Munjoh Ocean Resort

We stayed as a family of five in the Royal Chalet, including our 3-year-old and 6-year-old. At one point, we comfortably had nine people together, and for a large group this space is hard to beat in Havelock, better than what we found at the Taj or Barefoot. The private beach is clean, uncrowded, shaded by natural trees, and safe for kids. Access is great, with one paved walkway and another charming forest path with lights. The loungers sit in natural shade, so you can relax there for hours. The main beach drawback is the service: there’s no ordering desk, drinks take a long time, and used dishes are rarely cleared. There’s also no shared swimming pool, a big omission for a luxury resort. Food was the biggest letdown. Breakfast staples like pancakes, parathas, and dosas came out white and undercooked every morning. It happened so often that it seemed like a training issue, not a one-off. Presentation was poor for the prices. The Christmas Gala dinner we paid heavily for started 45 minutes late, and the chocolate mousse had melted into syrup within 15 minutes. We were repeatedly offered pre-made tea from a heater that tasted burnt, and getting a fresh cup took several requests. The chef did make off-menu food for the kids, but the taste varied a lot from day to day. The new manager, Mr. Akshay, and newer staff Vishal and Aman were extremely hospitable and clearly trying to improve things. Some other staff were passive and noncommittal. We had to ask for basics like toothpaste, dustbins, and Odomos that should have been ready when we arrived. Billing was exhausting too: menu prices for the same items changed from day to day, and I spent 45 minutes of my vacation checking the bill and catching overcharges that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. One tip about ferry tickets: the hotel quoted 1200 for an upgrade that costs 590 on the ferry. To save stress and money, book Makruzz tickets directly online. Munjoh has a great location and plenty of space, but it falls short of the feel and standards of a luxury resort. It’s a 5-star price for a 3-star experience.