which beach in Goa or Kerala?

Going in Jan. with my husband and need advice, would like to find a boutiquy type place on the beach, not too busy, but a bit of action, here are places I've really enjoyed to give you an idea- Casa del mar on Cenang beach Langkawi, Phi phi Cabana hotel and Bang Tao beach Phuket, hated Patong beach in Phuket! any advice?

if you're into boutiquey chic-ey stuff. how about staying at [URL=http://http://www.i-escape.com/hotel.php?hotel_key=IS017] palolem, south goa
om shanti

cack i couldnt get the hyperlink to work. it's called bhakti kutir

Thanks for the info. Babybuddah, looks lovely, apart from the fact that I forgot to say in my posting that I have a REDICULOUS snake phobia!! so can't really do anything too "in tune with nature" need good solid doors and lit up pathways etc. no thatched roofs , sounds stupid I know but that's the way it is. Ok away for the weekend but will check in again on Monday, bye.

ok thanks for the replies, wish all snakes looked so cute!
I've narrowed my search down a bit, definately Goa, would like to find an apartement to rent for 2/3wks and think that colva, candolim or Bogmalo sound good, am really worried that the main tourist beaches will be too much like Patong, Phuket! so any advice on these choices, how built up are they? am I going to miss out on the vibe of Goa if I go out of town?

a suggestion: don't go to india, go to the Maldives. just sand and water. no snakes, no thailand, no rush, no ripoffs, nobody looking at you, GOOD VIBE.

Well I'm a bit confused by your reply Kokopelli, I guess it was supposed to be sarcastic?, sounds a bit angry, not good Karma . To anyone else that's interested, I just don't want to book a place that I don't feel comfortable in so want some advice before I go.. . am I in the wrong forum here?

I don't think Kokopelli sounded sarcastic, but was just trying to make a helpful suggestion based on your specific needs.

Are there any 'over the water on stilts' type of resorts like they have in the South Pacific? That would discourage most snakes

Hey Kokopelli!

I have a question concerning maldives!
I am usually not the type of traveller spending my time in resorts and ..I don't remeber how you called it..something like boutique..
So far I preferred remote beaches and nice 'traveller atmosphere' , peole playing cards on the beach, having a good time.
BUT: I will spend 5 days snorkelling on the Maldives in November after my 2nd trip to India.

Question: You seem to like the maldives and regard it as 'good vibe'. Does this mean you know an island that is a little bit less formal and less full of typical package tourists ?? I am looking for an island with people that have some experience with travelling individually..I do not expect backpackers there, but maybe there is something in between..where I feel comfortable with..('grown up backpackers'??;-))

I would really apreciate your answer as I have to decide on accommodation soon.


By the way: I stayed at Bakti Kutir/Palolem and I loved it! No snakes at all, but I was afraid in the first night as the doors can not be closed (or at least they were easy to open from outside). The i-escape is 5x more expensive than going there directly and pay at the reception.


best regards
Chrissi

well..
from all the 80 little resort islands i only been to Vakarufalhi

no backpackers though, nor big tourist groups, in fact, there ussually not more then 30 people on it...

it's just plain paradise.. with it's own price..

Thanks for the recommendation!
Is this island only reachable by plane? How much did you pay per night? Is is good for snorkelling?
Do you think it is a good place to stay by myself for 5 days?
Just honeymooners??

Chrissi

yep, from the airport island you will be brought by a little waterplane, takes about 30 mins.

no idea about costs, i didn't pay anything, it was a "work" visit

crazy good snorkeling!!!!!!

well, i didn't see anybody go there on their own, maldives is deffinately a doing together thing.

but there is always nice staff, some indian guys who work there.

ok. Thanks for the details.

That job I like to have!!!

Chrissi