A quiet and peaceful refuge by the waters of the Arabian Sea in North Kerala, Neeleshwar Hermitage is a transformative experience for your body, mind and spirit. As you walk around the property, with the calming waves of the sea on one side and the serenity of palm trees rustling gently on the other, you will understand why this uplifting tropical hideaway is just what your soul needs.
Neeleshwar Hermitage is a fusion of a seaside boutique hotel, a luxurious beach escape and a holistic ayurvedic wellness centre. It is in Kasargod District, around two hours from Mangalore International Airport and around five hours from Calicut International Airport.
Unique Activities
Explore The Best of Kerala in True Coastal Style
God’s own country offers travellers so much in terms of experiences and journeys, that it's easy to feel one visit is never enough. AB Chapri Retreats has curated a fulfilling and offbeat two-week journey that covers several towns throughout Kerala. What you will enjoy most about it is that it encapsulates tiny bits of the state, while giving you a wholesome experience.
Begin your trip in the ancient, spice-rich coastal city of Kochi, which has history, religion, culture and traditions that date back hundreds of years. Take a train journey to Calicut, with its charming port. Drive through hilly and misty Wayanad, where you enjoy plantation life. Descend into the Malabar region in northern Kerala to spend a night on the Arabian Sea backwaters and then end your stay at Neeleshwar Hermitage before you head back home.
Pamper Your Body, Mind and Soul
The essence of Ayurveda is the nourishment of the body, mind and soul. The merging of the three is key for optimal health and a vital life force, or prana.
At Neeleshwar Hermitage, you will find how ayurveda, yoga and meditation can work together to put you at ease and truly centre your being. Here, you will be pampered in a traditional massage centre as knots are eased out of your weary muscles. You will enjoy the sounds of nature as you take in the views of the unspoiled beach and the freshwater lagoon.
Through the day, you will discover Sattvic food that works for your body type and your palate. And you will begin your day unleashing the power of Surya Namaskars. In-house guests can enjoy complimentary group yoga sessions in the Yoga Hall, Patanjali.
Lodging
Relax in the Comfort of Traditional Malabar Cottages
The hermitage is built according to the principles of Kerala Vaastu and is set on 12 naturally landscaped acres of foliage-dense land, with cottages modelled on the Malabar fisherman’s huts of yore. There are 18 cottages, which are light, airy and traditional in style and showcase the work of local craftsmen and artisans. The cottages are named after traditional yogic virtues like bhakti, sukha, moksha and shanti.
The cottages are the perfect mix of heritage and modernity. Room options here include a cottage with a private pool, a deluxe sea view, a deluxe garden view and a deluxe pool view cottage. As the gentle breeze from the Arabian Sea brushes against your skin, and you hear its comforting melody, enjoy the silence and peace of your cottage during your stay.
Dining
Enjoy Your Meals Listening to the Sound of the Waves
The food options at Neeleshwar Hermitage include Indian cuisine, traditional Kerala delicacies and everything from Middle Eastern to European cuisine. You can dine alfresco at the beachside speciality seafood restaurant Meenakshi, which is named after a local goddess, or savour local vegetarian delights at Annapurna Restaurant, which is virtually a zero-energy dining room. Annapurna is dedicated to the goddess of nourishment.
Nutrition plays a huge role in Ayurvedic treatments, and at Annapurna, vegetarian foods are cooked on the principles of Ayurveda and balance. You can begin your day with a juice cleanse and a flavourful Ayurveda-guided breakfast, indulge in a fresh seafood platter for lunch, and wrap up the day with a light dinner.
Each restaurant has a sangam, or meeting table, where solo travellers can join a table and share a meal and have conversations. There are two bar areas in the hotel: The Annapurna bar and the Varuna bar overlooking the pool.
Meet the People
Neeleshwar is all about its people and the hospitality and warmth they embody. From the chefs who conduct cooking classes and share their well-honed skills to the staff who have been trained to ensure all guests feel like they are in a home away from home, everyone there has a smile for you.
At Priya Spa, you will meet the ever-positive and gentle Dr. Dilna, their in-house director, who has wide experience in both Ayurvedic and wellness spa treatments. Pay special attention when it comes to her Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis and her instructions on posture, breathing techniques, and the right diet for your dosha.
The inspiration for all the yoga programmes at The Hermitage is the nimble Dr. Saranya Pullur, a consultant doctor for yoga and naturopathy. Try to spend time with her to discuss diet and exercise-based lifestyle modifications and how yoga can improve your daily life.
Sustainability Story
As one of the few boutique hotels located in North Kerala along the Ozhinhavalappu Estuary, Neeleshwar Hermitage takes its role in sustainable tourism seriously. The cottages are made of local materials, using traditional building styles and the skills of local artisans. There is an emphasis on natural light and air in the buildings to minimise energy consumption.
The kitchen provides biogas for cooking, and all-natural waste is recycled. The coconut trees provide fresh, tender coconut water for the guests, and the water is purified on-site by the reverse osmosis process. The Hermitage has a vegetable garden. This is a no-plastic zone, and plastic bottles are not used.
The community connection here is strong. Staff is drawn from local or nearby communities, and they too are trained in the preservation of the local flora and fauna. Ecological responsibility is furthered through engaging staff and guests alike in activities like the preservation of the endangered olive ridley turtle.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Neeleshwar Hermitage
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