What truly defines a homestay is the human story woven within its walls.
Our story is one born from the hearts of two individuals from different corners of the world, both captivated by the lush landscapes of Kerala – its coconut palms, serene lakes, and life-giving monsoons. While it’s known as “God’s Own Country,” it has truly become “our” own cherished land.
My husband, Biju, hails from a quaint village near Alleppey, and I am originally from Poland. Yet, from the moment I first set foot on Indian soil 27 years ago, I felt an immediate connection, a sense of belonging that drew me back time and again. Eventually, I made India my permanent home, working as a tour guide for Western travel agencies. It was during one of my initial guided tours to Kerala that I had the good fortune of meeting Biju. After five wonderful years, we married and decided to build our life together. In 2010, we transformed our house into Bella Homestay, a charming bed & breakfast nestled in the tranquil backwaters.
In those early days, hosting was a much simpler affair. We placed a few hand-painted signs for Bella Homestay along the street, and guests would simply walk in, inquire about our rooms, and decide whether to stay. Our best form of advertisement was the kind words shared by our happy visitors. Little did we know the future impact of global booking platforms! We often reminisce about those times with a touch of nostalgia. For us, traveling and running our bed & breakfast was an adventure filled with unexpected encounters that often blossomed into lasting friendships.
From the very beginning, our home took on a life of its own, reflecting our personalities and our deep affection for India. We carefully curated furniture, sculptures, and textiles from various regions of the country. At the same time, we wanted to create a modern and functional space, resulting in Bella becoming a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences.
More than anything, the name “Bella” signifies beauty. I poured countless hours into creating a lush sanctuary, enveloping our home in a vibrant canopy of plants that has now matured into a veritable jungle. My aim was not necessarily luxury, but rather to imbue the space with a distinct personal aesthetic, creating a unique, warm, and inviting atmosphere. The result is a home that guests often find difficult to leave, an oasis of peace and well-being.
Today, Bella holds 15 years of cherished memories, having welcomed guests from every corner of the globe, from Japan to Argentina, Iceland to South Africa. We continue to evolve, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the experience for those who choose to stay with us.
A few years ago, we expanded our hospitality with a new bed & breakfast on the beautiful Marari Beach, just north of Alleppey, also embraced by lush greenery.
This monsoon season marks the launch of a long-cherished dream: my gourmet bakery and café, “Daisy The French Bakery.” Adding to our culinary offerings, our talented Indian cook, Sunitha, prepares exquisite Keralan, North Indian, and even Arabic dishes.
Our family has also grown with the arrival of Daisy, our very spoiled and much loved Golden Retriever.
Of course, there have been challenges. We weathered the devastating floods of 2018, which submerged our entire area, and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, which left us without guests for two long years. We witnessed many homestays close and properties sold, but we persevered and are now thriving.
Over the years, we have been honored with accolades such as the TripAdvisor Award for the 7th Best Homestay in India in 2015 and Booking.com Certificates of Excellence. We have also been featured in local press and magazines. Yet, we remain somewhat detached from these recognitions, so much so that we haven’t even considered framing them for our walls.
We readily admit that publicity and promotion are not our strengths, and perhaps we haven’t given them the attention they deserve.
What truly matters to us is the genuine smile of satisfaction on our guests’ faces, the enriching exchange of stories and cultures, and the intimate atmosphere of our five-room bed & breakfast, where we feel like one big family. We cherish the microcosm of Bella, ensuring it feels comfortable and truly like home, with delicious breakfasts, cozy rooms, and personalized service.
In today’s tourism landscape, often dominated by virtual images where it’s increasingly challenging to discern genuine reviews from fabricated ones and see past retouched photos and aggressive advertising, we remain committed to staying true to our heart.
Because the real treasure of a homestay lies in the human story behind it, the authentic experiences unfolding within its walls.
And ours is undoubtedly a story rooted in love.
With love,
Jayashri Natarajan