Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is a boutique beachfront resort, set in an expansive tropical garden, just outside Kovalam, in Kerala. Once a private home, it is one of the traditional houses, called ‘Tharawads’ that were saved from being sold to antique dealers by Klaus Schleusener. Soon, it was recognised as a heritage property and was carefully converted to a hotel by a German architect Karl Damschen. Today, it offers modern luxury and much-needed tranquillity in traditional style.
Surrounded by lush greenery of coconut groves and views of the Arabian Sea, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers 31 ‘Tharawad’ cottages, what were once traditional Keralite homes. Exceptionally spacious and elegant, with high terracotta roofs, the interiors are filled with carved wooden columns, heavy wooden doors and countless windows, each offering different views. All are beautifully designed with traditional Keralan wood and blend in seamlessly with the gardens.
Dining options include two restaurants headed by a Relais & Châteaux trained chef, offering a range of contemporary traditional and international cuisine. For relaxation, Niraamaya Retreats, Surya Samudra, features a private beach and beautiful sea-facing infinity pool. There is an Ayurveda centre offering pampering spa treatments and personal yoga sessions. Other activities include watersports such as paragliding, catamaran and motorboat rides, as well as cooking classes.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubBusiness CentreChildcare ServicesCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableDisabled FacilitiesFitness CentreGardenLibraryMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaStay Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers just 31 heritage cottages. Built in traditional Keralite architecture, each cottage is exceptionally spacious, featuring noble timber furniture and flooring, terracotta roofs and plush beds with fine linen. Each cottage has large glass doors, comfortable indoor and outdoor sitting areas, with views of the sea or lush surroundings. The cliff-front Octagon and Banyan Tree Bungalow are ideal for honeymooners offering an outdoor bath.
ChildCare Families with children are very welcome to stay at Surya Samudra Private Retreats. There is a kid's playroom at the resort and babysitting can be arranged on request.
Dine Dining at the Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is a gourmet affair with a choice of two restaurants headed by Relais & Châteaux trained chef. Café Samsara restaurant, set in a tile-roofed verandah with beautiful ocean views offers a mix of Keralan specialities, pan-Indian dishes and European flavours. Essence is a more formal thatched Thai restaurant, set on a beautiful cliff, where you can watch your meal being prepared, marinated and flamed. There is also Madira bar with ocean views.
Relax Facilities at Surya Samudra Private Retreats include a cliff side swimming pool and an Ayurveda centre, recognised as one of the best in the country. It offers massages, such as Ayurvedic treatments, Swedish massage, sports massage and South-east Asian treatments. There are also yoga classes and cooking classes run by Relais & Châteaux trained chef Prakash Nayak.
Experience The word Kovalam translates to “grove of coconut trees” in the local language and you will see these all around the Surya Samudra Private Retreat. There are lovely beaches offering a range of watersports activities including, paragliding, catamaran and motorboat rides. Cultural experiences include a half day tour of Kovalam city to explore the Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, and Halcyon Castle. The highlight is a cruise through Kerala’s backwaters.
Location Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra sits on a private beach 8km south of Kovalam, overlooking pristine beaches by the Arabian Sea in Kerala. Within easy reach of Vizhinjam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Hawah Beach.
Getting there Fly to Trivandrum via Delhi. From Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is around a 30-minute drive.
When to go Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical. The best time to visit is from January through to April. Summer is hot and humid; the monsoon season arrives in early June and lasts till August. While September can be dry and humid. There can be a little rain in October and November, cooling off around December and lasting until February.
Featured
Discover sides of Asia you never knew existed, revealed by people who know every facet.
Featured
June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
Featured
June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said us recently.
“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”
“We are grateful for the exceptional planning and care taken by Asian Geographical Expeditions to ensure our holiday was perfect.”
“… organised by Asian Geographical Expeditions following a recommendation from a close friend. He wasn’t wrong! Asian Geographical Expeditions immediately showed us their professionalism, care and attention to our wishes.”
“Thank you for suggesting the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and breakfast with a view of Mt Everest—a truly spectacular moment.”
“The history and cultural specialists also deserve a mention for the way they illuminated the heritage of the places we visited, as does the Buddhist scholar with his apparently boundless knowledge.”
“We were very impressed to learn that its CEO had led some amazing first-ever expeditions … Clearly, he’s still an ace at organising expeditions.”
“Tibet was a revelation … it surely was a blessing to travel back to the region after 50 years … Thank you, Asian Geographical Expeditions, for making this possible.”
"Everything went smoothly, and we want to thank our friendly guides and driver who shared their personal stories and the rich histories of their countries. That is the AGE difference."
"A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Asian Geographical Expeditions who made this super trip possible."
"… we had a stress-free trip, ‘hands-free’, enabling us to enjoy the sights and rich cultures of Dubai and Oman ."
"The meticulous care, support and guidance provided by Asian Geographical Expeditions made the trip extra-special."
"The itinerary was as we expected... the Asian Geographical Expeditions did a fantastic job, going the extra mile to ensure we had the best holiday ever.”
"The attention to detail shone through every aspect of our journey … we gained a deep understanding of a region that remains enigmatic to many. Thanks for a remarkable travel experience!"
"I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Asian Geographical Expeditions for their dedication and hard work in crafting such a memorable holiday."
"The guides were exceptional—they clearly loved sharing their knowledge and insights into the local culture and history."
"We were really impressed with the immaculate organisation ... The Asian Geographical Expeditions team kept in communication during the tour, ensuring that each of our members was comfortable."
"The detailed itinerary and thoughtful pre-trip information removed all stress from our travels, which went off without a hitch, allowing us to dive deep into the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Central Asia."
"The hospitality was truly remarkable... we are immensely grateful to the team for their efforts and look forward to our next adventure with Asian Geographical Expeditions."
"Every detail of our trip was superbly executed... (and) the exceptional attentiveness of the guides added a feeling of luxury and comfort that was much appreciated."
"The guides were not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about sharing their rich cultural histories, which added a personal touch that was deeply appreciated."
"Every aspect of the trip, from guides to accommodation and the well-planned itinerary ... was seamlessly orchestrated. We will always recommend Asian Geographical Expeditions for anyone looking to explore Central Asia in unparalleled depth and comfort."
