I have personally experienced wellness hotels and retreats all around the world, including guided meditation courses in the English countryside, luxury spa hotels in the Alps and Ayurveda retreats in India. Here is a spotlight on wellness journeys in India, including my experience from a recent retreat at Kalari Kovilakom. Give me a call to start planning your wellness journey!
Kalari Kovilakom is the destination for an incredible, authentic Ayurvedic experience that combines physical, psychological and spiritual therapies, complemented by daily yoga and meditation practices. Find out more >
I had been looking for a place for a gentle detox; somewhere I could go for a couple of weeks for a bit of a mental and physical reset. Where I could eat healthily during my stay, join guided meditations, and take part in breathwork and yoga (I like these three practices and find they calm my somewhat overactive mind). After lots of investigating, the CGH Earth ‘hospital’ I chose was Kalari Kovilakom for a 21 day retreat.
Find out more about my Ayurvedic Retreat at Kalari Kovilakom >
SwaSwara offers Ayurveda and Yoga from a beautiful hotel immersed in nature and overlooking breathtaking Om Beach, close to the temple town of Gorkana. This is a high-quality, holistic wellness experience, enhanced by a beautiful and peaceful setting, a world away from the distractions and stresses of city life.
Escape to Coconut Lagoon on the banks of the backwaters of Kerala. A luxurious former palace surrounded by bird-flocked lawns, this is a place of real tranquility. Whether the house is taken by a single traveller or a family, a wonderful team of staff is dedicated to making guests feel at home. There are two bedrooms on the ground floor and one on the first floor with an attached living room, decorated with beautiful antique furniture. A personal chef serves traditional local recipes including fresh catch of the day, which can be enjoyed by the waterside with a view of the lake, at the gazebo, on the veranda, or in the garden. We can arrange exclusive classical music and dance performances, holistic well-being treatements, Ayurveda therapy sessions, Yoga, sunset boat rides and guided tours of nearby Fort Kochi.
On the land of the former Brunton & Sons Boatyard, this boutique hotel is located in a fascinating area that has been influenced over time by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The hotel is beautifully appointed with high ceiling, old-fashioned ‘punkahs' and antiques made from teak, mahogany and brass. Rooms look out across the sea and delta, or the bustling streets of Fort Kochi. Guests can dine on the promenade at History Restaurant, where the menu is inspired by cultures that have influenced the area. Seafood is served at The Terrace Grill and Kerala and international cuisine are served at The Armoury Restaurant. Bespoke experiences here include cooking demos, Ayurveda services at ‘Aryatheeram’, sunset cruises around Cochin Harbour and tours of Fort Kochi.
Ahilya by the Sea is Relais & Chateaux property set in a private nook of Dolphin Bay amidst gorgeous gardens that are filled with tropical plants, coconut palms and frangipani. A stay here is incredibly serene and spoiling. With just nine rooms spread across three elegant villas, guests are well looked after and hospitality is always warm, with a real family feel. Guests can relax in the Sunrise infinity pool or Sunset plunge pool and enjoy amazing massages and wellness therapies in the Banyan Spa. Cuisine is a mix of Goan, Italian and French, with ingredients sourced from local markets, including fresh catch of the day. Dining is always al fresco and can be in a different location each night. collection of art and sculpture, handpicked by the owner herself on her travels. There is plenty to do here, from relaxing on the beach to fishing and visiting nearby churches, museums and the Reis Magos Fort.
If you don’t want to travel as far as India, we would highly recommend experiencing the incredible Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Retreats in beautiful Tuscany at The Datu. Get in touch to find out more about The Datu, or other wellness retreats that we can recommend closer to home.
Photo Credit: Marco Diani
Every time I explore a new destination, whether it’s on an adventure holiday in Peru or a luxury beach escape in the Indian Ocean, I return home full of excitement to share the amazing sights I have seen. Through my own experiences I have developed a love of helping others experience the great wonders of the world; truly getting under the skin of the extraordinary destinations that are at your fingertips. Getting the details right, from which hotel is perfectly located for exploring away from the crowds, to which local guide is most knowledgeable on history or culture or art, is of paramount importance to me. I am constantly seeking out new and exciting experiences and exploring off the beaten track to ensure my clients are receiving the best and most honest first-hand advice.
Take a look at my travel diaries for food for thought on your next trip...