Neeleshwar Hermitage

We stayed 3 nights at Neeleshwar Hermitage plus another 2 nights on their houseboat (see separate review of Lotus Houseboat). Both stays were fantastic. The Hermitage is set amongst coconut trees on the deserted Ozhinhavalappu Beach. It provides superb accommodation, a fabulous infinity pool, brilliant service, yoga classes, a warm sea to play in and a free consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor. There is a choice of two restaurants. We opted to have all our meals at the beachfront seafood restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea. The food was exceptional, especially the daily Keralan special made from the local fishermen's catch of the day. If you're looking for a relaxing & rejuvenating few days at the end of your adventure across India, Neeleshwar Hermitage & the Lotus Houseboat are for you.

This is not our first visit to Neeleshwar, but normally we travel to India in January, the high season for Kerala, so a stay in October was a step into the unknown. October would probably class as shoulder season, and the hotel was not fully occupied, but the weather was still more than acceptable, day time temperatures around 28 – 30deg, and it was possible to eat outside in the evening in shirtsleeves. Everything else was as you would expect from what is an excellent hotel. The rooms are large villas, either facing the sea or in the gardens, well equipped, a very comfortable bed, tea/coffee making equipment, and an open air bathroom with high pressure shower and sunken bath. We were in Santosh, newly upgraded to a Pool Villa, having a small plunge pool in an expanded bathroom area, with loungers and high pressure water jets. With two restaurants one serving Indian food, the other freshly caught fish, there was no lack of choice, and the quality was excellent. The name of the hotel gives away its philosophy, Neeleshwar Hermitage, and it is just that, calm and quiet, with yoga, meditation and ayaverdic treatments available, and aimed at people who look for that, a Goan beach hotel it isn’t, no TV’s, no smoking in the hotel area, no activity areas for kids etc., and a request to all guests to respect others, so ideal for a wind-down after a frenetic couple of weeks exploring India. Even the beach is largely deserted! The staff are superb, senior management who have been there certainly all the time we have been going, and staff and trainees from the local area combine to provide an exceptional level of service, whilst at the same time remaining unobtrusive, not an easy task. All in all, an exceptional hotel, which is reflected in the very high rate of return guests they enjoy. Highly recommended

I recently had the good fortune of an 8-day stay at the stunning Neeleswhar Hermitage. This is a truly magical place: the environment radiates peace, ease, and joy. The facilities are state of the art and top of the line: every detail receives careful attention, from the turndown service to the spa, the restaurant to the pool--everything is maintained beautifully to maximize comfort and ease. I was truly impressed, and I've traveled widely throughout South and Southeast Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and North America! The staff are attentive without being overbearing, polished and professional without being distant or off-putting, friendly and open without being assertive or intrusive. I was deeply impressed by their professionalism and warmth. The environment is peaceful and soothing. I was able to meditate without interruption five times a day, and went for twice daily walks ***** the very long stretch of private beach abutting the hotel grounds. The beach is truly a marvel: pristinely clean, stretching for kilometers in either direction with very few other people, it was truly an oasis of peace and calm. I was blown away by its beauty and tranquility. The food at the restaurant was delicious and timely. I took advantage of a cooking class, which was as fun as it was informative! They have a rotating fresh menu every day, and the afternoon high tea was a real treat. The management was also incredibly thoughtful and attentive. Since I was staying for so long during the low season, they offered me a free upgrade to an ocean-view cabin, which completely transformed my experience. They were on hand to make sure I received whatever I needed or hoped for, but they weren't pushy trying to get me to go on excursions or spend money on things I didn't want to. They truly struck the totally perfect chord. I was deeply, deeply impressed by my time at Neeleswhar Hermitage, and you will be, too. If you're looking for a time to retreat away from the hectic frenzy of busy urban life, look no further. Treat yourself to a trip to Neeleswhar Hermitage; you won't regret it.