SURPRISE ME!

The Best of Backwaters and Ayurveda at Kochi's Luxury Hotels

Devika Khosla

Last updated: May 17, 2019

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Why would you take a holiday if not to relax and indulge yourself? And when you are in the scenic land of Kerala’s backwaters, what better than to kick back than enjoying the breath-taking view of Kochi’s famous backwaters, or pampering yourself silly with a special Kerala Ayurvedic massage. Either way, nothing beats the luxury of a hotel where all your needs are more than taken care of. So, if you’re headed to Kerala this holiday season, head to Kochi and give yourself a five-star treat. Here’s how to do it:

Trident

trident kochi luxury hotels

A luxurious retreat on Willingdon island, the Trident’s 76 rooms and 9 suites offer the best that money can buy. Take your pick from Superior Rooms, Suites, Deluxe Rooms and Family Suites. The hotel’s spa is spectacular and their facilities include an on-call doctor as well as a babysitter. It is ideally located and quite close to several local attractions. When you tire from all the sightseeing, there are four great restaurants right inside the hotel to pick from, for a memorable and mouth-watering meal.

The luxury quotient: The hotel’s spa offers authentic Ayurvedic treatments, which are personalised to suit your needs and target your specific areas of concern.

Vivanta by Taj-Malabar

Situated on the dreamy Willingdon Island with Kochi’s breathtaking backwaters and the harbour for company, Vivanta by Taj is a splendid choice for a weary traveller in need of some rest and recreation. Its rooms – right from the Heritage Wing built in the 1930s to the Deluxe Suites – are an eclectic mix of contemporary chic and old world charm. Opt for breakfast on the sun-kissed private balconies and take your meals at any of their five restaurants, which serve multi-cuisine, local and Thai specialties. Relax at the Jiva spa or just lie back and enjoy the stunning views.

The luxury quotient: The hotel also owns a facility on Gundu, which is a private island, located 10 minutes away from the hotel by boat. The island is an exceptional location for weddings, dinners and private parties.

The Malabar House

Kochi’s first heritage hotel, The Malabar House, has a rich and colorful past. Built in the 18^th century, it has passed several hands from Dutchmen and spice and tea traders to bankers. The 17 rooms of the hotel, including five roof garden suites, are havens of luxury and comfort equipped with all modern amenities. The hotel also boasts of other facilities such as a swimming pool, a spa, and bicycle tours. The hotel has great dining options and an enviable wine list.

The luxury quotient: The hotel organises classical Indian dance and musical evenings for its guests at the patio. It also has its own boat house that can be used for a ride on the backwaters.

Brunton Boatyard Hotel

This one is an astonishing blast from the past. Here, the past and present meet in a seamless confluence, blending ages and experiences. A Victorian era ship building that has been resurrected into a hotel is bound to take your breath away. Located in the Fort area, all its 22 rooms and their en-suite bathrooms overlook the sea. The four-poster beds are as reminiscent of the hotel's colonial past as is its menu, which contains several European delights. Sip a cocktail on the balcony as you watch the ships sail past, use the Wi-Fi services or take a dip in the pool.

The luxury quotient: The hotel arranges regular sunset cruises for its guests. The cruise departs from their private jetty for a tour of the Kochi harbour with splendid views of the setting sun. If you’re fortunate enough, you may even spot a dolphin!

Neemrana’s Le Colonial

kochi luxury hotels — Stay at the 16th century hotel that has hosted the great Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama

This hotel or as its owners prefer to call it, a ‘non-hotel hotel’, is among the oldest hotels in the area. Dating back to the 16^th century, this charming boutique hotel hides history in every nook and corner. From its beautiful, luxuriant rooms to Neemrana’s sophisticated hospitality, staying here is an experience of a lifetime.

The luxury quotient: The hotel is said to have housed none other than the great Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama himself. Do we need to specify anything that can be more deliciously historic or boast of such luxury?

So what are you waiting for? Find your way into the lap of luxury, and book yourself in to one of Kochi’s finest hotels.

Comments

vinay kumar | on 27 December 2014

Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.