Last August, my husband and I decided to go on a meaningful staycation by the sea to celebrate our upcoming birthdays. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to experience the pleasures of slow travel in Kerala and simply be. We explored several hotels, but our shared love for beaches and stunning water views naturally drew us to Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram.
For the hotel selection, we wanted not just a luxury hotel but one that would allow us to immerse ourselves in the region’s calm and unbeatable beauty. The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel, became an easy choice.
The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel: An Honest Review
Leela, a Cliffside Luxury Resort in Kerala, Overlooking the Arabian Sea
The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel, is about 25 minutes from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and roughly over a four-hour drive from Alleppey, making it accessible yet aspirational.
Perched on a cliffside overlooking the vast Arabian Sea, The Leela is the only clifftop 5-star beach resort in Kovalam, India, making it a rare find. It spans 67 acres of lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the Kovalam coastline.
As you drive through the entrance and make your way toward the lobby, you will be treated to stunning ocean views that set the tone for what’s to come. Towards the right is the Kovalam Palace (Halcyon Castle), which was once a beach retreat for the Travancore royalty.
Incidentally, the resort was built around the castle to celebrate the region’s beauty, and today the resort manages the Kovalam Palace and its age-old heritage.
As you drive through the entrance and make your way towards the lobby, you will be spoiled with incredible views of the ocean that set the tone for what’s to come. Designed by the renowned architect Charles Correa, this Kovalam luxury hotel stands out for its timeless charm and beautiful architecture that celebrates the sea in all its glory, rather than trying to outshine it.
From the moment I entered the premises, my eyes wandered outside to catch just one more glimpse of the expansive and deeply humbling sea!
Leela Kovalam Review: A Heritage Luxury Resort With Excellent Hospitality
At the Leela, our check-in experience was smooth and unhurried. We were greeted with beaded garlands and fresh coconut water, which was refreshing after a long travel.
The lobby has an old-world-charm that I absolutely loved. On the walls, you can see beautiful traditional paintings that celebrate Kerala’s cultural and artistic excellence.
The icing on the cake was when the front desk offered us a room upgrade! Of course, we were pleasantly surprised and grateful 🙂
Soon, we settled into the comfortable sea-view room in the main building, which became one of the highlights of our stay.
At the Leela Kovalam, rooms in the main building of the resort are constructed on the cliff. As they descend, they offer breathtaking views of the ocean. Our room was luxurious yet warm and inviting, with an authentic Kerala feel. From the furniture to the wooden panels, the earthy brown tones, and everything in between, the understated Kerala aesthetic was intact.
The bathroom was generously sized, too, but the crowning glory was the balcony, which truly stood out. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, framed by coconut trees, it became our favourite spot. A gentle breeze blew throughout the day, making even the simplest moments, like sitting and watching the sea, special.
The heartwarming music of the waves crashing onto the shores was our constant companions throughout the stay, and no, we were not complaining!
By evening, the room seemed dimly lit, perhaps to align with the hotel’s theme and vibe. Personally, I would have preferred some more light for practical purposes, such as doing my makeup 🙂
A Special Touch
As we were celebrating our birthdays, the hotel surprised us with a complimentary cake delivered to our room. Definitely a lovely gesture!
Main Highlights of The Leela Kovalam Hotel
Though there are so many things I loved about my stay at the Leela Kovalam, I am highlighting some of my favourites below in this Leela Kovalam review.
1. The Cliff-Top Experience
Our most loved discovery was a quiet bench at the very top of the cliff, offering heartwarming views of the sea. Sitting here at sunset, watching the sky change colors over the Arabian Sea, made us feel as though time had stood still and nothing else mattered except this moment.
On a philosophical note, watching the waves take new forms, rise, and then lose themselves in the sea reminded me of the importance of counting our blessings and just letting ourselves flow through life.
2. The Mighty Chessboard
Another outdoor area I loved on the property was the garden opposite the Kovalam Palace. It featured a large chessboard on the ground, surrounded by a terrace that overlooked the Arabian Sea. The whole area was quiet, peaceful, and well-maintained.
