Words :Sony V Mathew
Photos : © Jamesh Kottakkal

'A Resort Where Wealth Means Health…'
                                Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort

Bright blue skies, golden beaches with soft murmuring waves, coconut groves nodding their heads in acknowledgement of gratitude from the visitors … any one of these elements can work as an alluring factor for a travel buff. But imagine if all these magical elements are combined in one destination in addition to authentic Ayurvedic treatment facilities? Such a wonder is to be witnessed at ‘Somatheeram’, an experience that can make you spellbound… 

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort is located at the southern end of Kerala, holding its position as one of the most beautiful beach destinations in South India. The theme of the resort based on pure eco-friendly concept is truly remarkable with thatched roofs, walls made of mud bricks and the art of wood carving merged with sand, sea and Ayurveda. Located only a few kilometres away from the Trivandrum International Airport, the resort is an ideal destination for tourists. 

We checked in to the resort on an unusually cloudy November evening. Parking facility was confined to a small area and so spotting the reception counter was not a big task. As our arrival was notified in advance we could settle in our cottages without much delay. The large wooden room with airy windows appeared more like a show-piece from a long-gone era. The antique furniture in the room represented different periods of history. The clay-tiled flooring and tiled roofs with wooden beams gave the room a natural cooling effect. The windows, lamp shades and door latches also conformed to the old world norms. The only part of the room which did not go with the rest was the loo, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a bath tub.

 After freshening up, we went for a walk around the resort. I had the resort map provided by the receptionist with me. The cloudy atmosphere outside seemed to reflect on our photographer Jamesh’s face. He decided to wait till the next day to start focussing his lens…. Meanwhile, we continued with our exploration.

'The theme of the resort based on pure eco-friendly concept is truly remarkable with thatched roofs, walls made of mud bricks and the art of wood carving merged with sand, sea and Ayurveda '

Somatheeram Health Resort spreads over a vast area which sloped down to the sandy beach. The first impression of simplicity gave way to one of affluence as we passed the Kerala Deluxe cottages and suites. The edifices looked stunning, and mixed perfectly with the atmosphere. Slowly we reached the beach gate. The beach looked beautiful and serene and the clouds were pregnant with rain. Beach beds were available in abundance and this area is known for its privacy as it lies isolated from the other tourist centres nearby.

Reclining on the beach beds we watched sun set, through the clouds. The sky slowly turned red with the sea capturing and reflecting the colour beautifully. Behind us, the resort was glittering with garden lights in full glow. A few tourists, who were rustling with the waves, stood wiping off the salt, signalling their intention to stop the water games they were engaged in.

The nights of the resort revolved mainly round the garden and the restaurant.  The restaurant stood tall with roofs of plaited coconut fronds. A variety of dishes, prepared as per the guidance of the Ayurvedic nutritionists were waiting for the guests.  The highlight of the buffet style dinner was the Kerala section with thorens, avail, red rice and several other delicacies perfectly presented in traditional earthen pots. Other types of dishes from Vegetable Pulav to quality beef offerings also adorned the table apart from a variety of soups, sweet dishes and desserts. The Indian Roti was very soft and delectable. After the dinner we sat on the verandah, with the gentle sea breeze pampering and reminding us of the good sleep in the offing.

Our spirits were sky high when we woke up the next morning. Almost all possible dishes from pancakes, eggs, bread and cheese, to fruits and pure Indian items like dosas and idlis were available for the breakfast. Jamesh was raring to go as the morning light seemed perfect for a glorious photo session. He started to focus his lens from the Yoga room. The yoga sessions were led by the veteran yoga practitioner Miranda. Reputed internationally and in the field for more than 40 years, Miranda believes that the various elements of yoga are designed to bring about a balance of mind and body. Propounded by sage Patanjali, yoga is one of the six systems of Indian philosophy.

We started our morning walk from the beach side cottages. During our walk we found most people in a hurry to attend either the Yoga or the Ayurvedic treatment sessions. We followed the latter group to the Ayurveda hospital. It offers more than 40 types of Ayurvedic treatments and more than 15 Ayurvedic packages. The Health Division of Somatheeram is headed by Dr. C.A. Raman, former Director of Ayurveda Department, Kerala Government. Under his leadership, Somatheeram hospital won the state award for the best Ayurvedic centre in Kerala for nine years. It is perhaps the only Ayurvedic centre that has won this prestigious award consecutively for such a long time. 

' It also offers traditional Ayurvedic treatment, Organic Aroma Therapy and sauna and steam facilities'As part of Rejuvenation Therapy, Somatheeram offers an array of Kerala style massages with different types of oils. It also offers traditional Ayurvedic treatment, Organic Aroma Therapy and sauna and steam facilities. “We approach a disease by taking into consideration the body system as a whole and the individual’s physical and psychological peculiarities,” says Dr. Raman. “Ayur literally means life and veda, the science or knowledge”, he added. The availability of good quality medicine is a problem. To overcome this difficulty, the resort has developed a medical herbs’ garden for their medicine production unit. Free consultation is offered to every guest. Somatheeram offers 259 types of Ayurvedic treatment like Dhara, Sirovasthi, General Massage and Pizhichil, all based on the concept of thri dhoshas (three bad elements which creates problems in human body).

After learning about the hospital we started looking into the various types of cottages available. The cottages were named after traditional Kerala homes as Illam, Mana, Nalukettau, Tharavadu etc., except the deluxe palace suite which was called ‘Siddhartha’.  From outside, most of the cottages looked small. But the interiors of the round-shaped cottages were a different world altogether. There was space enough to accommodate two persons comfortably.  Each hut contained a bedroom, a bathroom, and an armoire/dresser. 

These beautiful structural designs bore testimony to a wonderful tradition of architecture. The finest features of this traditional style of architecture make each building here a unique piece of art. Carved buttresses, pillars and doors adorn each room. And all the cottages offer a cozy and comfortable retreat for the visitors. Winding pathways through the courtyards leading to the houses are fringed with granite sculptures, all merging harmoniously with the layout of the land. Hammocks are placed in front of all cottages, in the shade of coconut trees.

Somatheeram is really a place for a holistic experience where the daily routine is weaved around, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditation. Inside the resort there is a shop selling handicrafts, clothing, spices and other ethnic items. Similar shops are there just outside the gate. Taxis are also available for those who may want to take a trip to the near-by beaches or to the backwaters....

Our two nights’ stay at the resort was in fact a blissful experience. Everyone, from the receptionists to the securities, was extremely kind and gentle with welcoming smiles on their faces. As a result, we too can’t help cherishing those memories without a smile. Two days here is enough to hook you on to a lifestyle that would definitely give you a new lease of life!

© travelbird