Ayurvedia, India
If you are looking for a break to help you seriously un-wind, or even to fix some minor ailment, then you could do worse than visit Somatheerum Beach Resort in Kerela, southern India.
Somatheerum is an ayurvedic and yoga centre combined in very relaxing surroundings. The resort sits atop a small cliff with steps down to a beautiful wide beach. At the top of the cliff are the ruins of a church and nestling in the palms trees at the back of the beach is quite a substantial fishing village. At night a myriad of fishing lights can be seen out at sea like strings of pearls, and during the day the local population are pulling in their boats, tending their nets or playing football. The place has a wonderful spiritual and calming ambience with little to pander to commercial tourism for miles around.
For those who are not ‘in the know’ ayurvedia is a form of medicine peculiar to India that focuses on getting you in balance (mind, body and spirit). It aims to treat a whole host of ailments from skin disease, asthma and arthritis to infertility.
Accommodation is provided in stone or wooden cottages and bungalows spread out around the grounds, and the packages are full board (vegetarian food). Programmes for spiritual and physical health are created on an individual basis and can be as intensive or relaxed as desired.
I have not stayed at Somatheerum myself, but visited for an evening meal with some Indian ‘in-the-know’ friends. It was a cultural evening with classical Indian dancing and wonderful food. The girls giving the performance seemed quite young, but very professional and enchanting and the perfect outdoor setting. Other cultural entertainment is laid on, including Kathakali performances with its unique costumes, movements and stories.
The town of Kovalam is some 8 miles north where you will find more touristy ‘occupations’ such as beach front shopping (all manor of jewellery and textile goods) and some water sports. There is also a huge range of restaurants (serving excellent seafood) and bars to explore.
I would love to go back and stay at Somatheerum, or hear from anyone who has stayed there to discover if reality matches my expectations!
For more information on Soomatherum visit their web site:
Soomatherum Link
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