I must confess this was one of the most scenic photo spots I have posed at, and I loved spending time here!
I could hear the call of the peacocks during my walk around the property, and even spotted them, happily obligingly, for photographs.
3. Breakfast with Sea Views
The Terrace at The Leela Kovalam offered what many hotels promise, but few truly deliver: a hearty breakfast with unforgettable views of the Arabian Sea! This all-day dining restaurant serves a wide range of Indian classics, global delicacies, and, of course, Kerala cuisine.
For me, as a budding restaurant reviewer, what stood out more than the exhaustive menu and the food were the views, the dining environment, and the overall setting, which urged us to linger a little longer and appreciate what lay before our eyes.
Having also stayed at The Leela Kollam, I felt as though the views outshone the food!
4. The Beach
Since we were in Kovalam during the rainy season and due to high tides, beach access was restricted. But honestly, we didn’t miss a thing. Sitting by the beachside, watching the waves crash onto the shores, and the hues of the setting sun, felt just as special, if not more.
5. Romanticism at Every Step
The Leela Kovalam captures the essence of romancing every stage and phase of life. Everywhere you go, you’ll be reminded of nature’s beauty and presented with picturesque scenes you can hold close to your heart and refer back to even when you’re back home.
One such view was this pathway of steps, leading down towards the restaurant and beach!
6. Evening Snacks by the Beach
Our stay also included a complimentary tea and coffee session at the restaurant, overlooking the beach. So we got dressed and went for the tea session. After enjoying some snacks, we spent quality time walking, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beauty far and wide.
Being a north Indian settled in Kerala, I am always intrigued by the wide variety of snacks available. However, not everything suits my palate, so I was selective in what I ate, and I loved it!
A special mention goes out to Akanksha and Ms. Hema at the reception for their personalised attention 🙂
In a nutshell, our stay at The Leela Kovalam, a stunning seaside luxury hotel, provided exactly what we wanted: relaxed moments together, breathtaking views, and a lasting sense of tranquility that stayed with us even after we returned.
Who I’d Recommend The Leela Kovalam to:
- Anyone seeking an unhurried seaside stay and a luxury resort in Kerala with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
- Couples or honeymooners looking for us-time, and plenty of quiet.
- Travelers who prefer to slow down and celebrate heritage and vibe rather than chasing busy itineraries.
Final Thoughts: Leela Kovalam Luxury Resort Kerala Review | An experiential hotel that hits different
Our stay at The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel, was precisely what we hoped it would be: luxurious, laid-back, and calming. Though there were places nearby to explore, such as the Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Hawa Beach, and Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, the high tides kept us closer to home for the stay.
We chose to take it slow and enjoy walking around the property and soaking in the beauty during our stay.
For me, travelling long distances has always been a challenge. However, when the destination is as lovely as the Leela, the trip is well worth it!
P.S. After checking out from the hotel, we visited the Azhimala clifftop and Temple, a place that feels peaceful and powerful, all at once. I will share more about this experience and its worth in a future blog.
At a Glance
- Views: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 9/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
Were you looking for genuine Leela Kovalam reviews and ended up reading this one? Let me know if my review helped you understand what a stay at The Leela Kovalam truly feels like? I’d love to know your thoughts – [email protected]. More hotel and restaurant reviews from Kerala coming soon—each rooted in real stays, real meals, and authentic experiences.
Arabian Sea Views @ The Leela Kovalam
About Akanksha, Hotel Reviewer:
Akanksha has over twenty years of experience as a professional copywriter, bringing a keen eye and a storytelling spirit to reviews of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas. She views travel as a collection of lived experiences and focuses on the small details, feelings, and moments that make a stay memorable beyond attractive images. Her hotel, restaurant, and resort reviews are rooted in honesty and personal experience and are written for travelers who invest time, trust, and emotion in planning their journeys.
