Kahani Paradise, Gokarna

Kahani Paradise, Gokarna, north Karnataka is an exquisite hotel which sits in 20 acres of lush, green forest, garden and farmland in the hills just above Paradise Beach. Dripping with tropical vegetation, the gardens sprawl across the hilltop, and the views across the palm jungle, towards the sea, are sublime. The brainchild and much loved ‘Indian home’ of an inspired Englishman, no detail has been overlooked in its creation and it’s the epitome of style, comfort and elegance. Built of the trademark, local red laterite, the interiors are light, lofty, spacious and make the most of the huge views. Limed furniture, cool stone, warm wood floors, beautiful wooden artefacts and furniture, deep sofas, oodles of space, soft colours and beautiful furnishings are the bywords here.

Kahani (meaning ‘story’) Paradise is as beautiful inside as it is outside – perfect for glorious sunny days or dramatic monsoonal moments. There is a grand sitting room and dining room along with an airy verandah and a stunning pool terrace with plenty of shady dining and sunbathing spots, not to mention a dreamy spa. The 8 rooms have huge beds, state of the art bathrooms, and their own balconies or verandah.

Whilst here, if you can tear yourself away from this garden idyll, you have the wonders of sacred Gokarna to explore nearby, along with many beaches. Paradise Beach is only a 5 minute walk down through the jungle. Alternatively, explore the extraordinarily lovely, tropical gardens, take long or short walks in the hills and finish up with time at the ‘surprise’ hilltop plunge pool.

Being so small, it is the perfect place to rent in its entirety as a fully staffed villa (a resident chef and smiling staff abound) for a great get together. However, it can also be rented by the room, as in a hotel, and there is a charming manager on site. The food is delicious, fresh, local and all tastes can be catered to – it really is a place where ‘you only have to ask’! Kahani Paradise is all about peace, privacy and pampering and makes the perfect end to an Indian odyssey or an idyllic ‘fly and flop’ holiday in itself.