Neeleshwar Hermitage

A place of isolation and solitude, but with Relais and Chateaux’s ethos of refinement and luxury, this divine eco-friendly retreat is an idyllic place to escape the modern world and indulge one’s spiritual harmony and physical wellness.

Accommodation

Just 12 thatched individual cottages ensuring a serene and private experience, each light and airy with dark-wood floors, local handmade furniture and artworks, a stereo system, a garden courtyard and a balcony with either a garden or a sea view.

Sustainable Features

•   The cottages were constructed from local materials and furnished with traditional woodwork and handmade furniture carved by local craftsmen.

•   Rainwater is harvested, solar energy is used where possible and waste water is purified and used on the gardens.

•   The resort operate a ‘no-plastic’ policy, bottled water is avoided and drinking water is purified on site.

•   Kitchen waste is recycled to provide bio-gas for onsite rubbish incineration and garden waste is recycled to make mature compost.

•   The hotel established The Malabar Foundation to help raise environmental awareness and encourage participation in local programmes.

•   A high percentage of local staff are employed including disadvantaged tribal groups from the Sahayadri mountains.

•   The hotel established a local volunteer group to collect turtle eggs and transport them to a protected hatchery further along the beach and also supervise the safe return of the hatchlings to the sea.

•   The resort purchases its fresh fish from the local fishing community.

•   All of the spa preparations are 100% natural, organically produced and sourced responsibly and the Ayurvedic treatments use 100% organic herbal medicines.

•   The range of native trees and plants in the gardens encourage a number of bird species and butterflies.

•   The resort runs a cultural programme to educate guests about India’s rich art, history, architecture, religion and philosophy and also holds music concerts and dance performances and arranges local tours.

Facilities

Crafted from local materiàl and according to traditional architectural principles, Neeleshwar is a sea of calm set in 12 naturally landscaped acres of lush beachfront gardens. Dining at the ‘Annapurna’ restaurant is flavoured by Ayurvedic principles with predominantly vegetarian cuisine incorporating Indian, Middle Eastern and European flavours, whilst the beachside restaurant serves the freshest locally caught seafood. A highlight of any stay is surely the wonderfully relaxed Priya Ayurvedic Spa where all preparations are natural and organically produced.

Location

A beautiful beachfront position in Malabar, northern Kerala, two hours transfer from Mangalore airport.

Public transport

Nearest train station: Neeleshwar Town (about 4 kms).