This homestay is off the beaten track and you will find yourself immersed into village life. I stayed here just 2 nights. The villa (non a/c) you stay in is spacious and clean. There is mosquito spray available for you to use and other useful things which are a nice touch. The bed is a large double and comfortable. The bathroom was good. There is very hot water from the tap but I wasn't able to get a hot shower here. Not really a problem and I didn't ask because Vimal wasn't around that much (forgot when I did see him) and his parents don't speak much English.
The view over the lagoon is beautiful and you can see the beach. There is a canoe to row across but I personally didn't use it as the beach is only a short walk away and easy to find.
I had been in contact with Vimal for a couple of months beforehand which was good but the night before I was due to arrive he told me he was away that weekend and messaged me the wifi code, times to eat etc. I must admit I was disappointed as my stay here was booked partly on the basis of the excellent reviews of his hospitality. He had first organised a taxi for me though which was great as I think anyone else would struggle to find the place!
I was dropped off here, said hello to his Father and then I was left alone until dinner at 7. I was surprised there wasn't any water in the room and I wasn't offered a drink but luckily I had some water with me. Dinner was home cooked and delicious-the food is really great and you get water with your meal.
The next morning Vimal unexpectedly arrived back. Hooray! He served my breakfast (sweet pancakes and bananas with a pot of tea) then went out again?! I did catch up with Vimal in the afternoon and he is a really lovely guy. He showed me his wedding album and we had some interesting chat. He is very busy with yoga classes which is why he was in and out I think and although I didn't get the opportunity to practice yoga with him I know he is a very experienced and knowledgeable yoga teacher. There are posters of him all over Marari and if I came here again I would book some lessons with him definitely.
In order to give a full and honest review of this place there are some things you should know - I don't say these things to be negative at all but to inform you of MY experience.
Firstly the beach although stunning and mainly empty is also very dirty. Rubbish everywhere but worse than that are the piles and piles of human poo all along this bit of coastline. (Coast is cleaner further up you walk) Of course you are in a village so for some and the many fishermen here this is their bathroom. It makes it quite difficult to find somewhere pleasant to sit but when you do and you watch the sunset it's really beautiful. It is very well street lit back to the homestay if you're walking or cycling so you don't have to worry about stumbling home in the dark. There are lots of sorry looking dogs wandering around on the beach which is sad-I didn't encounter any aggressive ones -they all just look hot and hungry. You will often be joined by a dog for a while but on the whole I think they are wary of people although a lot of the villagers do keep a pet dog.
This is the noisiest place I have ever stayed. The first night I was woken by something stamping around on the roof I think and then all I could hear were dogs barking and a baby crying. Then at 5.30 there are bells for church (it was Sunday) then at 6 there is a church service, prayers, chanting etc over speakers which goes on for hours........I personally find the village sounds of bells and church etc very interesting and enjoyable but if you are the sort of person who detests that kind of thing then it's something to bear in mind.
The second night for me was much quieter but there are still church sounds about 6am.
It really is lovely to wander around this village and everyone is very friendly - I met some lovely children and got to hold the neighbours babies which was cute. I had sweets with me which I gave them and they were lovely about accepting and sharing them. They didn't ask me for anything and weren't bothersome at all - I loved how they were so friendly and happy to chat with me. As a 46yr old solo female visitor I felt very safe here and would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants an authentic village experience but also privacy and relaxation in an idyllic spot at a very reasonable price. It's an excellent base for exploring the local area. Vimal organised cheapest taxi for my onward travel as well. Thank you.

Our time at the Marari secret beach homestay with Akichan and his doting family was perfect.

The room was specious, clean and comfortable. Aki ensured we had everything we required, towels, water, local information. There's bikes to use and a fun canoe to row down the backwaters to the sandy secret beach at the end - what a treat! Tip - stay on the beach until sunset, it's quite special.

This homestay is secluded and peaceful, but you can get a rickshaw to Alleppey for around rs.250.

Akichan's mothers cooking was incredible, with breakfast and dinner included in the price, well worth getting home in time for some authentic, home cooked keralan dishes. She speaks little English but is very happy to help you and enjoys making you feel comfortable.

Aki speaks great English and has the perfect mix or advising best things to do and making you feel comfortable - while allowing guests to enjoy their space.

This homestay is perfect for a relaxing getaway. It's homely, comfortable and very special. I would travel to Kerala again just to visit this secret gem!

It's a must visit!! Highly, highly recommend.