Surya Samudra Beach Garden, Trivandrum                                                                                                                   Highly recommended

Undoubtedly one of Kerala's finest boutique beach hotel, Surya Samudra is situated on a small cliff overlooking a vast expanse of beach to one side and a small, secluded bay to the other. Set in 10 acres there are 22 - 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cottages scattered throughout a palm grove and interconnected by pathways.

The cottages have been recently renovated and upgraded and are situated in secluded gardens. Each cottage is differant but all are built in traditional Malayali style, with timber a veranda and open-air bathroom. All rooms bar the Rock Garden rooms have good sea views The interiors are cool and well equiped (air-conditioning,wi-fi, DVD) and are nicely furnished. Perhaps the hotels highlight, is the cliff side swimming pool which has literally been dug out of the rock, which forms the base and one side of the pool. Whilst the hotels two beaches are not entirely private the hotel maintains the beach and has good community relations with the fisherman who still ply there trade from the sands each day. 

The new Niraamaya Ayurvedic Spa is excellent and is housed in a newly constructed building well away from the main hotel and swimming pool, it is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The spa is beautiful and traditional in its style, comfort and simplicity with 6 treatment rooms providing both Ayurvedic treatments and international massages..

The restaurant, with its glorious sea views, offers an abundance of delicious, fresh seafood and other goodies. The perfect place to stay on holiday.