Old Harbour Hotel

In the heart of beautiful Fort Cochin is the Old Harbour Hotel, whose Dutch and Portuguese influences are in keeping with the colonial charm of the town. The 300-year-old building, once the residence for employees of an English tea broking firm, has been lovingly restored with special care taken to preserve its original features.

With just 13 rooms, the hotel has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Its decor is simple yet elegant with a mix of antique furniture and pieces of art from the owner’s own collection. Rooms are named after the old streets of Fort Cochin and feature high ceilings, wooden or tiled floors and windows that look out over the courtyard or the iconic Chinese fishing nets. There are also garden cottages with open-air showers, a verandah and private pond.

The lush green garden is an oasis of calm; relax while listening to the breeze rush through the trees and the tinkle of the fountain, or cool off in the refreshing water of the swimming pool. With a large open-air terrace, Ayurvedic spa and daily yoga sessions it’s hard not to feel completely serene during your stay here.

The hotel’s proximity to the famed Chinese fishing nets means seafood here is always plentiful and fresh. Every evening there is a barbecue on which to cook the catch of the day as well as a menu of Indian classics made using organically grown vegetables.