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 Staff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Staff. Show all posts
Thursday, 13 March 2014
“Home away from home” * Thank you Lulu!***
I visited Shiva Garden in November when I was on holiday in Varkala, when I returned in late December it was a no brainer that I was going to stay here. So for two months Shiva Garden was my home, the rooms offer everything you need, I had an en suite bathroom (cold water only, but this was no issue, as it was so hot outside) and a balcony. What makes Shiva Garden so special is the lovely people who run it and the beautiful garden, that encourages guests to socialize. It just has a very chilled and relaxed atmosphere, I made fantastic friends here and it was ridiculously hard for me to leave. Try Yoga lessons with Sonja, you won't regret it. A big special thank you to Afzal for always being happy and attentive. I can't wait to stay here again! Thank you Sonja and Jayan, until December ;-)
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!
Thursday, 30 January 2014
“Magical garden of India” * Thank you Yellie!!!
I've stayed in Shiva Garden a month ago, with my husband.
At this very moment I'm listening to some Indian song and thinking about all wonderful thing happened there. Shiva Garden is one of the best thing I've experienced. If you go to Varkala, you have to visit this place!
Accommodation is great, food is amazing, people are lovely!
Owners wife, Sonia, does amazing Reiki massage, yoga classes, numerology... I feel blessed for meeting her. Miss everybody so much :(
Afsal, the manager, was really helpful too! Thank you for everything!
Hope to see you soon guys...
Beijo para Divia!
Jeja
At this very moment I'm listening to some Indian song and thinking about all wonderful thing happened there. Shiva Garden is one of the best thing I've experienced. If you go to Varkala, you have to visit this place!
Accommodation is great, food is amazing, people are lovely!
Owners wife, Sonia, does amazing Reiki massage, yoga classes, numerology... I feel blessed for meeting her. Miss everybody so much :(
Afsal, the manager, was really helpful too! Thank you for everything!
Hope to see you soon guys...
Beijo para Divia!
Jeja
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 accommodation, fantastic food and friendly staff.” * Thank you Tom!
We found Shiva Gardens by chance and end up staying for 7 days. The room was clean and had all that we required, including a mosquito net. Jayan, the manager and his staff made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble. The resteraunt served the most authentic Keralan food in town with everything cooked fresh. The beach was only a short walk away and the garden was a welcome relief from the heat of the day. I'm not sure when we'll get back to Varkala but when we do we would definetly stay at Shiva Gardens. We would happily recommend this guest house to anyone looking for a relaxing good value place to stay. Chances are you'll end up staying longer than you expected.
“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.
“An easy place to stay and a hard place to leave”
I stumbled upon Shiva Garden 3 years ago and planned on staying for a couple of days. I ended up staying for a month and even then had a hard time leaving. Jayan the owner and the rest of the staff make you feel at home and take care of your every need. I am back for a second time and after a month still cant bring myself to leave. I have met so many amazing people here and the food is the best in the whole town. There are beautiful private rooms, dorms, apartments, tents and i have the luck of being able to stay in one of the 2 tree houses, which i would highly recommend. I have been travelling all over the world and Shiva gardens is one of my favorite places to stay anywhere on the planet. Enjoy your stay here and say hi to Jayan and the gang for me.
“Great place”
I stayed in Shiva Garden (October 2011) cause a good friend told me I should do, she was so right! I arrived and Jayan the owner said hello with a big smile and I already felt home. The staff is helpfull and friendly. Good rooms for a fair price. I stayed 9 nights there and I'm sure I'll go there again as soon as I'll travel trough India again...
Stayed October 2011, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
Stayed October 2011, traveled solo
Trip Advisor
“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
“Not a stranger”
Very helpful manager before and during our stay. You will not feel a stranger here, there is a good vibe and everybody seems open for a talk. They seem to have people staying for long periods. It is a good place if you are traveling solo and want to meet other travelers or just chat for a while.
We took a double bungalow with one room each, but effectively you can sleep up to 6 or 7 people there.
We took a double bungalow with one room each, but effectively you can sleep up to 6 or 7 people there.
“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!
“Can't fault this place” * Thank you David
Best place we stayed during 4 weeks in India. Rs800 a night. Clean. Friendly staff. Great location, 3 mins from North Cliff.
Stayed March 2012
Trip Advisor
Stayed March 2012
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
“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!!
“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.
“Wish I stayed longer”
I stayed in Shiva Garden only one night because I was rushing but when I got there I regretted I didn't have more time. The rooms I saw were ok, no stunning views on the ground floor but all I needed was there and I could use the internet in the reception. This place's strong advantage is its atmosphere. Chilling in the open-air restaurant in the evening was a sheer pleasure and spontaneous freestyle singing by the owner accompanied by drums was a nice surprise. He was doing pretty well... People running the place are really nice and helpfull. I fully recommend.
“My best guest house in India !” * Thank you Marie!
Undoubtedly the most friendly guest house that I made in India.
The whole team is adorable. The rooms are clean and tidy.
And the best of the best is the kitchen staff.
For me the best chefs in India.
We had to spend two days ... we stayed there five days so the atmosphere is pleasant.
They also offer trips in the backwaters and yoga classes. A superb address.
Stayed May 2012, traveled with friends
Trip Advisor
The whole team is adorable. The rooms are clean and tidy.
And the best of the best is the kitchen staff.
For me the best chefs in India.
We had to spend two days ... we stayed there five days so the atmosphere is pleasant.
They also offer trips in the backwaters and yoga classes. A superb address.
Stayed May 2012, traveled with friends
Trip Advisor
“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
“Shiva Garden is a great place with great people” * Thank you Soumya!
I spend in shiva garden for 4 days and they also arrange some tour for us in entire kerala and needless to say it was one of the best stay i have ever come across people like Jayan and Sonia are great people with a great mind and soul as well people like Akbar and sayed (the cab driver) are
very good people and helpful and have a great soul i would love to come back again to Shiva Garden asap wish all of them a happy life and look forward to see them again in future thanks soumya chowdry.
Stayed May 2012, travelled with family
Trip Advisor
very good people and helpful and have a great soul i would love to come back again to Shiva Garden asap wish all of them a happy life and look forward to see them again in future thanks soumya chowdry.
Stayed May 2012, travelled with family
Trip Advisor
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