Guest User
November 29, 2024
This trip and experience was a first for me on many levels: my first time travelling solo for a considerable period of time; my first visit to South India; and my first experience of Ayurveda. Following a recommendation from a family member, I chose Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village. The Somatheeram group defines itself as the world's first Ayurveda Hospital set in a resort ambience. That is exactly what this place is, and I was not disappointed at all. Located in Kerala (meaning means "land of coconuts" in Malayalam and also known as “God’s own Country”), the location of the resort as well as the resort itself forces one to really slow down and get some peace and quiet. I felt totally relaxed and happy here in the beautiful surroundings. The grounds are very well maintained, the rooms and facilities are kept very clean, the vegetarian food is delicious, the yoga and meditation classes were really relaxing, the cooking demonstration taught me new things to cook, the entertainment was also really special. The Ayurveda therapies and treatments are also absolutely wonderful. I had no previous experience of Ayurveda, but having the various treatments customised for me and my ailments for a minimum of 2 hours everyday during my stay made me wonder if this is how the royal Maharajas felt in the past, because everyday I felt like a king after the treatments, completely relaxed, at peace and totally destressed. I was truly pampered by the hands of all the expert therapists. With their help, I now feel a lot better. The ailments and illnesses I went to get treated there have pretty much subsided. The staff here is what makes this place so special. Everyone I had the pleasure to speak to, from the grounds maintenance, housekeeping, reception and restaurant teams, the doctors and the therapists, the security guards, the cooks and chefs were extremely polite, friendly and absolutely wonderful in making my stay so special. Also, meeting and speaking with the other guests, who are all on their own individual Ayurveda journeys, made me realise that Ayurveda can really help. The proof was finding out that there were a number of repeat customers returning to Soma Manaltheeram, some of which had returned more than 10 times. Needless to say, I was extremely sad to leave the resort after three weeks. I miss the pampering, the surroundings, the smiles of the staff, chatting to all the people, the treatments, the food. Thanks to everyone who made my stay so special and memorable, I am hooked with Kerala, Soma Manaltheeram and Ayurveda and I will definitely go back again.