Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village
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Manaltheeram is a premium Ayurveda health resort with a wonderful ambiance for experiencing Panchakarma and Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala, especially if it's your first visit to India and your first taste of Ayurveda.
Manaltheeram has many admirable features including a beautiful location, sumptuous food, high-quality Ayurvedic treatment, excellent service and hospitality, very good housekeeping, and direct access to Chowara Beach. Best of all, it is easy to reach, being only 35 to 40 minutes from the nearest international airport, Trivandrum (TRV). |
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Best Ayurveda Resort at Chowara Beach
Chowara is the name of the village that surrounds Manaltheeram. There are several resorts in this area but only four resorts have direct access to Chowara Beach. We would rank them as follows:
Ayurooms also likes Dr. Franklin’s Panchakarma Centre. However, this resort does not have direct access to the beach and the ambiance is inferior to Manaltheeram.
AyurSoma is the newest among the five resorts named above. If spacious accommodations is one of your top criteria, then AyurSoma is perhaps the best option for you. AyurSoma, Manaltheeram, and Somatheeram Ayurveda Village all have the same owner and, therefore, the quality of treatments, food, yoga and other services is very much aligned.
The main reason that Ayurooms ranks Manaltheeram ahead of the other resorts is: ambiance. Given its layout, Manaltheeram feels much more open, breezy and spacious than the other properties. It is also relatively flat when compared to either of the two Somatheerams. The latter properties are located on a cliff with a steep incline, which means that there are lot of stairs to be traversed when moving about the resort. This can get tiring and even frustrating.
In recent years, Ayurooms has organized yoga retreats at both Somatheeram Ayurveda Village and Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village. We are very fond of these properties and, also, AyurSoma. Each property has its own charm.
If you are trying to decide where to stay in Kerala and you want the best deal, contact Ayurooms. We know each and every room at the above-mentioned properties, and so we can tell you where you will be most comfortable. We also have our own fleet of drivers who can guide and escort you outside the resort, should you wish to shop or visit local monuments or see the sun rise from the best vantage points.
Ayurooms also likes Dr. Franklin’s Panchakarma Centre. However, this resort does not have direct access to the beach and the ambiance is inferior to Manaltheeram.
AyurSoma is the newest among the five resorts named above. If spacious accommodations is one of your top criteria, then AyurSoma is perhaps the best option for you. AyurSoma, Manaltheeram, and Somatheeram Ayurveda Village all have the same owner and, therefore, the quality of treatments, food, yoga and other services is very much aligned.
The main reason that Ayurooms ranks Manaltheeram ahead of the other resorts is: ambiance. Given its layout, Manaltheeram feels much more open, breezy and spacious than the other properties. It is also relatively flat when compared to either of the two Somatheerams. The latter properties are located on a cliff with a steep incline, which means that there are lot of stairs to be traversed when moving about the resort. This can get tiring and even frustrating.
In recent years, Ayurooms has organized yoga retreats at both Somatheeram Ayurveda Village and Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village. We are very fond of these properties and, also, AyurSoma. Each property has its own charm.
If you are trying to decide where to stay in Kerala and you want the best deal, contact Ayurooms. We know each and every room at the above-mentioned properties, and so we can tell you where you will be most comfortable. We also have our own fleet of drivers who can guide and escort you outside the resort, should you wish to shop or visit local monuments or see the sun rise from the best vantage points.
Quick Facts on Manaltheeram
- Nearest airport: Trivandrum (TRV)
- Distance from airport: 35 minutes
- Starting price: US$115 per day (all-inclusive)
- Max price: US$450 per day (all-inclusive)
- Best time of year: Nov to Feb
- Special Offers: May to September
- Alcohol available: No
- Smoking rooms: No
- Buffet available: Yes (vegetarian)
- Chicken available: Yes
- Seafood available: Yes
What we love about Manaltheeram
- Manaltheeram feels like Kerala: sprawling palm trees, beautiful beach, stunning sunsets, and traditional Kerala cottages as your accommodations.
- Manaltheeram's vegetarian buffet is unparalleled in terms of variety. Quality and taste are also very high.
- If you wish to indulge in non-vegetarian food, the seafood at Manaltheeram is a "must try".
- The quality of Ayurvedic treatments is good.
- Manaltheeram is conducive to socializing. It is easy to meet and mingle with fellow guests. Solo travellers are very comfortable here.
