We specially booked in at Lagoona Davina on the recommendation from one of our friends. They stayed there a couple of years ago and really raved about the hotel. It's fair to say that this hotel has gone down hill considerably since then. After night one, which started with the "bell boys" trying to feed us some food that was beyond awful (nuts in dinner, after I informed them of a serious nut allergy), fish that was clearly not fresh, and no sugar ice cream (which I could manage half a teaspoon full of), was followed by an uncomfortable, hot, stuffy sleep with mosquito nets that were about 20 years old and clearly not working. We woke up in the morning to find a dead animal in the room next door to us with ants crawling all over the body. We then tried to eat their breakfast (just as bad as the dinner the night before).
Yoga was supposed to be organised for us but did not materialise.

I later spoke to the owner about how unsatisfactory the hotel was and how we were really hoping for better things. She admitted that she is in the process of selling, and I truly believe she has no want to be there anymore.

We checked out later the 2nd day and tried hard to get back some of our 50% deposit, but this proved very tricky and confrontational. In short the owner blamed us for expecting better things.

It was a real low point to our trip in Kerala.

Wonderful for a true break away from it all. Gorgeous huts with real character. Sea view rooms are fabulous with terrace to watch the sun go down but they are smaller than the ones at rear of property that cost less. Breakfast choice very good but generally feel that whole place is a bit overpriced considering nothing (for example, breakfast etc) is included except free internet. Be aware that 15% tax is added to the room price. Items from the snack menu were overpriced and small in size especially when you compare it to what it would cost you outside. Excellent service from staff though and owner is thoughtful and accommodating. You can book massages there and other things.

The service is very personal: you get your personal attendant, which is nice. The food was lovely and there is a nice pool, somewhat smallish, but adquate. It is a pity though that the place is now surrounded by fences and buildings all around, it must have been gorgeous when it was still "in the wild". Still the place is quiet, the rooms well equipped, the atmosphere relaxed.

We stayed here at the start of our first trip to India with the idea of chilling for a few days with a bit of luxury to adjust to the pace of life and get over our jet lag. Regrettably it didn't live up to our expectations and we left after one night.

On the plus side even after spending the next three weeks in India we didn't taste food better than what we had at Lagoona Davina. It was simple yet amazingly tastey and healthy. Our experience with the staff was excellent - they even brought some items to us we had left in the room when we returned to Trivandrum.

On the downside the room felt quite oppressive. Where we expected to see rustic or bohemian charm there was really just neglect. The bed sheet had stains on it and felt sweaty. I know it is sold as an eco-retreat, and it must be difficult to maintain a high level, especially directly after a heavy monsoon - but I think the place could with a healthy dose of TLC.

Maybe it was premature leaving so early but we both felt that we stayed in places that were better value for money and for the price expected a little bit more from Lagoona Davina.