Classic Kerala and the Maldives

Overview

Over a century ago, Geo Brunton and Sons was one of the most respected shipbuilding companies in Cochin. Sat on the harbour and a proud reminder of this prestigious past, is Bruntons Boatyard, a beautiful boutique hotel full of character.

The hotel has been lovingly restored using the same brick, lime and terracotta building materials to ensure it keeps its Victorian charm. On arrival you will immediately be transported back to colonial India thanks to the arched wooden ceilings, tiled floors and traditional punkah fans gently whirring overhead. The walls are adorned with photos and prints of the old boatyard and Dutch maritime maps.

All of the hotel’s 22 rooms look out over the sea where every kind of vessel from small fishing boats to trade boats and cruise ships trace their way across the water. Keep you eyes peeled for the pods of dolphins that weave their way in and out of the waterway. Four poster beds and antique wooden furniture give the rooms plenty of character and some come with balconies from which you can sit and watch the world go by.

Fort Cochin is a melting pot of cultures and this is reflected in its cuisine, every dish on the menu representing one of the many communities that have called this beautiful town home. A rich mix of Indian, Portuguese, British, Dutch, Arabian and Jewish cuisine makes dining here a real treat and with the Chinese fishing nets just around the corner, seafood is a specialty. For afternoon refreshment enjoy a cup of tea in the tea lounge and come evening the Armoury Bar is the perfect place to sip on a expertly mixed cocktail or beer and enjoy a game of billiards.

The hotel’s garden is a calm, green refuge and the outdoor pool provides a refreshing break from the Kerelan sun. There is also an Ayurvedic massage centre for those moments when you simply want to drift away.

Overview

Tucked away in the timeless streets of Mattancherry, a historic ward of Kochi, Kerala, The Postcard Mandalay Hall, a 200-year old, carefully restored masterpiece, stands testament to the civilisations that have come and gone in its stead. Its address on the hallowed Synagogue Lane offers an alluring window to the past, with the 1500s-era Paradesi synagogue right outside, and the artfully crafted interiors tell an equally intriguing story.

Aptly named ‘galleries’, each of the five rooms, three of which come with bathtubs, is an immersive exhibition. Each showcases artwork and installations by different artists for a one-of-a-kind experience that builds deep connection with the space. Its boutique size allows for a laid back atmosphere, with rarely encountered luxuries such as anytime check-in/check-out and anytime breakfast, along with a truly personalised service.

The experience continues at അ (Aah), the hotel’s fine dining restaurant which specialises in contemporary Kerala dishes and an experimental cuisine which blends global ideas with local flavours. Beyond the hotel walls, let inspiration strike in markets, boutiques and cafes of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. The city is just a 10-minute drive away, and the creative local spirit here runs deep. Art is integral to this destination, and creatives and art-lovers alike are perfectly positioned to enjoy the Kochi-Muziris Biennale; the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia, which takes place in the city.

Overview

The Windermere Estate comprises 55 acres of undulating land on the slopes of the Western Ghats. A homely atmosphere, first-class service and connecting its guests to the natural surroundings are all part of what makes a stay here so special.

Rooms are housed in traditional bungalows with gabled roofs, high ceilings, wooden beams and terracotta floors. Linen furnishings are embroidered by local women and crotchet and cross stitch artwork adorn the walls. Each room comes with views across the hills, valley or garden with some of the larger ones featuring a verandah or balcony.

The garden is filled with flowering shrubs as well as coffee, guava, peach and pepper trees and the gentle mountain breeze carries with it the scent of wild flowers and herbs. There are plenty of quiet spaces in the garden, hammocks are strung up between the pine trees and colourful butterflies and birds flit through the skies.

The estate grows its own fruit and veg with bananas, passion fruit, tomatoes and gooseberries finding their way onto the menu, as well as honey from their bee hives. Enjoy traditional Keralan food in the peaceful restaurant and enjoy a cup of steaming tea in The Hut – a outdoor covered area where the seats and tables are carved from eucalyptus and oak trees. Family recipes have been passed down through the generations and the chefs are more than happy to share their culinary wisdom with guests who are keen on cooking.

