Review :: Mermaid Eco Resort

Good Concept But Bad Execution

The definition of eco-cottage may be blurry but common sense leads one to expect affordable nature tourism with non-cement cottages and located in a natural jungle, park or plantation. It must as well help and promote the local people and their culture.

Now the Mermaid Eco-Resort (near Inani, Cox's Bazar) has bamboo huts and is located on piece of land surrounded by canals. Although the huts are carelessly (not well finished) made of bamboo, the doors and other interior and exterior decor is varied and mismatching. And surely all the logs used in making the bridges on the inner swamps hamper the ecosystem there. There are overgrown plantations and weeds that made the place too clumsy.

Instead of protecting and promoting local culture, the restaurants boast of not serving 'desi' food. You cannot even get a green coconut on this beach side resort. On the other hand, many 'foreign' things advertised on boards and menus are not 'yet' available. And music played from sound sytem in the cafes was...lets say not too eco-sounding.

Then there is the money aspect. The rooms could have been cheaper. As the location is a bit far from the city, you better take your own car other wise you'll have to hire CNGs at Tk 300 per hour. And drive the car yourself too as there is no cheaper living option for drivers. Food quality and price was the most scathing. Even the non-desi items served did not meet taste and quantity standards. Had to go to nearby Radiant resort to enjoy full stomach meals at quarter of the price.

Most importantly, in Cox's Bazar I want easy access to beach. One has to cross a canal by a dangerously small boat (100 taka per person) to go to the beach . I must mention that the beach there is awesome. So it hurts more that you may not, say, hang out by the beach at night or go for a quick knee dip. You cannot see or hear the beach from any of the rooms.

Its green-washing or government gives some tax benefits to eco-cottages.Or both.

[This review is also available on tripadvisor.]