Nestled in the lap of greenery, the luxe Sooryaa Samudra- Niraamaya Retreat, Kovalam facing the Arabian Sea will mesmerize you with its scenic beauty.

The story began in 1982, in the coastal village of Pulinkudi, about 10 kilometres from Trivandrum, when Klaus Schleusener from Germany, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, converted a deserted hill into the symbol of ancient Keralite architecture and called it his ‘winter abode’. Since then the abode has become a popular resort that is visited by holiday makers from all over the world.  With a background of lush greenery and coconut trees framing the resort and the beautiful. Arabian Sea on its front the place is a must visit for its luxury cottages and scenic beauty.

The resort is filled with Kerala’s ancient history and architecture spread over its vast acres in the form of a temple pillar here, an engraved wooden temple door on some of the cottages, a brass trishul used as a décor piece and many more such artifacts handpicked and sourced from various places in Kerala.

Every heritage cottage here has their own story to narrate. The first suite gives a grand view of the beach while the other has a 100 year old banyan tree swathed with lights around which is landscaped a garden and the washroom area. All this inside the cottage! Yet another cottage gave a stunning view of an old mosque as your first morning view which looked as if perched on a cliff directly over the sea. All these beautiful cottages come with an outdoor shower. They are a mix of the old and the contemporary with terracotta roof, carved pillars and ornate doors that is intriguing and exciting.

The resort is scattered with the dearly loved Hindu God Ganesha in different sizes but the one that catches your eye will be the one carved in black stone looking at you benevolently, weighing about five tones, as you make your way to the restaurant Samsara.

Café Samsara is the place, where you can spend your entire holiday listening to the waves sing a song of their own, sipping on either the famous Kerala filter coffee or fresh sweet tender coconut water.

It also serves delicious local cuisine with excellent grilled sea food and barbeque that’s an absolute must-have. The other dining option here is Essence perched on a cliff serving Far Eastern cuisine, while Madira is the bar overlooking the beach. 

For the romantics the retreat will be happy to arrange a quiet dinner at the beach under the stars with a menu specially prepared by the chef. It’s a perfect setting for wedding destination that will fill your heart with happiness.

If you are visiting Kerala, God’s own country you surely can’t miss the Ayurveda treatment it is so famous for.  The spa here is an absolute must-visit  an it’s not just Ayurveda, you can go for Thai, Swedish and reflexology therapies among many others in the lap of luxury as trained therapist take over the wellness of your being to help you return from your holiday absolutely relaxed and rejuvenated.

Ten things you can do to enjoy Niramaaya Retreat, Kovalam

1. Begin your day with fresh and sweet coconut water

2. Ask for an early morning yoga session – it is unhurried, calming and a balm to your drive-tired backache

3. Indulge in the freshest of sea food

4. Spot the number of Ganeshas scattered throughout the resort – they are beautiful and give a spiritual touch to your walk

5. The local coastal cuisine freshly prepared is definitely not to be missed

6. As the locals do polish it off with specially prepared filter coffee

7. Book yourself into their award winning spa

8. Stay at the Banyan Tree Bungalow inside which is a 100 year old Banyan tree around which is landscaped a garden with bathroom

9. Walk on the beach bare feet to give that much needed muscle exercise

10. Enjoy a beach dinner under the stars with specially prepared menu

Address: Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra - Kovalam: Pulinkudi, Mullur PO,Thiruvananthapuram 695 521, Kerala, India

Reservations: Tel: +91 80 4510 4510 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.