing barbecue with an amazing dance show from small Indian boys and from Sonia herself. Just lovely. I intended to stay a few days but finally stayed more than one week. Not only great for budget travelers but for everybody who like to get in touch with this awesome place!
They gave me a mattress covered with a mosquito net in the dorm on the rooftop. Simple but extremely cheap and charming. The atmosphere at this guesthouse is really gorgeous. Its like one big family where you always feel at home. The garden is beautiful and perfect to relax at the chill out area. From time to time they are doing barbecue with an amazing dance show from small Indian boys and from Sonia herself. Just lovely. I intended to stay a few days but finally stayed more than one week. Not only great for budget travelers but for everybody who like to get in touch with this awesome place!
“The Palce Where Everyone Comes Back!!!”
After having spent 5 days in here few weeks ago, I am back mainly because I forgot to write a review in the guest book hahaha, now I can leave..... It`s been magical this place YUPI!!! people is what this place has, everyone is so special that they really make you feel as if you were at home, also fellow travelers are amazing, met couple of people that made my first visit fabulous. Thank you Sonia for the amazing talk , out of the blue. You have made my trip so far. Loads of love & prosperity for both of you. I normally do not write reviews on the internet but this place is worth to do so, it is for real people. If you get tired in the beach you can come to the place and either have a chat, lay in the hammock and have a lovely thali. Love this place!!!!!! hope to find something similar in the remaining months around India
“The perfect place to relax, to calm down and to meet nice people!” * Thank you Mellanie
Shiva garden is a fantastic place to relax, read books, chat to the very nice owners and to other tourists. Very spacious cottages as well as rooms are situated in a beautiful garden. They are very clean and comfortable with nice furniture. There are several hammocks in the garden and the possibility to play volleyball. Moreover, there is kind of a meeting point in the garden, a space with pillows and low tables, where people can eat, drink, chat to each other or connect to the rest of the world (wifi connection offered). In the morning, Yoga courses are offered by Sonia, who is part of the staff, who runs Shiva garden. We highly recommend this place to everybody!!
“Can't wait to come back” * THank you Louise!!!
After a long week of work I arrived at Shiva Garden on Friday night. I was actually planing to come the weekend before, but couldn't make it and it was no problem at all to just postpone my booking. I also spontaneously brought 3 friends along and that also was easy going. They even picked us up from the train station for free and when I entered Shiva Garden's door I felt like walking into paradise. Everything is so green, there heaps of hammocks, a giant swing and a big chill area to just stay and not leave ever again =) everybody was sooo nice and welcoming and I met so many cool backpackers. So it's a perfect place to get in touch. I stayed at the dorm up on the roof, with the sky as a blanket and beautiful Sonia's yoga class to wake up to. If you want something simple, but creative and with a wonderful spirit to it...Shiva Garden is your place! I will definitely have it as my treat after my working weeks =)
Stayed March 2012, travelled with friends
Trip Advisor
Stayed March 2012, travelled with friends
Trip Advisor
“Pleasant outdoor spaces” * Thank you Ben!
We spent two nights at Shiva Garden, spent 600/night on a basic but good room. The real draw is the "garden," an outdoor area with tables and a lounge area and hammocks. The staff were friendly, and the kitchen served good breakfasts. The place seems to attract the backpacker type, at least there was a whole friendly crowd of them while we were there.
“The perfect place to relax, to calm down and to meet nice people!” * Thank you Melanie
Shiva garden is a fantastic place to relax, read books, chat to the very nice owners and to other tourists. Very spacious cottages as well as rooms are situated in a beautiful garden. They are very clean and comfortable with nice furniture. There are several hammocks in the garden and the possibility to play volleyball. Moreover, there is kind of a meeting point in the garden, a space with pillows and low tables, where people can eat, drink, chat to each other or connect to the rest of the world (wifi connection offered). In the morning, Yoga courses are offered by Sonia, who is part of the staff, who runs Shiva garden. We highly recommend this place to everybody!!
Stayed May 2012, travelled as a couple
Trip Advisor
Stayed May 2012, travelled as a couple
Trip Advisor
“The Palce Where Everyone Comes Back!!!”
