During my recent visit to Kerala, I decided to spend a few days at Aanandakosha Ayurveda Retreat in Kovalam near Trivandrum. I was searching for a peaceful place where I could relax, reduce stress, and experience authentic Ayurveda treatment. What I found there was much more than a wellness holiday it became a deeply personal and healing experience for both my body and mind.
Before booking, I was a little worried because the retreat normally does not allow children. Since I was travelling with my family, I explained my situation to the management. To my surprise, they kindly approved my special request. From the beginning, their understanding and warmth made me feel comfortable. When we arrived, Managing Director Elisabeth personally welcomed us with such kindness that it immediately felt less like a hotel and more like visiting caring friends.
The retreat itself is located in a calm and peaceful area close to Kovalam Beach and very near Trivandrum International Airport. After a long journey, reaching the retreat was easy and convenient. The peaceful atmosphere was the first thing I noticed. Surrounded by greenery and silence, it felt completely different from busy city life.
Our room was simple, spacious, and very clean. It had good air-conditioning and a lovely balcony where I enjoyed sitting quietly in the evenings. One thing I noticed immediately was that there was no television in the room. At first, I thought it might feel strange, but after a day or two I actually appreciated it. Without television and constant noise, I felt more relaxed and mentally peaceful. It helped me disconnect from daily stress and focus completely on rest and healing.
Soon after arrival, the reception team arranged my consultation with Dr. Manesh, the resident Ayurvedic doctor. He was available throughout my stay whenever I needed advice or had questions. What impressed me most was the way he approached the consultation. He did not simply ask about physical pain or symptoms. Instead, he spent time understanding my lifestyle, eating habits, stress levels, sleep patterns, and overall health condition. I felt he genuinely wanted to understand me as a person before recommending treatment.
After the consultation, Dr. Manesh suggested a five-day rejuvenation therapy program specially designed for my needs. Every day I received two treatment sessions. Each therapy used traditional Ayurvedic oils and techniques that helped my body relax deeply. From the very first treatment, I could feel stress slowly leaving my body. By the third day, I was sleeping better, feeling lighter, and emotionally calmer.
The therapists were professional, gentle, and caring. Every session felt peaceful and unhurried. Unlike luxury spas that focus mainly on beauty or comfort, the treatments here felt truly therapeutic and authentic. I understood why Ayurveda is considered a complete healing system in Kerala.
One of the best parts of my stay was that I could fully enjoy the treatments without worrying about my children. The retreat has a swimming pool, and while I attended therapy sessions, my children happily spent time swimming with their father. Seeing them enjoy themselves allowed me to relax mentally as well. Usually, mothers cannot fully disconnect during holidays, but here I finally had moments where I could truly rest.
Another unforgettable part of the experience was the food. Honestly, I cannot describe it as typical Indian food or European cuisine. It was something completely different — healthy Ayurvedic food prepared with great care. Every meal felt light, nourishing, and balanced. Curious about the menu, I asked the kitchen staff about it, and they explained that many dishes were personally designed by Dr. Manesh according to Ayurvedic principles.
Joe Joseph
May 24, 2026 at 4:53 pmYour wellness journey is truly inspiring.
Thank you 🙏