By Ravisankar K.V.
Tourism India pays a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Polly Mathew Arambankudy on his 10th death anniversary, July 31, 2025. Widely considered the pioneer of Ayurveda tourism, Dr. Polly Mathew was the founder of the legendary wellness retreat, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort, located near Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – God’s Own Country. He passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that forever transformed India’s, and particularly Kerala’s, place on the global wellness map.
The Birth of Ayurveda Tourism
Ayurveda, India’s 4,000-year-old system of medicine, has long been a symbol of holistic healing. However, in the early 1980s and 1990s, as the ancient practice struggled to find relevance in modern life, one man dared to dream differently.
With the unwavering support of his younger brother, Baby Mathew, Dr. Polly Mathew became the first to successfully link Ayurveda with tourism, creating not just a wellness resort, but a global movement. Their groundbreaking venture, Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, located on the peaceful Chowara Beach south of Kovalam, became the world’s first Ayurveda treatment center in a dedicated resort setting.
This revolutionary idea of offering authentic Ayurvedic healing in a serene, beachside retreat designed for international travellers sparked renewed global interest in Ayurveda. It particularly resonated with wellness seekers from Germany and the UK, who were drawn to the concept of natural rejuvenation and a deeper connection with Indian traditions. At a time when the Ayurveda medicine industry was in decline, overshadowed by the rapid rise of modern allopathic medicine, Dr. Polly Mathew’s bold vision was instrumental in its revival and reinvention. By integrating authentic Ayurvedic treatment with comfort and accessibility, he ushered in a new era where Ayurveda became a lifestyle choice for millions around the world.
A Legacy Rooted in Culture, Grown with Purpose
Born in Kothamangalam, Kerala, and later based in Monheim am Rhein, Germany, Dr. Polly Mathew spent over three decades bridging two worlds: the ancient healing traditions of India and the wellness-seeking sensibilities of the West. In the late 1980s, he began shaping the revolutionary idea of India’s first dedicated Ayurvedic resort that could meet international expectations for comfort while offering authentic treatment. In 1989, that vision became a reality with the founding of Somatheeram.
The seeds of Somatheeram were planted in Europe but blossomed in Kerala’s rich soil. With the guidance of his wife, Tresa Polly, the support of his brother, and collaboration with Swiss hospitality expert Ruth Werner, Dr. Polly developed a holistic healing space that honored Kerala’s traditions while appealing to a global audience. Ruth’s influence brought architectural elegance and a spa-like ambiance, while Dr. Mathew focused on Ayurvedic authenticity, making Somatheeram both a sanctuary and a benchmark for quality.
Even before the phrase “God’s Own Country” became synonymous with Kerala tourism, Somatheeram was a trusted name across Europe – especially in Germany, where Ayurveda found thousands of believers thanks to Dr. Polly’s tireless efforts.
A Global Face of Ayurveda
Dr. Polly Mathew didn’t just build a business; he built a movement. He was instrumental in transforming the Kovalam – Poovar stretch into an international wellness destination. Along with his brother, he expanded Somatheeram into one of India’s most celebrated wellness brands. His efforts earned him and the Somatheeram Health Group numerous accolades, including:
- 10-time winner of Kerala Tourism’s Best Ayurveda Centre Award
- 3-time recipient of the National Tourism Award
- Honours such as the Ayurveda Global Pracharak Award, Mother Teresa Award, Tourism Excellence Award, and Garshom Award
As the Managing Director of Somatheeram GmbH, the group’s German wing, Dr. Polly strengthened India’s Ayurveda tourism in Europe. He was also a Goodwill Ambassador of the World Malayalee Council, actively involved in the welfare and cultural representation of the diaspora.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even in his later years, Dr. Polly never distanced himself from his dream. Though he gradually passed on responsibilities to his sons – Jaison Arampankudy, Dr. Jimson Polly, and Jons Mathew – he remained a guiding light for the family and the business. His passing left a profound void, but also a vibrant legacy that continues to thrive in the hands of his family and the Somatheeram team.
My personal association with the Somatheeram Group dates back to the early 1990s, when the visionary idea of Somatheeram Ayurveda Resorts was taking shape in the minds of Dr. Polly Mathew and his brother, Mr. Baby Mathew. As a travel photographer closely involved with Kerala Tourism’s branding campaigns since 1988 – back when the state was first promoted as Kerala – The Green Paradise on Earth, and later famously rebranded as God’s Own Country – I had the privilege of witnessing and documenting the birth of this pioneering venture.
I was fortunate to capture the very first photographs of Somatheeram Ayurveda Resorts, showcasing authentic Ayurveda treatments in a serene Kerala landscape with Western wellness seekers as subjects. Through the lens of both my camera and my heart, these images not only reflected the soul of Ayurveda but also became instrumental in visualizing and popularizing Kerala’s wellness tourism identity on a global platform.
I continued to photograph for Somatheeram’s promotional efforts well into the early 2010s, and those frames remain among the most fulfilling chapters of my caree – where storytelling met healing, and nature embraced tradition.
On a lighter note, during his school and college days, Dr. Polly Mathew was an active participant in student politics, inspired by Marxist ideology. He was elected as the first Vice President of the Student Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Later, he migrated to Germany in search of better opportunities to pursue his career and build a new life.
His ideological grounding deeply influenced his vision of making Ayurveda accessible to the masses. This commitment was reflected in the creation of Somatheeram, where he built traditional Kerala-style architecture and eco-friendly cottages with thatched coconut leaf roofs, blending authenticity with simplicity.
What was once a modest fishing hamlet named Adimalathura in Thiruvananthapuram – ironically one of the most densely populated and least literate villages in a state known for 100% literacy – was transformed by his vision into a sought-after global destination for wellness and rejuvenation.
In the words of those who knew him, Dr. Polly Mathew was not just a businessman; he was a believer – a believer in Kerala, in Ayurveda, and in the ability of tradition to heal the world. Through Somatheeram, he gave countless people not just wellness, but also hope, renewal, and a sense of peace.
As the monsoon rains gently wash the red earth of Kerala, we at Tourism India remember him with deepest respect, admiration, and affection. His vision not only transformed a coastline – it reshaped an entire industry.
Rest in eternal peace, Dr. Polly Mathew Arambankudy. Your light continues to shine through every soul healed by Ayurveda, every visitor touched by Kerala’s grace, and every entrepreneur inspired by your courage.
