Clafouti

The open-air Clafouti restaurant was a highlight for me, with a sea breeze and fresh local seafood. The food and relaxed, authentic atmosphere really suit Varkala. The sweeping Arabian Sea views and North Cliff setting are the other big reasons to stay here. You’re right by the cliff walkway and only steps from the beach, with phenomenal, uninterrupted ocean views, especially at sunset. Great for photos. The rooms are clean and functional, but basic, with a rustic, traditional Kerala feel rather than modern luxury. Updated fixtures and better access to plug points for charging gear would help. The staff are polite and move at the relaxed pace of the town. There’s no pool or high-speed room Wi-Fi, so expect to spend time outdoors or at the restaurant. I’d choose it for the scenery, food and location over modern room amenities. For the best vantage point, request a sea-facing heritage room on an upper floor. The approach road is quite narrow, so take care if driving a larger vehicle.

The view and service are what you’re paying for, not the rooms. The property is close to the cliff with a beautiful beach view, and the staff were wonderful, polite and family-friendly throughout our stay. The rooms felt average and poorly maintained. Our old air conditioner was incredibly loud, and the bathroom door made an annoying noise each time it opened. Water or moisture pooled on the floors, making them slippery, and hygiene could be better. For the expensive price, amenities were lacking: no complimentary food, water heater, tea or coffee in the room. It has potential if management invests in renovations.

The complimentary breakfast was good, and the resort is right by the cliff with a beautiful view. We spent two nights in one of the independent cottages, which look beautiful, but the doors, bed and bedsheets all seemed dated. The surroundings could have been better maintained as well. Maybe it was the off-season, but the place could be much nicer. The stay was okay.

There are lots of food options and some street shopping nearby, and Clafouti Resort has its own in-house restaurant with a good range of dishes. Try the seafood on North Cliff, especially the sea fish and prawns. The resort is on Varkala's North Cliff, very close to the railway station, with an awesome sea view. Staff were friendly and good. We loved our stay and would gladly come back. Highly recommend it.