Neeleshwar Hermitage, Kerala

A perfect marriage of beach resort and wellness retreat, Neeleshwar Hermitage A perfect marriage of beach resort and wellness retreat, Neeleshwar Hermitage ticks all the boxes. Individual thatched cottages provide everything you'd want from a tropical Kerala beach getaway including outdoor bathrooms, cavernous bathtubs, rainwater showers, and possibly a coconut tree right in the centre. Inside rooms are spacious and decorated in bright pop colours. The most lavish has its own private pool and is perfect for couples. The restaurant, appropriately named after Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment serves a largely vegetarian menu with plenty Keralan flavours on the menu. Steamed kingfish served on a banana leaf, thoran, Continental and Indian dishes for breakfast: you'll find them all here. There is also a laidback bar where guests can relax and sip on ginger, honey and lime slushies or coconut and banana cordial or lounge by the pool underneath a coir-thatched parasol. The Priya Ayurvedic spa has an extensive treatment menu, using all natural remedies made at the Sahayadri Foundation for a truly holistic experience. For budding yogis there are complimentary classes every morning, as well as Ashtanga courses should wish to improve your practice. Guided meditation courses are also available. Neeleshwar Hermitage even has its own houseboat, Lotus, for guests that would like to spend the night on Kerala's famous backwaters.