In a sleepy town called Nileshwar in Kasargod district of Kerala, Altaf Chapri set out to build an oasis of tranquillity and greenery that is today a world renowned boutique destination in itself By Steena Joy
Around 20 kms from Kasargod in Kerala and a two-hour drive from Mangalore airport (incidentally a table top airport), lies a town the cultural capital of North Malabar – Nileshwar or Nileshwaram. The town’s claim to fame being that Kerala’s first chief minister E.M.S. Namboodiripad was elected from here. The town’s other famous attraction is Neeleshwar Hermitage, a boutique beach retreat that is frequented by many international tourists. Though the resort is very popular with international guests, recently it has seen much interest from the domestic market as well.
According to Jayan K V, general manager, Neeleshwar Hermitage, “Earlier only about five per cent of our guests were domestic visitors. This has now increased to 30 per cent. May to September which is the offseason internationally is becoming popular with the domestic market. This year we have seen an increase in room nights even in the off season. Our main source markets in India are Bengaluru, Mangalore, Mumbai, Indore and Delhi.”
Neeleshwar Hermitage has 18 keys that includes six sea view cottages apart from an infinity pool overlooking a lagoon and sandbar. Each of these villas are named after emotions like Prema (love), Ananda (bliss), Moksha (freedom), etc. “We are marketing Neeleshwar as a beach ‘retreat’ rather than a beach ‘hotel. We helped build the destination and create an awareness of it,” adds Jayan.
The resort has its own luxury houseboat called the Lotus which offers guests both day and overnight cruises on the Valiyaparambu backwaters that start about five kms from the Hermitage. During the cruise, you can see different aquatic birds, fishermen out working, local life along the banks, including a coir cottage industry. You will also visit Monkey Island with its monkeys and sacred grove, and en route to the boarding point, an ancient Vishnu Temple.
The resort is a non-smoking hotel, throughout and guests are requested not to use their mobile phones at meal times in the dining areas and at the spa. The Priya Ayurveda Spa offers all types of treatment after free individual consultation with a highly qualified and experienced Ayurveda doctor. There is also Kubera the shop within the premises where a range of items like clothes, bags, jewellery, rugs, shawls, sarongs, organic and natural soaps, shampoos, body scrubs and incense sticks are available.
Interestingly, there is an in-house tailor, Janardhanan, so guests can get their clothes stitched made-to-measure, including yoga clothes. Yoga classes are conducted under an expert the Patanjali Yoga Hall overlooking the beach. The resort also has a meditation programme under the tutelage of Alistair Shearer, Neeleshwar Hermitage’s cultural director.
Jayan informs, “As part of our ‘no plastic policy’, we do not use bottled water, as even a hotel of this size can easily generate a hundred empty bottles a day, thereby adding to Kerala’s already considerable pollution problems. We use copper vessels which is known to add subtle energising properties to water.”
The resort has two F&B outlets Annapoorna and Meenakshi. Complimentary fresh fruit is available throughout the day from the fruit basket in Annapoorna. Each afternoon there is a cookery class conducted by one of the resort’s chefs. Another surprise is the library located in the Annapoorna dining room which guests can use to borrow books. It contains a growing collection of books on many Indian-related topics. As this collection is drawn from the personal library of Shearer, and contains many out-of-print books, guests are asked to fill in the borrowing register. Guests are also encouraged to leave any of their old books when they check out of the hotel, so that future guests can benefit from this generosity.
We could fathom the need for a boutique beach retreat in India
Altaf Chapri, MD, ABChapri Retreats,speaks about his journey from Kashmir to Kerala and what’s so unique about Neeleshwar Hermitage
From Kashmir to Kerala. What inspired you to set up Neeleshwar Hermitage so far from home?
The location of the quaint village of Nileshwar was what inspired us to set up Neeleshwar Hermitage so far from home. Being in the trade for over 20 years we could fathom the need for a boutique beach retreat in India. In order to fill the gap we travelled across India and fell in love at first sight when we first came to Nileshwar village.
Do you have any joint partners in this venture? The people behind the boutique property?
Yes, we have investors from the UK in our venture. People behind the Hermitage have a deep love for India and its culture. We have people from the investment sector as well as author/ writer Alistair Shearer who have all brought their expertise and love together to create Neeleshwar Hermitage.
What do you think is Neeleshwar’s USP?
Neeleshwar stands out for fabulous location, small and quaint property and personalised service.
How was the design and style conceptualised?
An oasis of calm set in 12 naturally landscaped acres, Neeleshwar Hermitage is built according to the traditional architectural principles of Kerala Vastu. The whole site is oriented to the east and the rising sun, while the buildings are all placed in correct relation to each other, the four directions and the site as a whole. The traditional wood-and-thatch architecture is balanced with stylish contemporary touches and familiar modern comforts. The site overlooks a gloriously unspoiled beach of sand, stretching as far as the eye can see in both directions. The sea is clean and safe for swimming most of the year.
Which are your major source markets internationally? And in India?
Although the UK is our No.1 source market accounting for 57 per cent of the revenue and Germany, Belgium and France competing for the next place, India as a market is definitely growing. In India, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai are our major source markets although we do get guests from Tier II and Tier III cities as well.
What in your opinion is the future of tourism in the country?
In our opinion, inbound into India doesn’t look very promising as it lacks the infrastructure that tourism needs. The pollution level in the country is also stunting growth. However domestic tourism as we see has grown and is promising as more and more Indians are looking to experience unique properties across India.
Your comments on the new age traveller?
Neeleshwar Hermitage has been designed and made for the new age traveller; digital de-toxing, peace, natural food and personalised service.
Do you have plans for setting up any new properties? If so, where?
Yes, indeed! We are looking to open Qayaam-Gah in 2018, a boutique hotel, the first of its kind in Srinagar, Kashmir. We are also looking forward to open a luxury boutique hotel in the pink city of Jaipur