Overview

The peaceful mountain retreat of Spice Tree is sandwiched between the Devan Hills and the Bison Valley Hills, surrounded by rolling plantations and lush green forests.

There are 14 suites, some of which come with freestanding copper bath tubs or a Jacuzzi, as well as two pool villas where you can take a dip while gazing out across the mountains and valleys. Warm tones of orange and red and dark wooden panneling create a cosy atmosphere, making this the perfect hideaway up in the cool mountains.

This part of the Western Ghats is famous for the quality of its pepper and cardamon and a delicate balance of spices is used in the restaurant which serves traditional Keralan cuisine. Spices also form the base of many of the Ayurvedic treatments that are offered in the spa. The outdoor pool is heated by solar energy and uses mountain spring water; it is also fairly shallow, making it suitable for children. Take the plunge or simply sit back and enjoy the breeze that carries with it the scent of wild flowers.

This is one of India’s most verdant and beautiful regions and is the perfect place to hike, visit the tea plantations and visit local villages. Spice Tree also offer cooking classes as well as yoga and meditation.

Overview

Sat on a little peninsula on the western banks of Lake Vembanad, Vismaya is a historic timber house that dates back over three centuries.

Painstaking restored with contemporary luxuries subtly introduced, it is now an exclusive use villa with two bedrooms, a double and a twin, each air conditioned with en suite bathrooms.

The property is surrounded by typically lush Keralan gardens and features an expansive granite swimming pool and peaceful coconut grove with hammocks to soak up serene views across the lake.

Meals – with freshly caught fish bought straight from local fishermen – can be served wherever takes your fancy, be it out on the veranda, in the lounge, poolside or in the gazebo.

From the villa’s private jetty embark on meandering boat tours of the backwaters, or borrow bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside. Village walks can also be arranged as can visits to nearby temples, churches and Alleppey town.

Overview

On the shores of the Arabian Sea and close to the famed backwaters of Alleppey, this verdant resort is beautifully placed to explore the best of Kerala.

There are 30 villas set in the sprawling gardens, each a luxurious blend of modern and traditional Keralan design with private pools, lavish bathrooms and walk-in dressing rooms.

A major draw here is the stunning Ayurveda spa which offers a huge range of treatments and tailored wellness programs using age-old practices, with a focus on rejuvenation, stress management and detoxing combined with personalised Ayurveda diets.

For those seeking to explore, take bicycle rides around local villages for a glimpse into rural lifestyles in this beautiful corner of India, discover the Jewish and colonial history of the region on historical excursions, explore sacred temples or visit the nearby Kumarakom bird sanctuary. There are also daily yoga sessions, the peaceful Marari beach and the Carnoustie’s own wonderful houseboat for private lunch and evening cruises along the backwaters.

Making the most of the surrounding water and its bounty, the Chimaera restaurant serves up the freshest seafood while Ida has something for everyone. Being a resort dedicated to body and mind, there’s no alcohol available.

Overview

Sat on a beautiful farm island on land reclaimed from the backwaters of Lake Vambanad, is Philipkutty’s Farm. A family home where the emphasis is on welcoming people into the fold, a stay here is to experience Keralan hospitality at its finest.

Each of the six spacious villas are named after local plants, trees and birds and look out over the peaceful backwaters. Decor is simple but homely with tiled floors, wooden ceilings and antique furniture. Windows and doors flood the villas with natural light and a verandah is the perfect spot from which to sit back and watch life on the river.

A thatched pavilion on stilts overlooks the farm and is where communal meals are served. As a working farm, there is plenty of local produce and delicious meals are made using coconuts, vegetables, fruit and spices grown in the garden and freshly caught fish. Take a walk through the plantations, making friends with the hens, duck and geese that call the farm home.

