Akanta Ayurveda & Yoga Resort Review: A Solo Traveller’s Experience in Cherai, Kerala
Akanta Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat: A Guest Review
A solo traveller’s experience of an Ayurvedic retreat in Cherai, Kerala
Community Review
Wellbeing places shared by women, highlighting real experiences and diverse perspectives.
Provided by Jude
This is a guest feature written by Jude, founder of Prayana — Integrated Health & Wellness Coach
Hi, I’m Jude, a 46-year-old solo traveller from the UK. I’ve been on a mission to research and experience different wellness and lifestyle interventions to deepen my knowledge and better support my clients.
As the founder of a health and wellness coaching business, I focus on a personalised and holistic approach to managing stress, improving nutrition and rebalancing the body. My philosophy is really about bringing knowledge from both the East and West together to help realign the body and mind.
Why I Chose an Ayurvedic Retreat
After living in Kochi, Kerala, for several months and testing out different eating protocols and fitness strategies, my body and mind were somewhat depleted. My sleep had suffered, my mood was flat and, before returning to the UK, I decided it was the perfect time to try an Ayurvedic retreat.
I had previously attended two Ayurvedic retreats and really wanted the opportunity to focus on clean, whole foods and adopt a better routine to support my circadian rhythms and sleep.
As it was the monsoon season in Kerala—traditionally considered the ideal time for Ayurvedic treatments and known as Karkidaka Chikitsa—it felt like the perfect opportunity.
Why I Chose Akanta Ayurveda & Yoga
After a little research, I decided on Akanta Ayurveda & Yoga Resort in Cherai, around 45 minutes outside Kochi, as I didn’t want to travel too far.
I contacted them via WhatsApp and they were quick to respond and answer any questions I had about the retreat, treatments and programmes.
Akanta combines traditional Ayurvedic consultations and treatments with yoga, meditation, vegetarian cuisine and a structured daily routine. The approach is personalised, with the doctors creating treatment plans based on each guest’s individual needs and goals.
Arrival and My First Consultation
Akanta arranged a taxi collection from my apartment in Kochi, which made the journey simple, and they also provide airport transfers.
Before I even arrived, I had a video call with one of the doctors. Akanta currently has two female doctors, and this initial conversation gave me the opportunity to provide some background, discuss my concerns and explain what I was hoping to achieve during my stay.
On arrival, after a swift check-in, I had a more detailed consultation with the doctor to discuss my goals further and create my personalised treatment plan.
My Room
I was initially taken to a room located close to the generator. As my biggest concern was sleeping well, I requested a room change, which they arranged swiftly.
My new room was quiet, comfortable and air-conditioned, with a good bed, an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, a kettle, and plenty of space and storage for my belongings.
It was a lovely place to unwind after treatments and provided everything I needed during my stay.
The Rooms at Akanta
There are a variety of rooms on offer at different rates:
➜ Explore the room at Akanta Ayurveda & Yoga Resort here
The Daily Rhythm at Akanta Ayurvedia & Yoga Resort
Morning Routine and Yoga
The day at Akanta began at around 6:30 a.m. with the Ayurvedic practice of cleansing the senses—followed by a Hatha yoga class.
The yoga was gentle and accessible, providing a welcome way to mobilise the body at the start of the day. Many guests arrived with bodies that needed a little care, and mine was particularly stiff after three months of fairly heavy gym training, so I appreciated the considered pace and uncomplicated approach.
Breakfast
Yoga was followed by a freshly prepared Indian breakfast. I loved the food here and have to make a special mention of the wonderful chefs and the delicious carrot dosas!
There was also some flexibility to request alternatives such as porridge or eggs if you felt your body needed something different. After a few days, I felt that I needed a little more protein, so I began adding an omelette to my breakfast.
Tea and coffee were available to order, although I chose to use the retreat as an opportunity to detox completely and stayed with the herbal options.
Treatments and Time to Rest
After breakfast, there was time to rest and digest before my first treatment of the day with my lovely therapist, Athulya.
The therapy rooms were calm and relaxing, with air conditioning when needed and adjoining washrooms with showers for use after treatments.
Fresh juice was available after the first treatment, allowing time to rest before lunch was served.
The afternoon usually included a second treatment, followed by herbal tea, meditation with the yoga teacher and some free time.
Afternoons and Evenings
The swimming pool and gardens, overlooking the backwaters at Akanta provided plenty of space to relax between treatments, and there was also time to take a walk at sunset before dinner.
Dinner was followed by time to chat with the other guests—or, in my case, feed the little dog who lived outside the retreat—before heading to bed.
Each evening, my therapist brought herbal milk containing ashwagandha to my room, and I would begin winding down for the night.
The Ayurvedic Treatments I Received
I received a variety of treatments chosen primarily to help me relax, support my mood and calm my nervous system.
One of my favourites was Pizhichil, a warm oil-bath treatment that seemed to leave me infused with positivity.
I also particularly enjoyed Takradhara, during which a continuous stream of medicated buttermilk is poured over the forehead. The cold liquid initially came as a shock, but the treatment soon took me into an incredibly relaxed state, hovering somewhere between sleep and wakefulness.
