At Rockholm Beach Ayurveda Retreat, we are honored when our guests share their stories of healing and transformation. Earlier this year, writer Slavia Karlen visited Rockholm twice and wrote about her experiences on wo-men-talk.ch. Her reflections capture the essence of what we strive to offer: authentic Ayurveda, thoughtful hospitality, and the serenity of the ocean. We are delighted to share highlights of her journey here, with links to her original articles;
1. Meine Ayurveda-Auszeit im Rockholm Beach Retreat
2. Zurück nach Rockholm – Ayurveda weiterdenken
Set directly on Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam, Rockholm combines the character of a heritage property with the intimacy of a wellness retreat. For Slavia, the arrival felt immediate and profound. A jasmine garland, a warm welcome, and the steady rhythm of the waves created a sense of peace from the very beginning. As she described it, Rockholm felt like “an exhale,” a place where she could arrive not only at the sea but also within herself.
Slavia’s greatest impression was how deeply personal Ayurveda at Rockholm is. Every guest begins with an extensive consultation with the doctors, followed by daily check-ins. Treatments are not prescribed as part of a uniform program but carefully tailored to each person’s constitution and current state of balance.
Her days included soothing Abhyanga massages, therapeutic Marma treatments, and Shirodhara, where a gentle stream of oil across the forehead induces deep calm. What moved her most was not only the therapies but the presence and care with which they were given. The therapists worked in harmony, creating an atmosphere of trust, warmth, and devotion.
At Rockholm, food is as important to healing as the treatments themselves. Slavia found the dining experience to be both restorative and enjoyable. Each meal was freshly prepared, aligned with the ayurvedic doshas, and served with a care reminiscent of family kitchens.
Breakfasts included light dishes like dosa with coconut chutney. Lunches featured nourishing staples such as kitchari, fresh curries, and seasonal vegetables. Dinners were lighter, often soups and steamed dishes designed to support digestion and rest. Throughout the day, coconut water and fresh juices provided natural refreshment. For Slavia, the meals embodied a balance between health and pleasure, leaving her feeling light, clear, and energized.
Daily yoga and meditation sessions formed another essential part of the retreat. At Rockholm, yoga is not ornamental but functional. Focus is placed on breath, stability, and mindfulness. Practicing on the terrace with the ocean nearby offered Slavia a grounding rhythm to carry into her day.
The sea itself played a central role in her renewal. Morning walks on the beach, the feel of sand underfoot, and simply watching the waves provided lessons in stillness and change. The ocean was not a backdrop but a teacher, offering her calm and perspective.
On her return, Slavia spoke with Dr. Sreekala Santosh, Chief Physician at Rockholm. Their conversation highlighted Ayurveda as a way of life, not just a treatment. Dr. Sreekala’s recommendations included beginning the day with warm water, eating fresh and regular meals, avoiding carbonated drinks, and maintaining a consistent sleep routine.
She also shared seasonal lifestyle tips. In summer, one should avoid excessive heat and choose cooling clothes and foods. Autumn invites grounding rituals such as sesame oil massage and warm spiced milk. Winter is a time for warmth, movement, and nourishing oil treatments, while spring emphasizes activity, time in nature, and managing Kapha imbalances. These practices help sustain the benefits of a retreat long after returning home.
Slavia described her sea-facing room as bright and calming, perfect for rest, reading, or reflection. She also enjoyed the healing gardens filled with medicinal plants and the quiet communal spaces that encouraged both solitude and connection.
After two weeks, she felt visibly regenerated, calmer, clearer, and deeply rested. The retreat did not bring her one grand revelation but many small truths. Healing does not have to be hard. Stillness can be powerful. Self-care is not about perfection but presence.
Slavia’s experiences reflect the essence of Rockholm. Here, Ayurveda is lived with authenticity and care, in an environment where the ocean itself reminds us of constancy and renewal. We invite you to experience Rockholm for yourself and discover the gentle depth of Ayurveda by the sea.
