An Ayurvedic Rejuvenation in Kerala

I was having a coffee with a few friends late last year and one of them asked if any of us would like to join her on a trip to an Ayurvedic Resort in Kerala, India. She was taking a group of people to Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort and several were unable to go so were some places available. My friend Cathy had been taking groups there for years however due to the world changes this was the first group for four years.

Every cell in my body went yes, yes, yes and within three days I had paid my deposit and was planning my 14-day adventure.

Because of the pandemic, the past few years have been very difficult and I felt something was missing in my life. A healing journey was the one thing that excited me again.

I have always loved health retreats and regularly used to travel and stay at The Pearl Laguna Beach, California. Founded by my very talented yoga teaching friends Katresha and Geo Moskios, the Pearl Laguna Beach is an amazing, award-winning yoga and hiking spa retreat, nestled amongst the trees in Laguna Canyon, Southern California.

This was a wonderful opportunity not to be missed. A chance to get back into shape, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

The more I heard and researched where I was going the more excited, I became.

I spoke to Julie Baker, founder of Journeys of the Spirit, who created the Kerala Ayurvedic retreats and she advised me about visas, booked my divine cottage and suggested flight and travel details.

Every cell in my body went yes, yes, yes and within three days I had paid my deposit and was planning my 14-day adventure.

The flight left for Singapore at 6.25 am on a Saturday morning. After an eight-hour stopover in Singapore and a further four-and-a-half-hours in the air, we landed at Trivandrum International Airport, the nearest major airport to Somatheeram Resort. The hours in the air were marked by the hum of engines, the occasional turbulence, and the excitement of immersing myself in a completely different world.

We arrived at night and were met by numerous guides who drove us to the resort. Despite our late arrival, we were taken to the open restaurant with its high rustic straw ceilings and welcomed with a delicious fresh coconut.

My cottage was just divine, and I could hear the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore as I walked up to the verandah.

I slept deeply and peacefully after my long journey feeling excited that I had been blessed to have this special chance to boost my health, wellbeing and longevity.

Day 1 was to be relaxing. Breakfast in the restaurant around 8.30 am then off to the hospital to meet our doctors who would see and advise us of our individual treatments and nutritional requirements.

On opening the curtains I was greeted by the most beautiful view of the Arabian Sea down below and heard the chanting songs of the fishermen on the beach hauling in the huge nets of fish.

I could see for miles up the coast and the green lush tropical vegetation around the resort was so tranquil. The warm welcome from the smiling staff, all adorned in traditional attire set the stage for an amazing experience.

Breakfast offered the choice of a delicious smorgasbord or an omelette or eggs prepared by a smiling chef in a starched white hat. I chose the latter, every morning!

After breakfast, we were taken to meet our doctors in the building next door which housed the hospital.

Mine was a lovely mature lady named Dr Mollyama, Dr Molly for short. She was training another young doctor so between them I felt very cared for.

We had been asked to fill out a very long intake form, so my treatment was decided from that.

My therapist took me through the gardens to the treatment room where I enjoyed an amazing relaxing massage. I was given a burgundy red long cotton gown to wear back to lunch, and we all laughed so much when we caught up as we all looked like monks.

My meals were all delicious as I chose to eat from my Doshas. There are three different food doshas and I was a combination of two.

After breakfast each day Dr Molly observed my progress and managed my treatments.

I had the same two lovely, kind and caring therapists every day who would collect me then take me back to the hospital every day.

The treatments were from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Sometimes warm milk being poured over me, sometimes warm water or oil. Another time being covered in mud! Then the amazing feeling of Shirodhara, where oil or coconut water is dribbled from a clay pot across your forehead to induce a calm state.

Once I opened my eyes while deep in a relaxing state and there was Dr Molly, observing me. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff.

The days just flew by between yoga, meditation, treatments and meals. In the afternoons, I would retire to my cottage after treatments and lunch and sleep for a while, then shower off the oil and head to the sparkling pool for a relaxing swim and a read. Most days it was sunny, but even when the heavy monsoon rains arrived for a couple of days, I was able to enjoy the comforting sound of the pouring rain.

There were other things to do if you so desired, like learning pottery, cooking demonstrations then tasting the delicious food.

Just outside of the resort is a village which I did visit, exploring the local culture and heritage. There were lots of shops to browse in. One afternoon we caught tuk tuks to a quaint nearby fishing village, and then to the vibrant markets at nearby Kovalam Beach.

During my stay, I met some lovely people from all over the world who were all there to also become the best versions of themselves that they could be.

My journey to Somatheeram Resort was more than I could have imagined. It was yet again another journey for my soul where nature, culture, and wellness converged. The wonderful memories of this trip will forever be etched in my mind – it was such a beautiful and enriching experience that I hope others can also share by embarking on their own journeys of self-discovery and rejuvenation.

Love Jen xx