Neeleshwar Hermitage: An oasis of calm

Neeleshwar Hermitage is an oasis that combines the tranquil and rejuvenating simplicity of a retreat with the comfort and elegance of a first class hotel. It is a place where like - minded people can meet and explore new realities. The hermitage has been created to be a place that nourishes the spirit and fosters a sense of creative tranquility. The natural beauty of the surroundings is carefully protected by eco-friendly policies, and enhanced by the practice of the lifestyle arts for which Kerala is renowned.

While visitors have thronged to the south, northern Kerala is a cultural jewel-awaiting discovery. Here empty beaches and uncrowded inland waterways still preserve an undisturbed rhythm of life set against the immensity of the ocean. Neeleshwar Hermitage is a premier retreat hotel in northern Kerala, an oasis of calm only two hours from Mangalore international airport and directly linked with the rest of the state by air, road and train.

The site is fronted by an unspoiled beach giving onto a sea that is clean and safe for swimming, with no sudden drops or strong undertow. Set in ten naturally landscaped acres, The Hermitage is built according to the traditional architectural principles of Kerala Vastu. As a result, the hidden lords of land will bless you, and your sense of enjoyment and well being will be greatly enhanced. The buildings are constructed in the local idioms and modeled on palm thatched fisherman huts. Craftsmen so skilled that their usual work is building and restoring local temples have lovingly crafted their elegantly carved and dressed woodwork in traditional style.

There are eight single cottages, each with its own sea-facing balcony and bathroom with attached garden courtyard. Each cottage is light and airy, with unusually generous proportions that create a sense of space, peace and tranquility. Each is equipped with in-house stereo system and Internet access, with TV and Video facilities on request Four double cottages with exactly the same facilities as the single ones but designed for families or parties who would like to be together. Apart from these, there are also a further eight slightly smaller rooms with en suite bathrooms in a residential block.

Activities for your added enjoyment include classes ranging from cookery to massage, exploration of the local area by bike, backwater cruises in their traditional rice barges and bird watching. Walking and trekking in the lush hills of the Western Ghats offer another world yet it's only an hour away from the Hermitage.