Ayushkamy Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat — Local services in Kerala

What an experience 🙏

I didn't know what to expect when coming to India. I knew I wanted to do yoga and Ayurvedic therapies close to nature, while also being able to work. I couldn't have chosen a better place. Here are some highlights;

LOCATION 🌍 Nestled on a thin spit of land between the Arabian Sea and the Paravur Lake, you'll wake up watching the run rise over the lake as the fishermen cast their nets, and go to bed with spectacular sunsets over the ocean. Location can't get better.

PEOPLE 🫂 Vinod, Mallika and Dill made it home (very far) away from home. Always so warm, welcoming, accommodating and helpful. Vinod is an excellent host. Taught me a lot. The locals in the area were all super welcoming too. Be prepared for lots of selfies.

CHANDRA 🐶 Having a dog around just adds to the homey feel - especially when it's a Labrador like Chandra. The most chill dog I've met in a while.

YOGA 🧘‍♀️ Yoga takes place every morning at 7:30am overlooking the lake. Trees and all kinds of birds overhead. Sand beneath the tarpaulin and yoga mat. Sounds of the waves in the background and birds waking up. Vinod is an expert instructor and tends to all skill levels, encouraging you to go at your own pace.

AYURVEDA 💆‍♂️ Vinod calls in an Ayurvedic doctor for you who prescribes therapies and diet. Vinod has over 20years of experience giving these massages, and it shows. We also did the steam bath, hot herb massage, and Dhara (hot oil/water dripping on the forehead). Highly recommended.

FOOD 🍛 Mallika is a lovely person and an exquisite chef. She served up the best dishes, according to what the Ayurvedic doctor prescribed, three times a day. All kinds of vegetarian curries and different kinds of bread and fruit from the region. It was really difficult not to overeat. Food is sourced locally and nothing goes to waste.

DIGITAL NOMAD FRIENDLY 💻 120mbps Internet Speed with the option to increase. Really enjoyed taking my calls with a backdrop of the Paravur Lake, or working from the dining area. Some power cuts from time to time but none ever lasted long.

AUTHENTIC 🇮🇳 I saw one non-Indian in the time I was here, and he was staying at Ayushkamy. It was so good to find a place offering everything I was looking for, situated in a less-known village, away from anything touristy.

COTTAGES 🛖 This is not a luxury resort and it doesn't try to be. You get a cottage made out of sandstone with the bare necessities; bathroom, mosquito tent, desk, wardrobe. But boy what a view. Every morning and evening, looking out over the lake as the fishermen cast their nets and the birds of prey soared. Special. Note: Option for a stone house, more expensive.

TEMPLES 🛕 Vinod took me to one of the local temples and told me all about the Hindu religion. Memorable experience. There's a beautiful temple overlooking the sea very close by. Worth visiting at sunset.

KAYAKING 🚣🏿 Ask Vinod regarding the kayaking, led by Dani next door. I'd recommend the afternoon session so that you can paddle back into the sunset.

TIPS You can rent a scooter directly from the place and drive to Kollam, Varkala, and other places. Wake up just before sunrise, it's worth it. Take earplugs if you want to sleep in. The birds get up and sunrise and let everyone know. Mosquito repellent for the evenings.

Would recommend Ayushkamy in a heartbeat. Thank you Vinod, Mallika, Dill...

If you really want to get away from the life style and busy city life, this is your place to go. I had been during xmas and new year last year and was travelling solo. The place is big on minimalistic life style and it reflects in every aspect of the place, be it the accommodation or the food. Please do not expect the luxury, oomph or the glitz and glamour of a sea side resort. The people who created and run Ayushkamy believe in natural living and that's what the place offers. You will be surrounded by greenery all over, with the occasional lapping of the back waters and the roar of the sea. Be prepared to take in some of the most mesmerizing views both inside and outside the resort. You will be staying in a hut with attached bathroom. Food ( and I loved all the meals served, they were delicious!) served is vegetarian and Kerala style with options of all three meals. Though one could just laze around the place, choosing to sit in one of the hammocks or swings by the backwaters there are a few activities to choose from. You can go kayaking, or on a boat ride or indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. If you have your own transport or can arrange for one, you can explore the nearby Varkala. Vinod, the owner is an exceptionally nice person - he will help you with all your queries. A special mention of Mallika who helps Vinod to maintain the place and is also the cook. For dog lovers, Indra and Chandra will be more than willing to give you company. For all you Yoga and fitness lovers, there are yoga sessions organized every day. I was there for 6 nights and 7 days and didn't have the heart to come back! But as all good things, this too had to come to an end - I left having made a promise to myself that I would revisit...

Ayushkamy is more than a place, it is a spiritual space, where you can find the balance between body, mind and spirit. A piece of paradise between the lake and the ocean. Until one arrives there can't understand the magic of this mystical place. Everything is taken care of with love, plants create an energetic environment that make each walk an inner recharge. The eco-built accommodations are perfect, comfortable and clean, and overlook the lake which offers visual entertainment every moment of the day .. Nothing can be improved in this already sublime place .. Mallika's love for the kitchen makes every dish of a unique flavor that you can't easily find in the rest of India. Mahesh and Hanil take care of the structure with love and are always available, smiling and present for every need, giving you that comfort and presence that smacks of family. Vinod is the great spiritual guruji, the ancient soul of the place, his strong energy and presence make your experience even more alive and full, It is not easy in life to meet such authentic strong and special souls like him. Vinod accompanies you in hata yoga lessons alternating with Mahesh. Vinod massages are divine, they are an experience of transition between body and spirit. Ayushkamy offers more than yoga, eating, accommodation and massages. Ayushkamy is an experience that marks you in the depths space inside you. The days pass serene in ayushkamy sourranded by the sound of the fishermen crossing the lake, the crows and eagles, the fireflies of the night, the dogs that run to embrace you always, The scent of a thousand different flowers. Details that you will not easily forget. The connection with time is lost. All you need is...