Imagine waking up to the most splendid cliff top view of Arabian Ocean, Lush green surroundings with Peacocks, nature’s of one the most beautiful creatures moving freely around… Sounds like a perfect Luxury getaway?
Recently we got an opportunity to experience all this and more at “The Leela Hotel, Kovalam”.
This year, during my second visit to Kovalam (During our first visit, we stayed at yet another beautiful resort Manaltheeram,In the lap of Serenity & tranquility: Kovalam, checkout the review). Although it was an official visit for an event that kept us busy all the time, but the whole experience was no less than enchanting. I am sure if it was a leisure trip I would have explored this beautiful property in more details.Well here’s my review, hope you will find it helpful
About the Property
Hotel Leela is a five star property sprawling over a Cliff top, overlooking mighty Arabian Ocean and the shoreline of Kovalam Beach dotted with many coconut trees. The moment we entered the campus, lush green surroundings and the serene view of Ocean welcomed us.
Wow Moment!
I am a nature lover and sight of the Peacocks moving around the property in the morning kind of floored me! Infact we found 2 peacocks inside the building where we had our conference. This was one a kind experience for sure!
Location – The Leela Hotel is located 16 km away from Trivandrum International Airport and 27 Kms from Trivandrum Central railway station. There are many attractions to visit in and around the property. Especially the most famous and iconic Vizhinjam lighthouse, lighthouse beach, Kovalam surfer beach are at a short distance from the Hotel.
Ambience – Property is beautifully designed to exhibit a blend of traditional Kerala theme as well as a bit of contemporary feel. All the rooms in the main building are built on a cliff top descending downwards. Hotel has an impressive Lobby area with high slanting roof. Walls of the lobby and surrounding areas are decorated with beautiful traditional paintings, some of them from eminent painter Raja Ravi Verma. These are an absolute visual delight.
Adjoined to the lobby is a large coffee shop over looking the sea and 2 infinity pools on the other side. I must say the infinity pool at Hotel Leela is the best I have ever seen so far.
Rooms – Hotel provides 3 different categories of Rooms.
The Garden view rooms- located down the cliff, these are cottage style rooms over looking the lush green lawn surrounded with coconut trees. Rooms were under renovation when we visited the property.
Sea View Rooms – Most of the rooms have a sundeck that provides a beautiful view of Sea and the beach. Rooms have a wooden flooring and hard wood furniture. All though the rooms are little outdated and have a scope for improvement in terms of cleanliness.
Club Rooms – These are the best category one could get, situated right on the cliff and provides an unmatched view of the sea. Clubrooms have a separate restaurant and service.All Rooms have free wi-fi, television, sit out chairs, Mini bars etc
Amenities
Hotel Leela provides host of amenities including 2 stunning infinity Pools, an authentic Ayurveda spa (I couldn’t try it), superlative restaurants, gym (surrounding are so beautiful that jogging, walking or running is much better option), Private beach area (Although the beach is mostly crowded by the locals), Buggy service from lobby to the beach (this was like a joy ride and a must try!)
Restaurant & Food
There are 3 restaurants including the Coffee shop, the deck (on the edge of the cliff) and the tide beach bar (at the beach). All the 3 restaurants have the most amazing view to offer and will definitely add to the luxury experience.
Service/ hospitality
One of the most Important aspect of any property and they did not disappoint us. On our arrival, we were welcomed with tilak, shell garland, cold towel and coconut water, as welcome drink was a real delight in hot sultry weather. Hotel staff was courteous and very helpful.
To sum up all, everybody deserves a taste of Luxury and stay at Hotel Leela was an absolute treat for eyes, mind and soul. When in Kovalam, this is something one must experience.
Beautiful property
Beautiful photographs. Kovalam is one of my favorite city.
Thanks so much.ya it’s very peaceful 😊
This seems like an amazing hotel! I like the fact that animals can wander around freely.A good find!
Ya it was amazing and beautiful 😊
The hotel looks incredible! Having that close proximity to such a great ocean view is the best!
Ya indeed it’s an amazing place 😊
What a dreamy property! That sunsetting sky with the palm tree silhouettes over it is to die for. I also LOVE that there’s peacocks on the property – how fun!
It looks like a paradise with great location. I would love to try infinity pool. Thanks for detailed information and stuninng pictures.
Thanks. You must try it’s altogether different feeling 😊