Kerala, the backwater-laced state situated in Southern India has reserved its name as one of the most popular gateways in the country. Due to its rich flora, fauna, exotic beaches, lush green forests, and ideal weather, local as well as international travelers visit the state to have a taste of ‘God’s own country’.
Often recognized for its tea estates, spices plantations, and vibrant culture, Kerala offers the perfect laid-back vacation. However, it is safe to say that your trip will remain incomplete without experiencing wellness retreats in this state.
Wellness or Ayurveda resorts are booming in Kerala, thanks to the moist and humid weather found here. Moreover, the abundant medical herbs and plants found in Kerala make up for a holistic health destination for international tourism. Ayurveda developed over 5000 years ago and is one of the most healing systems in the world.
You may try spa treatments all-round the globe, but nothing comes as close as the wellness experience offered by Kerala’s wellness resorts. Almost all the accommodation options in Kerala offer some form of wellness treatments but exclusive wellness resorts focus particularly on rejuvenation and health.
Here are the top six wellness resorts you can find in Kerala:
Mekosha Ayurveda Spa Suites Retreat
Mekosha Ayurveda Spa Suites Retreat is set in a beautiful remote location, on the banks of a river bordered by tall palm trees and surrounded by green gardens. Although Mekosha is just an hour away from Kerala’s s capital city, Trivandrum, it offers a tranquil resort experience.
Mekosha is also the first resort to introduce the new concept of ‘Spa Suite’ in India. Boasting 11 luxurious suites, each unit is decorated in a contemporary style and faces the pool for an intimate stay. Each of the spacious suites has its own private spa and treatment area. Here, the Ayurveda regimes are directed by highly skilled professionals and doctors. The food served at the resort is healthy and delicious as meals are prepared with organic ingredients. Besides treatments, guests can partake in yoga and meditation classes.
- Highlights of the resort: Look out for treatments like podikizhi which makes use of medicated herbs to alleviate aches and pizhichil which is a blend of warm oil and relaxing massages.
Kalari Kovilakom
Kalari Kovilakom is an ayurvedic luxurious resort situated in the ancient palace of Vengunad Kingdom. This resort is a haven for those seeking wellness amidst solitude and nature. The resort is set on 60 acres of lush vegetation and provides solitude.
Kalari Kovilakom has 12 treatment rooms and 18 suites that are lavish and provide vitalizing therapies and massages. The Ayurveda therapies are combined with wellness programs such as yoga and meditation. The resort is an all-vegetarian accommodation that is sustainable and organic. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the two on-site restaurants. During leisure time, guests can explore the resort’s herbal garden, attend cooking classes, and visit the organic farm.
- Highlights of the resort: Look out for refreshing and personalized therapies namely Uzhichil, Sirodhara, Kizhi, and various other healing treatments.
Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort
Prominent for being the world’s first Ayurveda resort, Somatheeram is also the top wellness resort, having won multiple awards. The resort lies in a picturesque setting, with tropical gardens, thatched cottages, pools, and the scenic Chowara beach in full sight.
Upon arrival, a diagnosis takes place to determine a unique Ayurvedic program for each guest. This plan addresses specific physical, mental, and emotional needs and accordingly offers treatments. Guests can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere accompanied by traditional Kerala Ayurvedic therapies. While excellent vegetarian meals are served in the pavilion overlooking the sea, guests can indulge in other activities provided by the resort such as yoga and meditation workshops, mehndi or henna hand painting, boating, and elephant rides.
- Highlights of the resort: Look out for anti-aging, stress-relieving, beauty services, as well as treatments like abhyanga and udvarthanam.
Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort
Located on a captivating beach in Marari in the Alappuzha district, Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort offers a sophisticated wellness experience. It is an eco-friendly resort constructed with materials such as bamboo, reprocessed plastic, jute, and scrap wood. The resort also features a hint of Balinese art and décor.
Carnoustie has two backwater suites and 40 luxury villas, all en-suite and cozily decorated. Guests can indulge in various Ayurvedic massages, offered by professionals. Wellness treatments such as naturopathy, yoga, Kalari, and diabetic management are available. The resort has on-site restaurants that serve South Indian, continental, and Pan Asian delicacies. Guests can enjoy evening cruises with high teas, bicycle rides, and Kerala folk performances among other activities.
- Highlights of the resort: Look out for weight loss, detox, pain and injury management, anti-aging, healing and rejuvenation Ayurvedic programs along with mouth-watering seafood dishes.
Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort
Nestled by the famous Nattika Beach of Thrissur, the Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort is best known for its wellness solutions and Ayurveda treatments. The resort is sprawled over 15 areas of dense greenery. It is a sea-facing accommodation surrounded by hundreds of palm trees.
The Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort has 52 villas that flaunt massive windows and a private seating area, offering scenic views of the surroundings. Along with yoga and meditation sessions, the resort is well known for its Ayurveda treatments such as Panchakarma, massage therapies, synchronized rejuvenation massages, and more. In addition to well-designed villas, the resort boasts a sea-facing lounge, a swimming pool, indoor gaming facility, tennis court, and a souvenir shop. The resort organizes cultural performances as well.
- Highlights of the resort: Look out for treatments offered by professionals that analyze guests’ Dosha or problem areas before suggesting therapies and diet for healing.
The Athreya Ayurveda Resort
The Athreya Ayurveda Resort is situated within the paddy fields and Ayurvedic gardens and is a family-run retreat set close to Kerala’s Mazy backwaters. Guests can benefit from the Ayurvedic wisdom that has been handed down over five generations in the resort. Amongst the rice paddies and the swaying palms, guests can indulge in various healing treatments.
The resort features traditional or ethnic-styled Kerala cottages complete with curved tiled roofs and views of the gardens. The resort approaches healthcare and wellness by diagnosing and giving individual programs to each guest. They offer treatments for diabetes, insomnia, stress as well as incorporate therapy and yoga. The resort also makes use of traditional oils and herbs to detoxify and rejuvenate the body.
- Highlights of the resort: Look out for private consultations with doctors, body treatments, beauty services, and Ayurvedic massages.
These wellness resorts in Kerala are the best places to relax and enjoy Ayurvedic services during your vacation. Make sure to check them out the next time you visit Kerala!
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