Anandalakshmi Ayurveda Retreat

New Year's was a lovely time to be there: live music, dancing, a buffet dinner and festive decorations made the hotel feel warm and welcoming. My room in the main building was simple but had everything I needed, including A/C, and was cleaned spotless every day. The retreat's small size made the atmosphere intimate, and all the teams, from doctors and John the manager to therapists, reception, restaurant and facilities staff, were kind, attentive and dedicated. I spent two weeks there for my first proper Panchakarma Ayurveda experience. I can't compare it with other places, but I enjoyed it immensely. The cliffside setting looks over a sandy beach and fishermen's boats, with tropical forest, birdsong and eagles all around. Morning yoga there felt magical. I also liked having a two-hour treatment at a different time each day, which left space to explore the nearby village and take trips farther out. Reception arranged visits to Trivandrum and the morning fish market for me. Healthy food, a steady daily routine and morning yoga helped me slow down and reconnect with myself. It felt like a real reset. I'll come back someday and recommend the retreat to anyone looking for an authentic Ayurveda experience.

I spent 23 days doing Panchakarma. The staff were professional, the food was excellent, and I'm very satisfied.

Ananda lakshmi's small size gave it a peaceful, family-like feel, and I felt a real sense of belonging. I'm grateful for all the care from everyone. John and team made my stay so special. The Ayurvedic treatments were high quality and amazing, the food was exquisite, and the staff were gentle and attentive to everyone's needs. My time there was perfect.

The organic garden supplies vegetables, fruit and spices for the delicious dishes made by the high-class chef. We even took a cooking class, which will help us keep eating healthily after returning home. The manager was available and did his best to make our stay interesting, arranging a backwater trip, an elephant place and tuk-tuk whenever we needed one. Yoga was more than very good. Our teacher gave the best hatha yoga, pranayama and meditation I've ever had. All the waitresses, receptionists, doctors, therapists and cleaning staff were smiling and ready to help. We had a very relaxing, healthy stay at Ananda Lakshmi. The resort takes an individual approach to treatments, diet and doctor's advice, which is a big advantage over larger, more commercial Kerala resorts. We stayed in an air-conditioned villa, though not all villas have that facility. We highly recommend the place for resting during treatments, swimming and getting healthier.