After having spent 5 days in here few weeks ago, I am back mainly because I forgot to write a review in the guest book hahaha, now I can leave..... It`s been magical this place YUPI!!! people is what this place has, everyone is so special that they really make you feel as if you were at home, also fellow travelers are amazing, met couple of people that made my first visit fabulous. Thank you Sonia for the amazing talk , out of the blue. You have made my trip so far. Loads of love & prosperity for both of you. I normally do not write reviews on the internet but this place is worth to do so, it is for real people. If you get tired in the beach you can come to the place and either have a chat, lay in the hammock and have a lovely thali. Love this place!!!!!! hope to find something similar in the remaining months around India.
Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor
“Feels like home” * Thank you Vuk!
Shiva garden is a wonderful place. Makes you feel at home. Don't get me wrong, it's not as Europe, it's very exotic. Beautiful garden with hammocks, a very high swing, badminton field, outdoor showers, traditional Kerala food...but most of all is a place where people meet each other and make new friendships. You can also chill in your quiet room or dorm but the best is to go to the garden and say hello to someone new and then miracles happen. I must say I find these place very spiritual too. I see it like a non formal ashram where people by themselves create activities and become good teachers to each other. I warmly recommend this place. To get the best out of it, try to do some work around the garden and some Karma yoga, helping to make these place as nice as your home because that's what Shiva garden is, your home abroad. Salute to all the nice stuff of Shiva garden, and keep on the good work. See you next season.
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
Stayed February 2012, traveled solo
“Relax, meet, enjoy!” * Tank you Den!
Such a fantastic guesthouse: friendly and helpful staff; large and clean rooms to suit every budget; wonderful gardens; tasty food served from the kitchen; and many fun parties.
My first stay here (2 months) was in room 106: huge 1st-floor room with king-size double bed; en-suite shower/wc; mosquito net; ceiling fan. So much cheaper, and so much cleaner than the rooms I'd seen on the cliff, and yet only a 5 minute walk away. I settled in quickly, met so many inspiring people, and found it very hard to leave.
AND very hard not to come back: which I did, and stayed for another 2 months in 1 of the 4 apartments.... HUGE double bedroom with a very grand and spacious en-suite bathroom, and a reception room with chaise longue, TV, and kitchenette.
But it's the communal garden that is Shiva Garden's ace card: a great place to relax, eat, lay in a hammock, play badminton, and meet many of the wonderful guests that are drawn to this fantastic place.
If you plan to visit Varkala, Shiva Garden is THE place to stay. Whatever your budget, there's an apartment/room/dorm bed to suit you. You won't be disappointed. ENJOY!!!
Stayed for 6 months in the seasons of 2012, 2013.
Trip Advisor
My first stay here (2 months) was in room 106: huge 1st-floor room with king-size double bed; en-suite shower/wc; mosquito net; ceiling fan. So much cheaper, and so much cleaner than the rooms I'd seen on the cliff, and yet only a 5 minute walk away. I settled in quickly, met so many inspiring people, and found it very hard to leave.
AND very hard not to come back: which I did, and stayed for another 2 months in 1 of the 4 apartments.... HUGE double bedroom with a very grand and spacious en-suite bathroom, and a reception room with chaise longue, TV, and kitchenette.
But it's the communal garden that is Shiva Garden's ace card: a great place to relax, eat, lay in a hammock, play badminton, and meet many of the wonderful guests that are drawn to this fantastic place.
If you plan to visit Varkala, Shiva Garden is THE place to stay. Whatever your budget, there's an apartment/room/dorm bed to suit you. You won't be disappointed. ENJOY!!!
Stayed for 6 months in the seasons of 2012, 2013.
Trip Advisor
Monday, 20 January 2014
“The heart of Varkala” * Thank you Lucy!
