Baby Mathew

Profile

Baby Mathew

"Chairman and Managing Director , Somatheeram Ayurveda Group"

Mr Baby Mathew is a well-known name in the field of Tourism today. He had started the Somatheeram Ayurveda group in 1985 with a vision to provide the best amenities for those who seek Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala. As it is said that you always pass failure on your way to success, Mr Mathew had his own share of challenges before establishing himself.

Mr. Baby Mathew, a post graduate in Business Administration who has proved his skills in many capacities, has been in the forefront of promoting Ayurveda and Tourism nationally as well as internationally. He has played a significant role in improving the popularity of Ayurveda in Europe, UK, Scandinavia, CIS countries and US. He has also participated in many National and International Health and Ayurveda seminars in India and Abroad.

After post-graduation, he spent much time in Kerala heritage and Ayurveda projects with the objective of combining Ayurveda and Tourism, thus Somatheeram Ayurveda Village was founded in the year 1985, making it the world’s first ever Ayurvedic Hospital in a Resort Ambiance. Soon the Somatheeram Ayurveda Group of Companies came into being with Mr. Mathew as its Chairman and Managing Director of this group since the establishment.

Awards and appreciations are always encouragement in one’s life. Somatheeram Ayurveda Group has been awarded, “India’s Best Ayurvedic Resort” (by the India Government) including "HALL of FAME honour", not one but five times. It has six times been awarded “Kerala State’s Best Ayurvedic Resort” (by the Kerala Government). Somatheeram has now won 32 major international and national awards for excellence in Ayurveda & Yoga sector.

Mr. Baby Mathew is now the President of Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM), the umbrella organization of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Kerala since 2017. Also he is an active member in Film and Media, playing a tremendous role to up-lift the society.

Coming from a simple background he always knew that he wanted to be an entrepreneur. After failing to run a marketing solution and later his export business, he finally marked his place in the world of tourism by setting up something novel - Ayurvedic hospitals in Resort Ambience. The entrepreneur in him did not stop there. He is also the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Jeevan Satellite Communications Limited, a television broadcast satellite. He is also a successful movie producer where two of his movies have won National awards and two State Awards.

His work and achievements have got him several International and National accolades. He has been honoured with several positions in prominent associations and organizations. Mr Baby Mathew is now the President of Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM), the umbrella organization of the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry in Kerala since 2017. His success and experience in the industry have made him the Kerala Tourism Advisory Board Member. He is also President at the ‘Kerala State Children’s Film Society’ and General Secretary at ‘Kerala Television Federation’. His message for youngsters is to work hard and never give up if they have a vision and passion to be an entrepreneur. In true means, he has not just led his team, but he is also leading several organizations and uplifting others through his experience. He has set a fine example in society through his philanthropist and conservationist activities.

Conservationist

Mr Baby Matthew is not just an entrepreneur, but also an environmental conservationist. His works have set examples for many on sustainable tourism. His focus on popularizing Ayurveda, natural treatment, and yoga has evolved around conservation of nature, preservation of medicinal plants and so on.

Someone who walks into Somatheeram for the first time will get to understand the passion with which it was built - where the architecture itself has a sustainable approach. There are around 600 herbal plants in the herbal garden and many more plant varieties all around the resorts. Locals are also being taught about organic farming. Rainwater harvesting, wastewater management and vermin composting are some of the conservation methods practised in Somatheeram Resorts. Solar energy has been used all through the properties, making it an eco-friendly environment. Beach cleaning is a regular event that the Somatheeram group has promoted through the years.

Such practices have made the brand stand out today and become a forerunner in the field of sustainable tourism.

Somatheeram Ayurveda Group

When we talk of Ayurveda, we easily locate it to Kerala, India, and when we talk of Ayurvedic Resorts, a renowned brand is Somatheeram Group of Ayurvedic Resorts started by Mr Baby Mathew Somatheeram. He is known for making Ayurveda a well-known term among foreign tourists across the globe. His innovative thought of combining Ayurvedic treatments and Tourism activities has become a global concept today. It also increased the prospect of global tourism in Kerala, as new aspects like wellness retreats, yoga tours, and more were made possible. Mr Mathew’s educational background in Business Administration and his passion for wellness led to the introduction of Ayurvedic hospitals in Resort Ambience.

It was after trying several business options that Mr Mathew ventured into the field of Ayurvedic Tourism. He had tried his hands in exporting antiques and wood from India to Germany, but that had not reached heights. However, his fine taste for antiques and wooden items and experience in this field was very brilliantly applied to the resorts that he established. Today, Somatheeram is not just known for its Ayurvedic Treatments, but also its unique architecture. Being a conservationist and advocate of sustainability, Mr Mathew wanted to maintain aesthetic beauty in each of the properties. You will find traditional Kerala-style cottages, intricate woodwork, and local art all around these resorts, while the swimming pools exhibit modernity at the same place. It is a perfect blend of ethnicity, art, and, luxury. His love for wood and antiques is seen in his collection of woods which continues even now. Most of the woods used in the property have been sourced from renovated ancient houses.

He wanted the ancient science of healing to be popular and also offered it the best quality possible. Hence, Ayurvedic Hospitals in the Resort ambience was created. Here, you will find some of the best doctors, personal care in wellness, good quality food and natural ambience. He has also participated in many National and International Health and Ayurveda seminars in India and Abroad. He has made Ayurveda a well-known term in Europe, the UK, Scandinavia, CIS countries, and the US.

With the success of Ayurvedic hospitals, he also delved into other ventures. Somatheeram has houseboats with the possibility of Ayurvedic treatments, which was yet another unique approach to Ayurvedic Tourism. Today, one of the well-known names in the tourism fraternity of Kerala is Mr Baby Mathew. Through his perseverance and constant update on the quality of service, he has continued to remain one of the stalwarts in this business. His vision of Ayurvedic resorts has been taken a step ahead by adding luxury into this field with his new property Ayursoma.

Baby Mathew

Baby Mathew

Giving back to the society

Conservationist

Somatheeram Ayurveda Group

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