The first sound that greets you at Villa Maya is the gentle gurgle of water flowing over stone—a prelude to the serenity waiting within. As you step into the lush courtyard, it feels less like a restaurant and more like a well-kept secret garden. Shaded by palms and banana leaves, the air is fragrant with frangipani and wet earth, and each table seems tucked away just enough to feel private, yet still part of something grand.
This former royal residence is a celebration of Kerala’s layered heritage. The property once belonged to the consort of a Travancore king, and echoes of that regal past remain—stone sculptures peep out from behind branches and antique clocks rest atop carved teakwood stands. The architecture is an effortless marriage of Dutch colonial influences with Kerala’s sloped roofs and open-air courtyards. One particular staircase, framed in dark polished wood and warmly lit, leads you down past a glowing brass idol—reminding you that every corner here holds a story.
Dining at Villa Maya is a meticulously planned experience. A table for two, romantically arranged under gauzy white drapes, glows under soft lighting. Flower petals in vivid pinks and yellows form delicate patterns, and there are fresh blossoms floating in a big stone basin. Every detail feels intentional, from the colour-coordinated cushions to the antique art inset into the walls. It’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram.
But then the food arrives, and all your senses snap to attention.
A bowl of Chemmeen Rasam (prawns in a spicy, tangy broth) arrives steaming, the fragrance of pepper and curry leaves making your mouth salivate. The Pork Ularthu, slow-cooked in coconut oil and local spices, is a revelation of texture and heat. For something playful, the Spice Box offers a medley of meats grilled over open charcoal—each bite smoky, succulent, and distinct. Vegetarians aren’t left behind; the Malakkari Mappas (seasonal vegetables in a coconut gravy) is comforting and rich, while the Wild Rice Spinach Cappuccino is surprisingly complex.
To satiate your sweet tooth, Villa Maya serves a perfect Phyllo Banoffee Pie that balances crunch and cream with finesse, but the Chocolate Coffee Fudge is the true showstopper—silky, dark, and just bitter enough to make you reach for one more bite.
What sets Villa Maya apart, beyond its cuisine and historic setting, is its sense of hospitality. Service is attentive but unintrusive, and the staff treat all their guests like visiting dignitaries. Whether you choose to dine in the open garden under umbrellas or retreat into one of the private cabanas flanked by water features, the experience remains intimate.
Raseena, who lives in Doha and had the opportunity to dine here when she visited India, once described Villa Maya as being “more like a luxury resort than a restaurant.” She says, “This is not merely a place to eat. It’s a place to linger, to explore, to notice how the light changes at dusk and how the silence feels curated. You have to visit this restaurant again. Just once isn’t enough.”
Take their advice: visit twice. By day, it’s botanical and breezy. By night, it glows with quiet grandeur. And you can be assured of an unforgettable meal every time.
Location: Airport Road, Enchakkal, West Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Cuisine: Mostly Keralan with a global twist
Ambience: Heritage-luxe, romantic, and serene
Must-Try Dishes: Chemmeen Rasam, Pork Ularthu, Wild Rice Spinach Cappuccino, Chocolate Coffee FudgeBest For: Romantic dinners, Celebratory meals, Culture-rich dining experiences
Timings: On most days, they are open from 12 PM – 11 PM
Reservations: Highly recommended if you want to go there for dinner; they are usually fully booked for days.
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