Set on the serene Malabar Coast, Neeleshwar Hermitage was born from a “ vision of service with heart “. For nearly thirty years, this remarkable sanctuary has quietly shaped a new language of luxury — one rooted not in excess, but in presence, authenticity, and deep respect for place. Only a small number of people are received at any one time, creating the feeling of arriving at a gracious private residence where every detail is considered and care is woven into the experience.

Neeleshwar Hermitage’s accommodation is modelled on traditional fishermen’s huts. Surrounded by lush gardens of hibiscus and frangipani, light and airy palm-roofed cottages blend traditional Keralan architecture with contemporary design, supplied with high quality natural products. Each cottage offers privacy, comfort and individuality with views to the pool gardens, or sea. With teak floors, high ceilings and generous proportions, locally handmade wooden furniture and antique and contemporary objets d’art from Kerala, the ambiance is charming yet provides all the modern comforts. Sleep deeply in large, high quality beds which can be arranged as a double or twins as required. Bathe in the open air in your own outdoor bathroom, sip tea and read a book on your shaded veranda and soak in the scenery.

Palm-lined pathways and sweeping views of the Arabian Sea will invite your nervous system to soften. Enter a place where the mind quiets, time slows down and a deep sense of ease begins to unfold.

Sit and see the early morning dolphins, watch the birds over the small lagoon, be lulled by the sound of the waves or spend the evening under the brilliant canopy of stars.

Your yoga sessions are held in the tranquil natural surroundings of the Patanjali Yoga Hall surrounded by graceful coconut palms and cooled by balmy breezes from the Arabian Sea. Each day on retreat includes two yoga classes, thoughtfully guided by senior yoga teacher Amelia Disspain and yoga therapist and physiotherapist Liz Bennett. Together they bring decades of teaching experience and an ongoing commitment to intelligent, individualised practice within a supportive group setting.

The morning classes are more dynamic and physical, designed to awaken the body, build strength and mobility, and cultivate vitality. These sessions weave together asana, pranayama, and meditation, offering a complete and integrated practice that prepares you for the day ahead while deepening your connection to breath and awareness.

In the afternoons, the emphasis softens. Classes become more therapeutic and interoceptive, drawing on restorative practices, mindful movement, and subtle breath work to promote deep restful sleep and healing.

With over fifty years of teaching experience between them, Amelia and Liz are skilled in tailoring group classes to respect and meet individual needs. Whether your intention is to build strength, restore mobility, or cultivate long-term wellbeing, each practice is guided with care and precision, supporting renewal in both body and mind.

Food is a central part of the healing experience on retreat, and each meal is prepared with the same care and intention as our yoga and Ayurvedic practices.

At Annapurna, the heart of the retreat centre and dedicated to the Goddess of Nourishment, meals are predominantly vegetarian and Ayurvedic. Drawing on traditional Ayurvedic principles, each meal is composed to balance the elements “ Doshas”.

The Annapurna dining space itself is deeply calming. Open on all sides to lush gardens, the airy hall is naturally cooled by sea breezes, with soft candlelight in the evenings creating a special atmosphere. Meals are taken slowly, with presence, in a setting that invites the nervous system to soften and the senses to awaken.

For those who wish, there is also the option to enjoy fresh, locally caught fish at the beachside Meenakshi restaurant, named after a local goddess. Here, longboats bring in the day’s catch each morning, which is prepared simply and beautifully alongside nourishing breakfasts, fresh salads, and light meals. Kerala’s rich history and cultural diversity produce extraordinarily varied cuisine, with our chefs incorporating Indian, Middle-eastern and European flavours with an Ayurvedic twist.