The Mosebys LOVE travel. It is good and healthy for us to get out of the country at least once a year! Our destinations are sometimes based on where our friends are living internationally and other times it's based on a good deal. We went to Greece for our honeymoon, then China, the Middle East, Ethiopia and this year we are going to Iceland. We have found some incredible places and some of them are "must visits." I thought I would share some of our favorite places we have visited.
Our FAVORITE beach vacation is all the way in India. In 2013, we were headed to India to visit friends and thought we would take a few extra days to go south for a few restful days on the beach. Josh stressed over the hotel and I didn't really care. OH MAN! When we arrived, we realized that he had made the best decision!
Niraamaya Retreat in Kovalam IS the best! We visited in December 2013 and 2014.
Niraamaya Retreat has 31 cottages set on the beach in Kerala, India. The grounds are lush and peaceful. Both times we visited, the cottages were full. However, it never felt crowded. It was quiet, peaceful, and affordable. We reserved a cottage on the lower end of the price range and below is what we got! Beautiful room, with an outdoor shower.
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When we travel, we love to meet people and talk. The staff at Niraamaya are the best. They will serve you like you are the only person there. They will sit and chat with you or leave you be. The chef came out every night to chat with us. On our second visit, we came out to welcome us back! I'm sure the front desk told him we were return visitors, but he acted like he totally remembered us. He even sent us a complimentary cake to our room as a welcome back. During the same trip, he was testing out a new recipe for chocolate samosas. He sent out some for us to try. I was in love! So, each night when he would come to chat, he would say "Hey, I'm going to make you some chocolate samosas, because I know you love them." The last evening, the staff stuffed us full of great food and desserts, because they wanted to spoil us on our last night. We felt like royalty the entire time.
Things to Do:
Besides the great food, staff, and rooms there are some fun activities to do at the resort and in town. Here are a few of the activities we enjoyed:
Spa Day
Niraamaya Retreat has a wonderful spa! Each trip, we took one day to just relax, go to the spa, eat good food, and go to the resort beach. Take a good book, because the relaxation spots are incredible. One day, while relaxing in a hammock, one of the staff members literally climbed the coconut tree next to us and cut down a few coconuts. Then, cut off the top, put a straw in it ,and handed it to me! I'm not really into coconut, but it was a cool experience.
Spa Day
Niraamaya Retreat has a wonderful spa! Each trip, we took one day to just relax, go to the spa, eat good food, and go to the resort beach. Take a good book, because the relaxation spots are incredible. One day, while relaxing in a hammock, one of the staff members literally climbed the coconut tree next to us and cut down a few coconuts. Then, cut off the top, put a straw in it ,and handed it to me! I'm not really into coconut, but it was a cool experience.
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Backwater Tour
Kerala, India is known for it's backwater tours. Niraamya can set up a boat tour for you. On our first trip, we took a 1/2 day tour. It was a relaxing activity for the day. Take your sunscreen, water, snacks, and camera!
Kerala, India is known for it's backwater tours. Niraamya can set up a boat tour for you. On our first trip, we took a 1/2 day tour. It was a relaxing activity for the day. Take your sunscreen, water, snacks, and camera!
Visit Kovalam Beach
During our 2014 visit, we spent a day at Kovalam Beach. As we arrived, the fishermen were bringing in their fishing nets. We took that time to sit, watch, plan our afternoon, and apply sunscreen! While at Kovalam beach, you can eat, shop, and take surfing lessons. So fun!
During our 2014 visit, we spent a day at Kovalam Beach. As we arrived, the fishermen were bringing in their fishing nets. We took that time to sit, watch, plan our afternoon, and apply sunscreen! While at Kovalam beach, you can eat, shop, and take surfing lessons. So fun!
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These were a few of our favorite things to do. Niraamya has some other ideas on their website. Check them out!
Questions
Is Niraamya good for kids? We didn't have kids with us at the time, but other visitors did. It is not kid friendly, like Disney World would be. However, I think kids would enjoy it. Some folks we met take their kids every year. There is a really nice pool!
Is food included in your room package? It will just depend on your package. The food is amazing at the resort. So, you'll want to plan for that. We love to splurge on food while on vacation! The resort has indian and western food. Delicious!
If you have any other questions, leave me a comment!
Is food included in your room package? It will just depend on your package. The food is amazing at the resort. So, you'll want to plan for that. We love to splurge on food while on vacation! The resort has indian and western food. Delicious!
If you have any other questions, leave me a comment!
Kerala in Iphone Pictures
This is absolutely our favorite beach vacation! It is a bit far from Oklahoma, but if you are going to be in the area it is definitely worth it! After our first visit, we put together a little video for friends and family. Check it out here!