- There is entertainment almost every night.
- There are weekly cooking classes and health talks.
- There are multiple yoga and meditation classes.
Yoga at Manaltheeram
Manaltheeram offers three yoga classes and two meditation classes on a daily basis. When the climate so permits, yoga is performed on an outdoor yoga platform that overlooks the Arabian sea. During hot or wet weather, yoga is performed in the indoor yoga hall next to the Ayurvedic spa. Each yoga session is 75 minutes. Each meditation class is 30 minutes. Learn more.
Pool at Manaltheeram
The pool at Manaltheeram is situated perfectly. It overlooks the beach and the ocean. In addition, from inside the pool, you can behold the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening. The pool is also very clean and scented with camphor, which offers a fresh rejuvenating feeling.
Ayurveda Programs at Manaltheeram
Manaltheeram offers several categories of Ayurveda packages, including:
REJUVEVATION
The Rejuvenation package is the most flexible: there is no requirement to undergo a strenuous diet and there is no minimum number of days that you need to stay at Manaltheeram. However, if you wish to focus on a particular health objective, then you may require a different package. Ayurooms can guide you.
BODY PURIFICATION
The Body Purification is basically the English equivalent of panchakarma, the Ayurvedic system of detoxification. Under this regime, the doctors at Manaltheeram may recommend a very specific diet for you to follow and may prescribe certain herbal medicines for you to consume before or after meals. Generally, the Body Purification program needs 21 days, although it is possible to do a shorter detox.
DURATION OF TREATMENTS
One of the main differences between the various packages is the duration of daily body treatments. In the Rejuvenation and Body Purification programs, you can expect to receive between 90 minutes and 2 hours of body treatments daily. This typically consists of a “major” and “minor” treatment. The major treatment can last from 45 minutes to 60 minutes, daily. The minor treatment can last for 30 minutes to 45 minutes, daily. At Manaltheeram, the two treatments are usually administered together rather than separately, although this may vary from person to person, depending on the treatments that the doctor has prescribed for you.
SLIMMING PROGRAM
In the Slimming Program, the emphasis is on weight loss and may involve some intensive scrubs and powder massages. Here again, a rigorous diet will be prescribed. Under the Slimming Program, you can expect to receive around 2.5 hours of body treatments, daily.
SPINE AND NECK
In the Spine and Neck program, the emphasis is on treating neck and back pain. The daily duration of treatments ranges from 2.5 to 3 hours daily. This program is reputed to be extremely effective and, in fact, saved one of our clients from back surgery.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
In the Stress Management Program, the emphasis is on treatments that improve sleep, relaxation and mental well-being. Here again, the duration of daily treatments is around 3 hours.
BEAUTY CARE
The Beauty Care program focuses on improving skin, hair, nails and complexion. The recommended duration is usually 10 days. The duration of treatment is around 2.5 hours daily.
ANTI-AGING
The Anti-Aging program is a deep detox, a prolonged and more complete panchakarma. The recommended duration is 28 days. The duration of daily treatment ranges from 2 hours to 3 hours, and may even vary day to day, week to week.
- Spine and Neck
- Beauty Care
- Anti-Aging
- Slimming
- Stress Management
- Body Purification
- Rejuvenation
REJUVEVATION
The Rejuvenation package is the most flexible: there is no requirement to undergo a strenuous diet and there is no minimum number of days that you need to stay at Manaltheeram. However, if you wish to focus on a particular health objective, then you may require a different package. Ayurooms can guide you.
BODY PURIFICATION
The Body Purification is basically the English equivalent of panchakarma, the Ayurvedic system of detoxification. Under this regime, the doctors at Manaltheeram may recommend a very specific diet for you to follow and may prescribe certain herbal medicines for you to consume before or after meals. Generally, the Body Purification program needs 21 days, although it is possible to do a shorter detox.
DURATION OF TREATMENTS
One of the main differences between the various packages is the duration of daily body treatments. In the Rejuvenation and Body Purification programs, you can expect to receive between 90 minutes and 2 hours of body treatments daily. This typically consists of a “major” and “minor” treatment. The major treatment can last from 45 minutes to 60 minutes, daily. The minor treatment can last for 30 minutes to 45 minutes, daily. At Manaltheeram, the two treatments are usually administered together rather than separately, although this may vary from person to person, depending on the treatments that the doctor has prescribed for you.
