Kerala Hotels
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Kerala
Marari Beach Resort
Kerala, India
- Style
- Thatched Malayalam with mod cons
- Setting
- White-sandy shores of the Arabian Sea
Eco-friendly luxury, bang on the sand. Marari Beach Resort near Alleppey is the ultimate Indian coastal hideaway; relax in a hammock under a palm tree or take advantage of an excellent activities programme. Everything you need for a lazy (or busy) holiday, under one thatched roof.
Coconut Lagoon
Kerala, India
- Style
- Timber and tiled cottages
- Setting
- Keralan backwaters
Coconut Lagoon is CGH Earth’s palm-framed backwater paradise in Kumarakom. Accessed only by boat, this traditional-style, eco-friendly Keralan village promises complete and utter escapism, be it in your wooden heritage villa, by the postcard-perfect pool or in the soothing Ayurvedic spa.
Kalari Kovilakom
Kerala, India
- Style
- Ayurvedic escapism
- Setting
- Leafy Kollengode
Located in the foothills of Kerala’s Annamalai Hills, this Ayurvedic retreat was originally built in the 19th century, but Kalari Kovilakom has been lovingly restored and recreated into a unique luxury wellness retreat.
Raheem Residency
Kerala, India
- Style
- Colonial but contemporary Keralan villa
- Setting
- Alleppey on the Arabian Sea
A genuine Heritage Hotel of India, Raheem Residency sits across a small road from the peaceful Alleppey Beach in Kerala. Intimate and personal, this 19th-century colonial villa is suited for those looking for luxury and romance, Kerala style. Hiding behind lush palm trees a short stride from the golden sand and Arabian Sea, this converted private home is imposing and yet welcoming.
The Malabar House
Kerala, India
- Style
- East meets west
- Setting
- Fort Cochin cricket ground
Kerala’s first boutique hotel, The Malabar House, has become a cult favourite over the last decade, with its blissful blend of sophisticated service, eye-catching artwork and a sublime Ayurvedic spa.
Old Harbour Hotel
Kerala, India
- Style
- Cool, contemporary colonial lodge
- Setting
- Close to Fort Cochin’s fishing nets
The Old Harbour Hotel in Fort Cochin is a prime example of simple sophistication; its fresh whitewashed interior is enhanced with hip artwork arrangements. Bedrooms are spacious and elegant, retaining colonial influences, and among the highlights is a raised infinity pool in the walled garden, and unmissable dining at lunch and dinner.
Brunton Boatyard
Kerala, India
- Style
- Colonial heritage hotel
- Setting
- Fort Cochin waterfront
Brunton Boatyard stands proud in historical Fort Cochin as an elegant colonial-style hotel suited to the sophisticated modern traveller. Distinguished decor, fantastic outdoor pool, excellent eateries – what's not to love about this boutique hotel in Kerala?
Malabar Escapes: Privacy and Discovery
Kerala, India
- Style
- Boutique B&B with boat
- Setting
- Rustic Alleppey lakelands
The most tranquil of the Malabar Escapes boutique hotel chain, Privacy is a brace of heritage bungalows on the shores of Lake Vembanad, with its own one-bedroom rice barge, Discovery, for overnight excursions.
Malabar Escapes: Serenity
Kerala, India
- Style
- Homely 1920s estate
- Setting
- Peaceful plantation hilltop
Not many boutique hotels come with their own elephant, but Malabar Escapes: Serenity, a bucolic retreat in a Keralan rubber plantation, has its own pachyderm to play with.
Malabar Escapes: Trinity
Kerala, India
- Style
- Modern-art deco
- Setting
- Cochin’s cricketing Parade Ground
More South Beach art gallery than South India guesthouse, Malabar Escapes: Trinity, a three-room boutique hotel in Fort Cochin has the private feel of a sleek and snazzy urban apartment.

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