Ayurdara Fort Kochi

I have been three times to Ayurdara and Albin’s Glory (with my husband, alone and with my sister) and each time I have come back with a heightened sense of well-being. Getting the treatment at Ayurdara and staying at Albin’s Glory offer a very special experience. It’s a beautiful Ayurveda retreat near Cochin in Kerala. Both the treatment offered by the team of doctors and the house in which you stay bring you to have a wonderful balanced state of body, mind and spirit. Doctor Subhash, his son and daughter -in -law (all qualified Ayurveda doctors) and his lovely wife, work together to help you find a sense of mental and physical well-being. After daily individual conversations with one of the highly professional and gentle doctors, you are assigned a series of treatments. The kindness and tenderness of the staff are healing and touching. Each treatment is closely followed up by your doctor and the results and benefits are discussed together. The sense of well-being I immediately feel comes not only from the body but also from the inside: one feels calmly energized, at ease, in peace. The next benefit comes from living in a beautiful old house surrounded by a lush tropical garden literally floating near water. The day starts with yoga lessons taught by a friendly young man. Plentiful and delicious vegetarian food is served on a long table in the garden under a thatched roof (breakfast and lunch); the evening meal is taken inside at a communal table. I enjoy meeting the other guests who come from all over the world. You can interact as much or as little as you wish. A major highlight is Jason, part owner and manager of the house. It’s always very much a delight to talk to him for his knowledge, patience and humour are endless. Jason will also help organize outings (last time the whole group went in several tuk tuks to watch a breathtaking religious ceremony in a nearby village). And, finally, I should mention the very gracious staff, who all help to maintain a sense of tranquility. I always leave with a strong sense of optimism and peace. I must also add that my backache has completely disappeared. Many heartfelt thanks to everyone at Ayurdara and Albin’s Glory. I can’t wait to come back in March and stay for a longer period in such an idyllic place.

Dr. Subhash and his wife Jancy lead a team of highly qualified doctors and therapists, with daily consultations, special massages and herbal medicines. Most of us stay in Albin‘s Glory, the Homestay upon the Backwater, where friendly Jaison manages a team of eight cooks and helpers. Every morning, you can assist to Kamal‘s therapeutic Yoga lesson before breakfast. Weather permitting, breakfast and lunch are served al fresco in a thatched roof gazebo, dinner is always inside to escape the mosquitos. A tuk-tuk or uber will bring you quickly to the ferry to Fort Cochin, or over the bridges to Ernakulam. Of course, you can go north to the lonely beach of Kuthupally. If you are looking for serious Ayurvedic treatment, enjoying a peaceful and green environment, with everything at a very reasonable price, I certainly can recommend this clinic and homestay in Vypin island.