SLIMMING PROGRAM
In the Slimming Program, the emphasis is on weight loss and may involve some intensive scrubs and powder massages. Here again, a rigorous diet will be prescribed. Under the Slimming Program, you can expect to receive around 2.5 hours of body treatments, daily.
SPINE AND NECK
In the Spine and Neck program, the emphasis is on treating neck and back pain. The daily duration of treatments ranges from 2.5 to 3 hours daily. This program is reputed to be extremely effective and, in fact, saved one of our clients from back surgery.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
In the Stress Management Program, the emphasis is on treatments that improve sleep, relaxation and mental well-being. Here again, the duration of daily treatments is around 3 hours.
BEAUTY CARE
The Beauty Care program focuses on improving skin, hair, nails and complexion. The recommended duration is usually 10 days. The duration of treatment is around 2.5 hours daily.
ANTI-AGING
The Anti-Aging program is a deep detox, a prolonged and more complete panchakarma. The recommended duration is 28 days. The duration of daily treatment ranges from 2 hours to 3 hours, and may even vary day to day, week to week.
Coffeee and Caffeine at Manaltheeram
While Ayurveda discourages the consumption of caffeine, Manaltheeram does serve caffeinated tea and coffee, on request. They are not part of the main buffet.
Various herbal teas, brewed from traditional India spices, are readily available in the buffet. There is also caffeine-free herbal coffee. However, specialty coffees such as espresso, latte, capuccino, americano are not available at this resort. If having access to high quality is important to you, then consider either Niraamaya Retreats or Mekosha.
Various herbal teas, brewed from traditional India spices, are readily available in the buffet. There is also caffeine-free herbal coffee. However, specialty coffees such as espresso, latte, capuccino, americano are not available at this resort. If having access to high quality is important to you, then consider either Niraamaya Retreats or Mekosha.
Meat and Seafood at Manaltheeram
Carnivores will be pleased to note that there is a limited selection of non-vegetarian food available. The daily buffet tends to include eggs at breakfast, so that is not a problem. Chicken and fresh seafood (prawns and white fish) tend to be available on à la carte basis, at an additional charge. However, there is no red meat served at this resort. If red meat is important to you, then consider either Anantya Resorts or Niraamaya Retreats.
Alcohol and Smoking at Manaltheeram
Manaltheeram does not serve alcohol. However, if you are carrying your own alcohol, you can consume alcohol privately in your room if you are not undergoing any serious Ayurvedic treatment,.
Manaltheeram does not permit smoking in the rooms or anywhere on the property. However, if you must smoke, you may do so outside the main gate or at the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manaltheeram
Is Somatheeram better than Manaltheeram?
No. Manaltheeram offers a superior ambience to Somatheeram Health Resort and Somatheeram Ayurveda Village. The problem with both Somatheerams is that they are situated on a steep cliff with too many stairs to climb, resulting in a lot of walking and sweating as you move around the resort. Manaltheeram, on other hand, is located on a relatively flat terrain, involving fewer stairs to climb and much less sweating. Manaltheeram also offers more open space, better sea views, and quicker access to the beach. If given the choice, choose Manaltheeram over Somatheeram any day of the week.
Which is the best room category?
The best room category at Manaltheeram is the Special Cottage. It is the only room category that offers a true ocean view. Some Special Cottages offer only a partial sea view, while other Special Cottages offer a full sea view. If you book your stay with Ayurooms, we’ll ensure that you get a Special Cottage with a full sea view and less disturbance from other guests. Getting the right room can make all the difference. Don’t leave things to chance. Book through Ayurooms.
Is Manaltheeram equivalent to a 5-star hotel?
No. Manaltheeram can be considered a “premium resort” and not a luxury resort. It is definitely not 5-star in terms of accommodations. It is closer to a good 3-star or borderline 4-star resort. Most of the rooms are self-contained, detached cottages. All rooms have air conditioning and a ceiling fan over the bed.
What is the difference between the Standard Cottage and the Garden Cottage?
