Luxury, Stillness, and Sea: Discovering Neeleshwar Hermitage
Have you ever stayed somewhere that felt like it slowed down time?
Where the sea whispered calm into your days, and every corner invited you to simply be?
That is exactly what we experienced at Neeleshwar Hermitage, a serene beachside resort tucked away on the less trodden Malabar Coast in northern Kerala – right by a pristine stretch of the Arabian Sea near the town of Neeleshwar. Spread across lush, palm filled grounds, the resort feels more like a peaceful seaside village than a hotel. It is about a two hour drive from the Mangalore International Airport, and surprisingly quite easy to reach despite feeling far, from the usual tourist rush. With just 18 beautifully spaced cottages, two restaurants (a vegetarian one and a beachside seafood grill), a spa, a yoga space, and a long, clean private beach, it feels like it is perfect for slow days rather than packed itineraries.
We reached Neeleshwar Hermitage a tad bit late, but the warm welcome and a refreshing welcome drink instantly changed our mood – the tiredness melted away, and it felt like time decided to slow down just for us.
Our first impressions? The place is quite huge, very beautifully maintained, spotless, and made us instantly calm. Post check in, we were escorted to our room, and honestly.. wow! Super spacious, thoughtfully laid out, and that open roof bathroom – that was definitely the show stopper! Showering under the open sky after a long journey felt wildly indulgent. Everything was immaculate, and the little details mattered – even the toiletries were of the brand Kama Ayurveda, which felt like a quiet flex.
Once we had freshened up, we headed to their beachside restaurant around 4:30 pm for hi-tea. The sun was still out but quite gentle, the wind was quite cool, and you could actually smell the sea from where we were sitting.
They served us kattan chaya ( black tea ) with Kozhukkatta ( rice flour coconut jaggery sweet ) and a few other local sweets – simple snacks that felt quite perfect.
Then came the beach. It was private, clean, and peaceful – not at all like one of those beaches where you are dodging plastic bottles or crowds. Just a handful of guests, soft sand, alongside a shoreline that felt quite untouched. What made it extra special was the little backwaters right next to the beach, lined with coconut groves. Sea on one side and backwaters on the other.
We spent the next hour doing all the things we often forget to do as adults – walking endlessly along the beach, building cute little sandcastles, collecting seashells, and watching the sun slowly dip into the horizon. Nothing to rush us – just salt in the air and the warm feeling that you get, when you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
Slow travel is not about going nowhere , it is about finally arriving ,
and letting the place meet you at its own pace.
After sunset, we headed back, freshened up, and got ready for dinner. We had opted for their four course meal by the beach, which came with a few Kerala folk dance performances. Eating under the open sky, waves in the background, live music and dances – it felt intimate and special. The food was genuinely good, and comforting – more like a home cooked meal made with love.
Post dinner, we took a slow night stroll around the property. Everything looked different after dark – the pathways were softly lit, the property was really quiet, and the only sounds left were of the insects humming and the waves rolling at a distance. There was a kind of calm, something that we usually feel when a place is absolutely at peace with itself.
The next morning, we were up early – because beaches before sunrise are non negotiable!!
We played around on the sand again, watched the light change, and wandered through the property while it was still quiet. Breakfast was back at the seaside restaurant and it was pretty elaborate and honestly, equally delicious. A great mix of local and familiar dishes, all fresh and beautifully done.
Before checking out, we visited their spa, yoga shala and their little store – which we absolutely loved. Antiques, traditional Kerala souvenirs, and linen/cotton clothing that makes complete sense in that humidity.
Very hard to leave empty handed! And then it was time to go!
Overall Verdict? Our experience at Neeleshwar Hermitage was genuinely wonderful! Great food, an incredibly clean and almost spotless beach, beautiful spaces, warm hospitality, and very reasonable for what they offer.
Easy 10/10 recommendation if you are visiting Neeleshwar. Especially if you are craving slow days, sea air, thoughtful luxury, and space to just relax.
They also offer a bunch of experiences from the resort -including visits to Theyyam performances, depending on the schedule – which makes it even more special if you want to connect with the local culture.