I stayed at Shiva Garden twice - once in high season, once in low season. Both times were fantastic - Jayan and Sonia are so down to earth, and really will try to accommodate you no matter what you budget and requirements are. It's tucked slightly back further from the beach, which means it's a total square of peace, away from the hustle and bustle. There are big tables for people to meet, games and books, hammocks and my favourite - A GIANT SWING. That's a reason to visit on its own. There are basic dorms for those on a real budget as well as pricier but prettier rooms. In short, something for everyone.
Stayed July 2012, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
Stayed July 2012, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
“Home in India”
I came to Siva Garden after a friends recommendation and felt totally at home for the first time in my 4 month stay in India. (which included changing accommodation every 3 days so by this point i had been resident jn ALOT of guesthouses) Owner Jayan and the staff immediately made me feel welcome and comfortable. It offers excellent value for both accommodation and food/drinks. Set back from the main hub of Varkala yet still minutes from the beach, the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed as well as offering you the opportunity to be a social butterfly should you wish thanks to it's communal garden complete with hammocks and swing. For me Siva Garden offered the perfect place to relax, read and meet new friends (cheesy but true) and lead me to extend my stay from 5 days to 2 weeks simply because I didn't want to leave!!
Stayed November 2012
Trip Advisor
Stayed November 2012
Trip Advisor
“The energy of "home" and authentic hearted owners” * Thank you Tom!!!
This place, this very special place, was my home more than once over the last few years. Just returning to the US after four-months living at Shiva Garden, with Jayan and his lovely, loving wife, Sonia, I feel homeless in my own home now. There is a rare energy to Shiva Garden. It embodies "community." If you are looking for five-stars, find a sanitary, cold, five-star (or similar) right next door. If you want "real" people, travelers, "family" away from home and a community that cares for each other, often found nursing wounds, tired feet, playing music together, napping in hammocks or talking of travels and resting from journeys made, then you will find a home here. Not just a place to stay, but a place to truly rest. To be comforted and be soothed back to life. From heartaches to backaches, I've seen them come and I've seen them healed here. This is a place that will always be home to me anytime I am on that side of the world. There is a genuine love in my heart for Jayan and Sonia and reading some of the reviews here, it hurts to think some people just don't appreciate honorable hosts anymore? Spiders in rooms? Hippies smoking relaxant? It's going to happen anywhere in India. Come to Shiva Garden for real and safe and authentic souls. Go to the other places for white-washed people and walls...
Stayed December 2012, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
Stayed December 2012, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
“Clean, happy and beautiful”
Great hospitality, amazing staff. Clean and affordable.
Food is good, and it seems like only 'good' people stay here....
choice of shared rooms or private rooms, both are comfortable and clean.
A real garden of eden :)
Highly recommended!
Trip Advisor
Food is good, and it seems like only 'good' people stay here....
choice of shared rooms or private rooms, both are comfortable and clean.
A real garden of eden :)
Highly recommended!
Trip Advisor
“Perfect for a solo backpacker” * Thank you Mark!!!
Shiva Gardens is the sort of place you come to for a few days and end up spending a week. Or indeed longer.
As is often the case, people make a place, and this is the most sociable and welcoming guest house I have come across in India. I stayed for 8 nights, sleeping in the dormitory on the roof, just a mattress and a mosquito net, and it was bliss.
There is a cool hangout area, people are always talking to each other, you can play badminton or basketball or just chill in the hammocks... and of course you can always head to the beach.
The staff are friendly, the food is good (albeit slightly over-priced, but there is a good and cheaper restaurant right opposite), the vibe is perfect.
This is a great place to stay... and especially if you are traveling on your own, you should not stay anywhere else.
Stayed February 2013, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
As is often the case, people make a place, and this is the most sociable and welcoming guest house I have come across in India. I stayed for 8 nights, sleeping in the dormitory on the roof, just a mattress and a mosquito net, and it was bliss.
There is a cool hangout area, people are always talking to each other, you can play badminton or basketball or just chill in the hammocks... and of course you can always head to the beach.
The staff are friendly, the food is good (albeit slightly over-priced, but there is a good and cheaper restaurant right opposite), the vibe is perfect.
This is a great place to stay... and especially if you are traveling on your own, you should not stay anywhere else.
Stayed February 2013, travelled solo
Trip Advisor
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