Kovalam
Nirmaya

Amid lush vegetation and coconut trees, this upscale beachfront resort is 7 km from both Lighthouse Beach and the 16th-century Padmanabhapuram Palace.
Featuring traditional Keralan wood decor, 4-poster beds and open-air bathrooms, the refined rooms and cottages offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Upgraded quarters add sea views and/or verandas; 1 has a private garden.
Breakfast and parking are complimentary. There's an elegant cliff-top restaurant, a casual ocean-view eatery and a bar. Other amenities include a spa offering Ayurvedic therapies and a beach-view infinity pool, plus activities such as yoga and cooking classes (fee).