Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters and Beyond Kumarakom

Extremely disappointing stay at Niraamaya Retreats, KumarakomThis was honestly one of the most disappointing resort experiences we have had, particularly for a property that presents itself as luxury.We had driven for several hours and arrived exhausted, looking forward to a comfortable stay. We had been given a top-category room, but the condition of the room was shocking. There was a strong mossy, damp smell, the AC was dripping, several plug points were not working, and there was visible fungus behind the bed. The bed linen was dirty and the pillow covers smelled of sweat. Even the kettle had rust inside it.Within just a few hours in the room, I had a severe asthma attack. We raised the issue and were eventually shifted to another room ’ but instead of being upgraded or given a comparable room, we had to settle for a room of a lower category, which was only marginally better. Even there, the damp, mossy smell persisted.The food was equally disappointing. Every single meal was terrible ’ stale, excessively oily, tasteless and completely lacking in quality. We genuinely struggled to find anything enjoyable to eat during our stay.The entire experience was incredibly uncomfortable and frustrating. When you book a top-category room at a luxury property, you expect basic standards of cleanliness, hygiene, maintenance and food quality. Unfortunately, none of these were met.What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway turned into a thoroughly unpleasant stay. A luxury property should never make guests choose between an unacceptable room and a lower-category room simply to have a somewhat tolerable stay. We will certainly not be returning.

Our stay at Niraamaya Retreats, Kumarakom was truly memorable, and there were several aspects that exceeded our expectations.The first thing that leaves a lasting impression is the landscaping. Every corner of the property is beautifully maintained, lush, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed. It blends seamlessly with the backwaters, making the entire resort feel incredibly serene.Hospitality deserves special appreciation. Every member of the team was warm, courteous, and genuinely eager to make our stay comfortable. Their service was consistently excellent throughout our visit.We stayed in the Ashokam Villa, and without a doubt, it offered some of the most breathtaking views we’ve ever experienced. The endless lake views, the private lap pool, beautifully maintained gardens, sunrise and sunset viewpoints’these are truly the highlights of the property. Even after checking out, we’re still not over those views.The wellness experience is exactly what the resort promises. A perfect 10/10. The spa was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay’professional, relaxing, and one of the best wellness experiences we’ve had. For anyone looking to disconnect and focus on wellness, the yoga sessions and wellness retreat programmes are definitely worth experiencing.There are a couple of areas where the resort could become even better. The food quality was good, but the menu felt quite limited. A wider variety of cuisines and more dining options would significantly enhance the guest experience, especially for longer stays.Similarly, the on-property activities could be expanded. During our stay, the available activities were mainly fish feeding and goose feeding. Introducing more engaging recreational or cultural experiences would make the stay even more enjoyable.Overall, Niraamaya Retreats Kumarakom is an exceptional destination for anyone seeking peace, wellness, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable backwater views. If your idea of a holiday is slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and indulging in a world-class spa experience, this property delivers beautifully. With a broader food selection and a few more activities, it would be very close to perfect.

Great resort to enjoy peace and silence. Morning yoga and afternoon meditation are top class! Very well prepared and wxplained. Room with lake view and private pool is great space, it is in the same building as two other appartments, so slightly dependant on what neighbors you get (small kids might be noisy). Very enjoyable restaurant with Chef preparing bery good quality dishes, also making special requests possible. We have received also ’Bon Voyage’ cake at the end which was very nice. SPA treatment is exceptional, very much recommended.

We had a lovely stay. The staff were very friendly and attentive to all our requests especially Smitha and Nibeesh. The food in the restaurant was really good. Overall it was a pleasant stay with minor hiccups. Here are some things that can be improved:1. WiFi is really bad in the villa. If anyone is planning to do any sort of work, it is very difficult.2. The pool could have been cleaner. It could be because of the rain though.

We recently stayed at Niraamaya for 2 nights and honestly felt the experience was not worth the amount charged. While the property looks beautiful from the outside and the rooms are spacious, the overall maintenance and service were disappointing for a luxury resort.The rooms felt old and lacked the luxury experience we expected at this price point. Wi-Fi barely worked throughout our stay, and basic amenities had to be repeatedly requested ’ even towels at the pool were unavailable unless asked for.The food was highly overpriced with very small portions. Despite clearly explaining that a dish was for a child, it was still served burnt, which was quite disappointing. The staff overall did not seem attentive or helpful.For the amount charged per night, we genuinely felt better luxury brands like Taj would have offered a far superior experience and service. Sadly, this stay felt overpriced and underwhelming.