The family residence is set apart from the villas to ensure total privacy, but they are always happy to chat to guests. The lush, green surroundings provide the perfect haven in which to simply relax and unwind but there are also cooking classes, sunset cruises and outdoor activities for those who wish to explore the beautiful Keralan backwaters.

Overview

Surrounded by paddy fields and mangroves and nestled on the banks of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom Lake Resort is a collection of villas that seamlessly blend traditional charm with modern luxury.

Each of the villas have been reconstructed the traditional homesteads of Keralan villages, many of them lovingly reassembled from the original
materials. High ceilings, tiled floors and huge windows keep the villas cool and flood them with natural light while open-air bathrooms . Some come with private plunge pools and Jacuzzis while others sit along a meandering 250m pool that weaves its way through the resort.

The eight-sided Ettukettu restaurant was originally commissioned by King Marthanda Varma as a gift to his favourite martial arts tutor, and has been dismantled and restored piece by piece in its new location at the hotel. Being in the heart of Kerala’s backwaters means fresh fish is in abundance at the seafood bar, which is one of the best places to watch the sunset. There is also a traditional tea shop set among the verdant gardens.

An infinity pool looks out over the shimmering lake and there is an Ayurvedic spa for when you want to relax and unwind. For those who want to explore, there are guided walks and bikes to hire as well as boat cruises and fishing trips.

Overview

This lively barefoot resort sits on a secluded island just 25 minutes from Malé via seaplane. With house reefs to discover the thriving marine life and a sociable atmosphere in the evenings, there is no need to venture beyond its tantalising white sand shores.

The wooden, bamboo and thatched roof bungalows unite a tranquil feel with modern-day amenities. The villas that sit on the wooden decking over the sea allow you to slip straight into the shallow lagoon for snorkelling. Beach villas are more simplistic with front terraces leading onto the sand.

Dining here consist of the main sand-floored buffet restaurant, offering an extensive range of international dishes. Or there’s the à la carte beachfront grill just a few steps from the waters edge. As the sun sets, head to one of the bars for DJ-spun tunes.

As well as some of the best diving and snorkelling available, leisure is more than catered for here too, with 15 exclusive spa villas including four water treatment villas.

Overview

One for design-savvy travellers, the resort was conceptualised by the go-to-guy for extravagant hotels, Jean-Michel Gathy, who has now brought detailed perfection to the Maldives.

Every element of the resort oozes chic style, from the sand-disc artwork to the palm-fringed slate-lined pool and marbled bar. The 45 villas, each with its own private infinity pool, overwater deck, private beach and exquisite bathroom, have drawn celebrities and royalty including Prince William.

Travel 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé to reach this eye-pleasing oasis. Guests can pamper themselves with spa treatments, an onsite hair salon and impeccable service with each villa assigned its own butler and concierge.

Other than the obvious water sports options including snorkelling and diving at nearby reefs, the resort also has a tennis court, gym and a kids’ club.

Overview

The embodiment of minimalist elegance, the 33 overwater villas sit on snaked wooden decks, where you can slip straight into the soothing turquoise lagoon for world-class snorkelling and diving on the private reef.

The suites on Makunufushi island resemble a collection of Kerelan boathouses, each with a private sundeck, vintage-style ceiling fans, whitewashed walls, and lavish en-suite with roll-top bathtub. The ultra-private one-bedroom villas also offer dining bales and outdoor showers.

As one of the smaller resorts, there is a definitive calmness to Cocoa Island that is hard to beat. From the gardens to the infinity and hydrotherapy pools, yoga pavilion to the renowned COMO Shambhala spa, wellbeing is central to life here.

The resorts main restaurant, Ufaa, has a daily-changing menu specialising in Southeast Asian and Mediterranean dishes, using organic vegetables and freshly caught seafood. Romantic candlelit dinners and glamorous picnics are served on the beach.

Diving and snorkelling are the main attraction here, with parrotfish, rays and small sharks spotted in the surrounding waters.