Stayed for four nights on a half board booking in a sea view room.
Firstly the staff at the hotel are exceptional. They will go out of their way to do things for you and always have a smile on their faces. They are extremely polite and friendly. I do not know all of their names but the following staff were outstanding: pool man, Shiba, the head chef and Tony (who was probably the most helpful person I have ever come across in a hotel).
You can reach the beach from the hotel in 2 minutes via a path out the back of the hotel. Please note the gate to the path is locked at 7pm.
The swimming pool is great, although there were only 7 sunloungers. Fine when we were there but in peak season it could be a battle to get a lounger. The swimming pool includes a swim up bar. Unfortunately it was a bit difficult to do lengths in the pool because a divider was put across the middle of the pool. The pool is important because it is not possible to swim in the sea at Varkala due to the currents.
Aside from the pool there were plenty of other activities available: chess, tennis, table football, croquet, badminton, table tennis etc. There were also bikes for hire and a spa for treatments.
The sea view room we had was very good. It was extremely spacious with a huge ensuite. Each room has its own balcony.
The food at the hotel is very good but not outstanding. There is a wide range on offer and we sampled many dishes. The buffet breakfast was good and the chef will make dosas, omelettes, pancakes etc. One morning there was a buffet breakfast available.
The hotel is not cheap. It was far more expensive than any other accomodation in Varkala. We were there in low season so the prices were cheaper. In high season this is a very expensive hotel ( by Kerala standards).