There is no significant size difference between the Standard Cottage and the Garden Cottage. In fact, some of the Standard Cottages (the rectangular-shaped ones) are slightly bigger than the Garden Cottages. The Garden Cottages are uniformly octagonal (8-sided). Apart from shape, the other major difference is location. The Standard Cottages tend to be situated closer to the treatment rooms and the indoor yoga hall, and further away from the beach. The Garden Cottages are closer to the beach and some offer a partial sea view if you’re standing or sitting on your patio. The difference in price is not worth it, however. It is better to choose the Standard Cottage and save your money. However, if having a view is important to you, then choose the Special Cottage. If you’re confused, contact Ayurooms and we’ll help you secure the best room and get you a better deal than booking directly.
What is the difference between the Rejuvenation package and the Stress Management package?
The Stress Management package offers more treatments than the Rejuvenation package in terms of duration. For instance, if you’re on the Rejuvenation package, you can expect to receive around two hours of Ayurvedic treatments per day. If you’re on the Stress Management package, you can expect to receive around three hours of treatment per day.
Is Manaltheeram a pure vegetarian resort?
No. During breakfast, there is a live cooking counter where omelets or fried eggs are served. The lunch and dinner buffets, however, are purely vegetarian. Seafood and chicken can be ordered a la carte. The Kerala-style fish is definitely worth experience if you like seafood. The prawns are also very good, when available. Lobster can sometimes be arranged on special request.
How far is Manaltheeram from the airport?
Manaltheeram is roughly 30 minutes from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). There are direct flights to Trivandrum from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Singapore, and a growing number of other ports. The COVID rapid test (RT-PRC) is available at TRV airport.
What is the best time of year to visit Manaltheeram?
From a weather perspective, the best months to visit Manaltheeram are November to February, as these months are generally cooler and less humid.
From a budget perspective, the best period to visit Manaltheeram is April to September, as the rates are materially cheaper (more than 20% cheaper).
The summer in India starts in March and lasts until late May. These months tend to be hot and humid. The monsoon starts in June and last until September. While the monsoon months tend to be cooler, humidity remains high.
From a budget perspective, the best period to visit Manaltheeram is April to September, as the rates are materially cheaper (more than 20% cheaper).
The summer in India starts in March and lasts until late May. These months tend to be hot and humid. The monsoon starts in June and last until September. While the monsoon months tend to be cooler, humidity remains high.
Who should go to Manaltheeram?
If you’re new to Ayurveda, Manaltheeram is a great place to get started. The hospitality and staff are wonderful at Manaltheeram. The food options are extensive and the food quality is excellent. There are also three yoga classes per day and two meditation classes per day, so you can pick the time and skill level that works for you.
Another reason to go to Manaltheeram is: convenience. It is very easy to get to Trivandrum and the resort is not far from the airport. In India, most of the top Ayurvedic resorts tend to be very far from the nearest airport. This is not the case with Manaltheeram. It’s a swift 30-minute drive from the airport on decent quality roads. Traffic is usually not a problem.
Another reason to go to Manaltheeram is: convenience. It is very easy to get to Trivandrum and the resort is not far from the airport. In India, most of the top Ayurvedic resorts tend to be very far from the nearest airport. This is not the case with Manaltheeram. It’s a swift 30-minute drive from the airport on decent quality roads. Traffic is usually not a problem.
Is alcohol available at Manaltheeram?
No. Alcohol is not served and not permitted in the common areas of the resort. If you absolutely must consume alcohol, it can be done discretely in the privacy of your room.
Is smoking permitted at Manaltheeram?
Smoking is not permitted in your room or the common areas at Manaltheeram. However, you can smoke outside the main gate or outside the gate leading to the beach. In other words, if you are not on the actual property of Manaltheeram, you can smoke.
Is Manaltheeram safe?
Manaltheeram is situated in a tourist-friendly and super safe part of Kerala. It is perfectly fine to walk around the neighbouring village (Chowara). If you wish to wear a bikini at the pool or beach, it is normal and acceptable to do so.
As a result of the pandemic, Manaltheeram has instituted new COVID safety protocols in line with public health guidelines. The health and safety of all guests is closely monitored by the staff of Manaltheeram and the resort is subject to regular government inspections. There is really nothing to worry about at Manaltheeram.
As a result of the pandemic, Manaltheeram has instituted new COVID safety protocols in line with public health guidelines. The health and safety of all guests is closely monitored by the staff of Manaltheeram and the resort is subject to regular government inspections. There is really nothing to worry about at Manaltheeram.