Ayurveda Ocean Village
"The holiday was amazing! The only regret was that I hadn't stayed longer. I felt totally relaxed and everyone commented on how serene I looked on my return." June Lawrence. More reviews.
Introduction
This idyllic village style yoga and ayurveda resort in Kerala is located on a hillside overlooking the sea. The round cottages are furnished with local antiques. The lovingly tended gardens feature many ayurvedic herbs. Palm trees provide shade and there tends to be a gentle warm breeze from the sea. It's only 10 steps down to a tropical sandy beach that's protected on one side by a rocky cove and on the other stretches far into the distance. A large infinity swimming pool is also available.
In this relaxing setting you'll feel far away from any concerns of the world. Yet conveniently, the resort is located only 40 minutes' drive South of Trivandrum airport.
Lodging
Spacious and comfortable round cottages with ensuite bathrooms, garden area and view of the sea or gardens. Wherever you stay at this resort the sound of the sea will lull you to sleep.
Meals are served under the palm trees overlooking the sea. In the evenings the ocean is dotted with lights from fishing boats on the horizon.
Food is freshly prepared from local produce, mostly organic and delicious. You can choose from the buffet, a range of vegetables cooked in different ways and fresh fish, followed by fruit, curd and treacle, and dessert for those who aren't watching their weight.
Cultural entertainment is provided most evenings with music by sitar and tabla players or a performance of the stunning art of Kathakali dancing that's unique to Kerala.
Location
Here you are in 'God's own country' indeed. It's tropical, luscious and relaxing, following the natural rhythms of the sun and the waves. You can walk along the beach for miles, enjoy the open expanse of the sea, watch the fishermen hauling in their nets, or relax under the sun umbrella and refresh with an occasional dip in the sea. Or, after your Ayurvedic massages, simply hang out in your garden.
Nearest
...airport: Trivandrum airport, India. Airport transfers are included; flights are separate. A driver from the resort will collect you whatever time you arrive. The journey takes about 40 mins depending on traffic.
Please note: If you are coming from Europe, your outbound flight will usually depart the day before the day of arrival due to time difference and journey time (return flight usually arrives back the same day).
Before booking your flights please check availability and confirm your booking with us.
If you arrive in the early morning hours and wish to have access to your room before noon you will need to pay for that night.
...swimming facilities: infinity swimming pool in the gardens or 10 steps down to the sandy beach where lifeguards are available.
...shops: are a 5-minute walk away, or take a tuk-tuk to a traditional Indian village about 10 min drive away.
...restaurants: full board is provided so there is no need for other restaurants. Though Kovalam's Lighthouse Beach, about 20 min by tuk-tuk, provides a vast choice of Indian and fusion restaurants.
...other attractions: nearby temple within walking distance; watching the sunset from the cliff edge or the beach.
If you take the Ayurveda package the resort offers a complimentary half-day backwater cruise (highly recommended) included in your stay. And they can also organise longer backwater boatrips or other excursions on request.
Activities and prices
Ayurveda
This resort focuses on offering professional Ayurveda treatment packages. The qualified staff prescribe treatments for each guest individually, including head, face and body oil massage; herbal or steam baths; special herbal medicines and elixirs, and personally recommended food.
This resort offers female doctors and massage therapists for females which we find is much appreciated by female guests. There are male doctors and massage therapists available for men.
Ayurveda treats the body, mind and spirit of a person as a whole entity, and works on the basis that the mind and body affect each other and together can overcome disease and strengthen the immune system. It can complement modern medicine. A one- or two-week programme can be very beneficial for general rejuvenation or a gentle detox. Allow two weeks or more for deeper health benefits. More on Ayurveda.
Yoga sessions are optional and offered daily overlooking the sea at sunrise. The style is Sivananda Yoga: This is a holistic practice that incorporates the 12 basic/intermediate asanas with variations, pranayama, relaxation, and meditation. Discover the benefits of proper breathing, increase your flexibility, strengthen your body and mind, improve concentration, learn deep relaxation, and develop greater inner body awareness. Beginners and all levels of experienced Yogis are welcome.
Most evenings cultural entertainment is provided, for example with music by local sitar and tabla players or a performance of the stunning art of Kathakali dancing which is unique to Kerala.
Prices for Rejuvenation or Detox Ayurveda Packages:
All prices are seasonal and subject to change. GBP prices depend on the exchange rate.
Package prices include all treatments, local taxes, full board, one daily yoga class, airport transfers, cultural entertainment, and one half-day backwater cruise. Flights are not included. Check-in and check-out time is 12 noon.
The Ayurveda Treatment package includes consultations with an Ayurvedic doctor and a range of individually prescribed treatments: daily massages, wraps, herbal baths, steams, optional acupuncture, remedies, etc. Between 2 to 3 hours of treatments daily.
Yoga sessions in the mornings are included for those taking the Ayurveda package; a second class in the afternoon can be available by arrangement for an additional Eu 10 per class. For those not taking Ayurveda all Yoga sessions cost Eu 10 per person. Sessions last about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Meals are vegetarian and there are a range of freshly cooked dishes that can be chosen from the buffet. Meat dishes can be ordered a la carte if required and will be charged for separately.
PRICES 2012/13
Per person prices for Rejuvenation or Detox Ayurveda Packages in a single ensuite Cottage. 'From' prices depend on type of accommodation.
WINTER prices including 5% discount for all Neal's Yard Holidays guests
- valid 21 Jan to 30 Apr 2012:
One week from Eu 1050.70 (approx GBP 945); Two weeks from Eu 2101.40 (approx GBP 1904).
