The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel

Location

The Leela Kovalam enjoys an unrivalled position on the cliffs of Kovalam, with panoramic views of the stunning Keralan coast. It’s the ultimate beach resort for those seeking respite from modern life. It’s not a chore to get to either at just 13km from Trivandrum International Airport and 15km from the railway station.

Accommodation

Despite being the largest resort in Kovalam – 182 rooms and suites – the hotel maintains an air of privacy, seclusion and exclusivity. Nowhere more so than in The Club, a boutique resort within the resort, where you’ll be waited on by private butlers and enjoy access to a stunning infinity pool and two additional, dedicated restaurants. If you can’t stretch that far but still hold privacy at a premium, we recommend the Garden View Rooms, whose private sundecks open onto manicured lawns shaded by coconut groves.  

Dining 

The clifftop views from restaurants like The Terrace, which honours Keralan specialities, will remind you of why you came to Kovalam in the first place. Alternatively, try the Skybar for international tapas, Tides for an open-air seafood grill that will melt in your mouth, or The Café at The Club for a superb range of Oriental, Continental and Keralan dishes.

Facilities 

No resort in southern India would be complete without an Ayurveda spa, and this one takes some beating, with eight sprawling treatment rooms spread out along the clifftop. When you find the energy to stand upright again, you’ll find all manner of facilities at your disposal: a private beach, yoga, a beauty salon, fitness centre, beach volleyball, library, even a florist.