Description
Originally a private house, Surya Samudra is now a delightful boutique resort with stunning views of pristine beaches and the Arabian Sea.
Many of the rooms are actually authentic Keralan houses transplanted from their original derelict locations to the hillside that slopes towards the coast. They have heavy wooden doors and window shutters and the interiors are finished in traditional style, with outdoor garden bathrooms. All rooms face the sea to get the full effect of the cooling breezes. Since its renovation in 2009, the rooms have been beautifully updated.
The open restaurant serves up a variety of food, including seafood freshly caught by local fishermen. Below this is a unique pool hewn from the hillside and featuring exposed boulders. Ayurvedic treatments are available at the massage centre and yoga can be practiced at the pavilion overlooking the twin bays separated by a granite promontory. Other activities at the hotel include catamaran and motorboat rides, astrology, cooking classes and selection of cultural experiences to explore the stunning local landscape.
Accommodation
The Rock Garden Classic Suites are their entry level rooms, located in the main block without sea views. The cottages called Heritage Classic, Heritage Superior and Heritage Premium have sea views. Essentially the better the room, the closer to the sea you get with better views and their top suite is the cliff-front Octagon and Banyan Tree Bungalow which is ideal for honeymooners offering an outdoor bath.
Childcare
Children are welcome and there is a kid's playroom.
Facilities
Facilities at Surya Samudra Beach Garden include a swimming pool, Ayurveda center, yoga, the open air 'Oottupura' restaurant, 'Kanal' specialising in barbecued and grilled seafood, a seafront bar, library, children's playroom and the 'Old Curiosity Shop' selling antiques and pan Indian and Keralite artefacts.
Activities
Use of the swimming pool and yoga are complimentary at the hotel. Activities at an additional cost include Ayurveda treatments, catamaran and motorboat rides, astrology and cooking classes. Cultural experiences offered by the hotel include visits to the Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the Kerala state, Kanyakumari, Neyyar, Thenmala and the Alleppy Backwater Cruise to explore some of the most spectacular scenery India has to offer.
When to travel
Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical and as a result of the mountain ranges the area isn’t as dry as much of India. The best time to visit is from April through June. While there can be the occasional light showers these are just a prelude of the wet weather to come. The weather is generally hot and humid during this early summer. The monsoon season arrives in late June and thus can wash out July and August. September is much more humid as a result of the rainy season, and the fall can be dry but with the humidity this makes it feel quite the warm. The temperatures cool down and the humidity lets up as winter comes in around December, with this season lasting until February when the dry spring returns. Winter can be a pleasant time to visit, especially if you’re looking to head off the beach and explore this Indian land of mystery.
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Location and directions
Kerala and Karnataka, India
Surya Samudra Private Retreats 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.
How to get there
13-hour flight (1 change) to Trivandrum Thiruvananthapuram International. The drive to Surya Samudra from the airport takes around 30-minutes.