SUMMER OFFER* including extra 5% discount for all Neal's Yard Holidays guests
- valid 1 Apr to 31 Oct 2012:
Stay 7 days; pay for only 6 days.
Stay 14 days; pay for only 12 days.
Stay 21 days; pay for only 18 days.
Stay 28 days; pay for only 24 days.
eg One week, including summer offer and our discount, from only Eu 758.10 (approx GBP 687);
Two weeks from only Eu 1516.20 (approx GBP 1374).
*Valid only for complete 7-, 14-, 21-, or 28-day Ayurveda Packages and not for any period in between.
Room types and prices (peak season):
Room only, including cultural entertainment. Plus service tax. Check-in and check-out time is 12 noon.
| Single | Double | |
| Garden Cottage | 95 Euro | 106 Euro |
| Special Cottage | 120 Euro | 134 Euro |
| Kerala House Standard | 162 Euro | 180 Euro |
| Kerala House Deluxe | 217 Euro | 242 Euro |
| Extra person | - - - | plus 20% on the tariff |
Prices for the rest of the year are lower.
Child policy
Children welcome but there are no special facilities.
Free accommodation for children under 12. Cots for infants available on request.
Green footprint
What is being done for the environment and the local community?
Natural materials are used where possible. The use of plastic is discouraged and guests are given a complimentary cotton bag for beach and shopping trips. This resort cooperates and lives in harmony with the local fishermen and employs local staff.
Guestbook
"I had a great holiday - thank you! There were some very nice touches - eg a gift of a sari on departure, the hammock in the garden. The people, from the therapists to the gardeners were very friendly and welcoming. Whilst not a highlight, it was comforting as a single woman traveller to see lots of security on the grounds of the hotel." Claire F, Sep 11
"The resort was stunning, the treatments first class and the food heavenly. [I came back feeling] Amazing! Take plenty of books, not much clothing and be prepared to give in, relax and be nurtured... What a truly wonderful experience this was. Thank you." Chris P, tour leader, Feb 11
"The resort was in a beautiful location and the staff were very friendly. Loved the yoga and ayurveda treatments each day. Backwater trip was a good opportunity to get out of the resort in a simple way. [I came back] refreshed and [had] lost 3 kg without even trying! Tip: Don’t pack too much - the local shops are very good value and you can have clothes make to fit for a fraction of the cost in UK." Julia W, marketing director, Jan 11
"Excellent and efficient service [from Neal's Yard Agency]. Holiday highlights were the resort setting, the staff, the food and the treatments. I came back feeling relaxed and rested. I was very happy with the whole package and would recommend to others." Linda T, management consultant, Oct 10
"[The highlights of my holiday were] The treatments and care of staff. The setting. The little cottages. Great food. My introduction to yoga. Seeing the fishermen pulling in their nets. [On my return I felt] Centered, optimistic, rested, more sure about the future." Cathy Bereznicki, www.pallabs.org, Oct 10
"Fabulous resort, location and food." Patricia C, Jun 10
"The Ayurveda therapy was unlike anything I have ever experienced and quite wonderful. Such a professional and efficient service all aimed at creating a state of wellbeing. I feel superb - fit, well and happy... Evening entertainment a great plus for a solo traveller. I really really enjoyed myself!" Sue H, retired, Nov 09
"The highlights were the ayurveda treatments, the yoga and meditation. Each activity was very well organised. I returned feeling very content and pleased. Take your time, relax and read good books.
Village's staff had been very gentle, careful and helpful on every activity or need I had, or could have had. They were so heedful to try to foresee every wish, but never intrusive to your privacy. Everything in the village was perfect. Local cooking was great." Chantal Martorelli, Manager, Sep 09
"The treatments were great. Staff were really friendly and helpful. The extra trip that was included was a nice suprise. I came back feeling relaxed and refreshed." Jo Ball, Aug 09
"Highlights were, first and foremost, just being in India, but a part from that, falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves made me very happy. The ayurvedic treatments were great, and the food was absolutely heaven. I came back feeling unwound and contemplative. ... I had a blissful stay." PB, Jan 09
"We had a great time - really enjoyed the pampering and we are considering returning next year for the panchakarma. The highlights for me were not being bitten by mosquitos at all (first time ever), the weather, the food, and the eczema on my face and neck clearing up within 24 hours of receiving treatments! I also felt much slimmer on my return!" Jeannie W, Jan 09
"The highlights were the two hours daily of ayurvedic treatment (rejuvenation package); the outdoor yoga with the wonderful sea views and sounds and the excellent quality and variety of vegetarian food available.
I returned completely refreshed and relaxed. This is an excellent resort with great service - I’d definitely go back." Lynne Robinson, Jan 09
"It more than lived up to expectation - location delightful, welcome warm, service outstanding and my only disappointment was that my stay was too short. I returned home mentally and physically restored and with a feeling that I must return to that wonderful place for more of the same in the future.
With my grateful thanks, Joan." Dec 08
"The holiday was amazing! My only regret was that I hadn't stayed longer. It absolutely met my expectations and needs. ... I felt totally relaxed and everyone commented on how serene I looked on my return. I'd just like to thank you for an unbelievable experience." June Lawrence, Mar 08
"A beautiful village style resort with idyllic spacious cottages, herbal gardens and hammocks. And what an exquisite setting, overlooking the sandy palm beach. The staff were really friendly and attentive, the atmosphere was very calm and relaxed, the food was tasty and healthy." A Guest, Dec 07
Why book through us?
We do not charge booking fees: you pay the same or sometimes even less than if you book direct.
We have been there and to other holidays ourselves and can give you more independent advice.
We provide a quick response and a personalised service.
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