About

Earth Wellness
The brand’s journey began in 1982 when IIT Madras professor Klaus Schleusener and Swiss architect Karl Damschen established the Octagon House, preserving Kerala’s architectural heritage. This expanded into Niraamaya Surya Samudra, acquired by Jupiter Capital Ventures in 2007 and rebranded as Niraamaya Retreats in 2012. Since then, the brand has grown across India, offering Ayurveda-based wellness and sustainable luxury, now encompassing seven retreats and five private residences.
Emphasizing ‘Earth Wellness,’ Niraamaya integrates nature-inspired rituals, Ayurveda, and sustainable practices to promote healing. The retreats offer transformative experiences such as Earth Yoga, Sound Meditation, and Ayurvedic Therapies amidst stunning natural landscapes, including seas, lakes, hills, and forests. Niraamaya also provides a luxurious line of wellness products, Niraamaya Pure Indulgence, crafted from pure plant-based ingredients to elevate self-care rituals.
The Niraamaya Life app further extends the brand’s wellness ethos, offering personalized rituals, live sessions, and sleep management programs, ensuring guests stay connected with the experience anytime, anywhere.
With a commitment to authenticity, environmental responsibility, and enriching lives, Niraamaya Life continues to expand, making a meaningful impact in the wellness and hospitality sectors.
Leadership Team
Our opulent retreats are located in the most sought-after destinations, including Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Kohima, Goa, Chikmagalur, Athirappilly, and Seychelles. At Niraamaya Retreats, our team of vibrant and enterprising hoteliers, each with a wealth of experience averaging two decades, bring with them a plethora of global hospitality industry acumen. Our unswerving commitment to exceptional service standards has garnered us countless accolades and awards, a testament to the unparalleled luxury and refinement that awaits our esteemed guests.

David Abikzir
Executive Director & Chief
Investment Officer
David Abikzir
Executive Director & Chief
Investment Officer
He is a seasoned financial professional with over 18 years of experience. Since 2013, he has been associated with Nymex Consulting as CEO – Country Head, serving clients from India, Europe, China and UAE across Consumer Goods and Experiences, Retail, Private Equity, Energy, Biotechnologies, various Industries and Technology with ‘go-tomarket’ strategies.

Ashwani Gandhi
Chief Executive Officer
Ashwani Gandhi
Chief Executive Officer
Ashwani Gandhi brings over 18 years of diverse experience with globally renowned brands like Himalaya and Pfizer. A seasoned and results-oriented business leader, he possesses invaluable expertise spanning FMCG, Beauty & Personal Care, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceuticals.
Niraamaya Retreats Awards & Associations

Outlook Traveller Hospitality
Awards 2023
India's Best Wellness Retreat
Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters and Beyond Kumarakom

World Luxury Spa Awards
2022 | 2018 | 2016 | 2015
India's Best Wellness Retreat
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Kovalam

Global Spa Awards 2022
Most Luxurious Spa Resort
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Kovalam

Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards
Kumarakom, Thekkady, Athirappilly

M&A; Today Global Awards 2021
World Luxury Retreat of the year
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Kovalam

World Luxury SPA Awards
2019 | 2018 | 2017
India's Best Wellness Retreat
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Kovalam

World Luxury Hotel Awards
2019 | 2017 | 2016
India's Best Wellness Retreat
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Kovalam
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