➜ Learn more about treatments on offer
The Food
The food was fresh, vegetarian and prepared in line with the Ayurvedic approach.
After several months of experimenting with different eating protocols, I really valued returning to simple, wholesome meals made from natural ingredients.
The portions were adequate and the meals were naturally high in fibre without being too calorie-dense, allowing the body time to rest while still providing plenty of nourishment. They were satisfying, although I was always ready to eat again by the next mealtime.
The variety and freshness of the food became one of the most valuable parts of my stay.
Personalised Care and Attention
One of the things that stood out most was the kindness of the staff. Everyone I met was respectful, courteous and attentive, and genuinely invested in helping me get the most from my time there.
They made a real effort to support my goal of improving my sleep and helping me de-stress, and I appreciated the small details that made me feel so well looked after—from finding earplugs when the weekend noise disturbed me to providing washing powder when I asked.
I enjoyed the programme so much that I extended my stay by a further two nights.
Daily Doctor Consultations
An important part of the personalised care at Akanta was the doctors’ daily rounds.
These gave me an opportunity to discuss how I was responding to the treatments and allowed the team to adapt my programme when something was not working as hoped.
As my sleep remained poor after several days, they added a head massage before bed and arranged an additional meditation session.
They genuinely seemed to do everything they could to help calm my nervous system, encourage better sleep and give my body the opportunity to reset. I was extremely grateful for this level of care and attention.
A Note About Sleep and Noise
Most evenings were peaceful, although the surrounding area can be prone to parties at weekends. I would recommend bringing earplugs in case you need them.
When I mentioned the noise, the staff kindly went out and found some for me, which was another example of their willingness to go the extra mile.
Negatives
There were a few small downsides to my stay, such as renovation work taking place in the main building, but it was not particularly disruptive and was somewhat expected during the low season.
The doctor also arranged blood tests to check whether any underlying issues might be contributing to how I was feeling. Thankfully, the results came back normal.
However, I was presented with a fairly substantial additional bill for the tests at the end of my stay, which I had not anticipated. Greater clarity about the cost beforehand would have been appreciated.
It certainly did not outweigh the overall service and value for money that the retreat provided.
How I Felt After the Retreat at Akanta
Before I arrived, I felt completely depleted. My nervous system was shot to pieces, my sleep was dysregulated, and I felt waterlogged and bloated.
By the time I left Akanta, I felt rejuvenated, refreshed and more energised in both body and mind.
I am still working on my sleep, so the retreat was not an instant cure, but it certainly helped move me in the right direction.
Overall, I am incredibly thankful that I chose to stay at Akanta. It was exactly what I needed before leaving India and helped me feel ready to embark on the next part of my journey.
Lasting Changes a Month Later
One of the most significant benefits, still evident a month after leaving Akanta, has been the complete disappearance of any remaining cravings or “food noise.”
I was already in a good place with my diet following the work I had done beforehand, but the retreat seemed to consolidate this. I now have no desire for unhealthy foods and feel completely content eating nourishing, whole foods when I am hungry.
I attribute this partly to the diversity of plant foods I ate throughout my time in India, which was further enhanced by the varied Ayurvedic meals at Akanta and, I believe, gave my gut microbiome an additional boost.
Rather than providing a short-term dietary reset, the retreat appears to have reinforced a healthier pattern that is still firmly in place one month later.
Would I Recommend Akanta Ayurveda & Yoga?
I am very happy to recommend Akanta for an Ayurvedic retreat and would not hesitate to return.
I would be especially happy to stay again during the monsoon season, when the retreat is quieter, the staff are able to be particularly attentive and the surrounding area feels a little more peaceful.
The combination of personalised medical oversight, adaptable treatments, nourishing food, yoga, meditation and genuine care made the experience exactly what I needed.
Thank you Jude!
FAQs About Akanta Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat
Is Akanta suitable for all ages? Yes. All adults are welcome, with treatments tailored to individual needs.
Is Akanta suitable for solo travellers? Yes. I visited as a solo traveller and found it a welcoming place to stay.
Is Akanta accessible? If you have specific mobility or accessibility requirements, it is best to contact Akanta before booking to discuss your individual needs.
Do I need experience of yoga or Ayurveda? No. You don’t need previous experience, and the retreat can be enjoyed whether you are completely new to yoga and Ayurveda or already familiar with them.
What is the weather like in Kerala? The driest months are generally from November to February, while the monsoon brings heavier rainfall and a greener landscape.
How long should I stay at Akanta? TThe ideal length of stay varies depending on what you want from your experience. A shorter stay is ideal for relaxation, while a longer stay may be better if you have a specific health condition and want to immerse yourself in Ayurveda.
Is Akanta good value for money? I found Akanta to offer good value for money, particularly considering the accommodation, food, treatments and personalised wellness experience.
Learn more about Prayana
This was a guest review written by Jude, an Integrated Health and Wellness Coach.
Visit: Prayana | Integrated Wellness Coaching
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Jude is also a featured Integrated Health & Wellbeing Therapist on:
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