NIRAAMAYA SURYA SAMUDRA, KOVALAM

Accommodation:
Individual cottages are set in the lush tropical gardens with paths and steps leading up and down to variouslevels. All 32 cottages are segregated in six categories depending upon their location, views, space and feature. The higher categories like the Octagon Bungalow, Banyan Tree Bungalow are single suites with some top end features. While the Octagon Bungalow allows for a near sweeping view of the mighty Arabian coast, the waves crashing on the cliff side, the Banyan Tree Bungalow is a tranquil space set around a sprawling Banyan tree and immense open to sky bath-garden. However all have some common features the cottages like super-efficient air-conditioning, LCD TV’s , hearty sit-outs, en-suite baths and above all the views, the views and more views – rustling tree tops, crashing waves and breathtaking views of the sea unhindered right out to the horizon or the mosques of a distant town.
Dining:
Niraamaya Retreats offers dining in Café Samsara a tiled high roof airy pavilion with a stunning mural wall on side and open in a an arc on the other looking out over the swimming pool to the sea. Here you are served the best of local cuisine and a selection of pan-Indian and continental dishes should an odd whim takes over, else in Kerala with its complete repertoire of vegetarian, meat and fish dishes you have enough variety to last you for weeks. Essence is their barbeque grill that comes alive as the sun goes down and the fishing boats twinkle in the inky sea. Madira is the sea facing bar – enticing you to enjoy your drink under the star spangled sky even as the spray from the sea comes up for an occasional caress.
Recreation:
Life by the coast with your own secluded stretch of beach, the infinity pool for your indulgence and endless hours to sit in your own private sit-out to watch the sun set, rise and set again. Look out to the boats come out to fish, twinkle in the night and then return to their tiny coastal villages. One could spend days in this idyll. For those who wish for more there is the option of the Spa, a library and curiosity shop. When travelling with children the thoughtfully assembled play area with board games would be appreciated.
Spa:
Niraamaya Retreats has an exclusive spa– the Niraamaya Spa. An expansive and restful space within the retreat Niramaya Spa is powered by an expert Doctor and his well-trained assistants who offer a range of treatments derived from Kerala’s tradition of Ayurveda as well as Thai and other systems around the world. Signature scrubs, body wraps and polish, massages and baths are designed to revive and revitalize the work –weary guest.

Trivandrum city and its sites – Padmanabha Swamy temple, the Horse Palace, Napier Museum etc. are just a 30 mins drive from the Retreat. While excursions to Kanya Kumari to touch India’s southern-most tip and the temple of the goddess Kanya Kumari could be a day’s deviation. Activities with-in the resort would include an invigorating Yoga session at one of the pavilions overlooking sea with one of the resort’s Yoga masters, a catamaran or speedboat ride into the sea, astrology sessions and live cooking classes.

Niraamaya Retreats, Pulinkudi, Kerala :
Set off the Arabian Coast on a low rocky cliff that meanders into the raging sea ( it was the onset of monsoons when I visited ) Niraamaya Retreats has all the charms of a sea side resort – Sun, Sea, Sand and swaying palms. Besides it has a story to tell – an exciting past from the time it began as the whim of a reclusive German to its present ownership - passionate owners who wish to refine Niraamaya Retreats and help evolve to its next level.
In its present avatar under the able hands of its extremely pro-active GM – Ravindra Virkar, Niraamaya Retreats is now a boutique beach hotel with all the essential modern comforts and service while retaining its true flavor and style of a retreat in typical Kerala style architecture and design. Heritage in an intriguing way the 32 cottages at Niraamaya Retreats have been put together by painstakingly bringing together features from old homes from across the state.