Poovar Ayurveda Village & Island Resort

Nestled amid the breathtaking natural beauty of India’s south-west coast, Poovar Island Resort is where the Arabian Sea meets Kerala’s tranquil Backwaters. The eco-friendly resort is reached by a scenic boat ride of around 10 minutes on the hotel’s own boat, making the journey there an unforgettable experience. The beautiful sandy beach just offshore is around 5 minutes away by boat. Swimming is not recommended there because of underwater currents and waves, but the setting is perfect for relaxing walks and moments of peace. Set in a tropical garden, the resort has the feel of a charming village, with a central main building housing reception, several thoughtfully designed outbuildings and the exclusive Ayurveda Village. This separate area offers Ayurveda guests a holistic wellbeing experience, with its own pool, an authentic Ayurveda restaurant and a professionally run Ayurveda centre, certified by the respected NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers).

The region is defined by a unique landscape where the Arabian Sea meets tranquil lagoons and palm-fringed waterways of the Backwaters. Away from the bustle of the city, the area offers golden sandy beaches, lush vegetation and traditional villages. Here, tropical natural beauty blends with the cultural diversity of South India.

Guests can enjoy purely vegetarian dishes prepared according to the principles of Ayurvedic cuisine at the Ayurveda restaurant. The restaurant is set in a peaceful location overlooking the garden and pool. Guests who are not taking part in the Ayurveda programme are welcome to dine at the separate main restaurant, Tiffins. It serves a varied selection of continental and Asian specialities, with something to suit every taste.

The Ayurveda centre covers an area of around 6,000 m² and has been awarded the Green Leaf Award. It has a qualified team of 2 Ayurveda doctors and around 20 therapists. Surrounded by picturesque waterways and gardens, the centre offers a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy authentic Ayurveda treatments in 10 spacious, open-plan treatment rooms, tailored to the needs of its predominantly Western guests. The intensity of the Ayurveda programmes is adjusted according to the length of each stay. The centre also offers dental consultations and treatments such as teeth whitening, payable locally (around £18; approx. INR 1,500 / €20). An open-sided yoga hall is available to guests, with daily yoga or meditation classes. Individual sessions are available for an additional fee.

There is an outdoor pool at both Ayurveda Village and the Island Resort. Internet access is also available, along with a shop, a fitness room, a library and a butterfly garden. Active guests can choose from a range of activities, including fishing, kayaking and trips to traditional fishing villages, Neyyar Dam or Sivananda Ashram. Depending on the season, evening entertainment is available, and guests can book talks on Ayurveda, cookery classes and workshops such as palmistry or pottery. Workshops can be booked and paid for at the resort, subject to a minimum of 2 participants.