The River Retreat Heritage Ayurvedic Resort

This resort is located on Palace Road in Cheruthurthy, and it’s set in a building that has a lot of history. It’s right near the river, and you can really feel the age of the place in the architecture. We have kept a lot of the old features, like the wooden beams and the stone floors, which means there’s always something that needs a bit of repair. We offer Ayurvedic treatments, but it's not like a sterile clinic. It feels more like an old home. The grounds are full of trees, and we spend a lot of time sweeping up leaves and keeping the paths clear. It’s a quiet spot, away from the main bustle, though you can hear the river when it's high. We have a small staff who looks after the guests and the kitchen. The rooms are simple and don't have the modern gadgets you might find in a big city hotel. We think that’s part of the appeal, just staying somewhere that feels authentic. Sometimes the plumbing is a bit temperamental because the building is old, but we fix things as they come up. It’s a slow pace of life here. We just work to keep the heritage of the place alive while providing a spot for people to stay. It’s a lot of manual work but it’s a peaceful environment for everyone. The gate out front needs a push to close.