Travel Gems to Discover in 2019

With winter blizzards and polar vortex stories still in the air, it was a true delight to rediscover, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam last week. Developed by a spirited and visionary German, Klaus Schleusener, this resort was probably my first introduction to what a luxury, wellness resort could feel like as a girl in the 1980's. Its stellar location on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Arabian Sea with its own private beach has attracted international travelers for more than thirty years.

Just a thirty minute drive from Trivandrum international airport, (TRV) it sort of has it all: an eclectic international inspired cafe, authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments, and charming recreated wooden cottages inspired by Kerala architecture.

I was amazed to hear it houses over 900 coconut trees, making coconut water its welcome beverage.

I remember like yesterday when I met Bill Moyer's son John along with my family (Bill M. is former White House Press Secretary and a popular commentator from my parent's generation) who was visiting from NY. This was when Kerala was not yet recognized as one of India's top pristine destinations. It was no surprise to discover the Surya Samudra still feels as luxurious and on top of the world as it did when I was a girl...