For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
It’s not only Kerala’s scenic splendour that will win your heart, but also its friendliness, spirituality and spicy cuisine. Little wonder it’s nicknamed ‘God’s Own Country’ – so special is this state, it's a gift to mankind from the Big Guy upstairs. Stay anchored in a stylish resort in a postcard-perfect setting, or sample as many experiences as possible and take a tour through its varied terrain, stopping off at a range of charming retreats. Whether your location is city, coast or country, sightseeing is always wide-angled. Visit the colourful churches in the historical harbour of Fort Cochin; venture inland to Spice Country and hike the nature reserves of Thekkady; for wildlife-filled rural escapism, sample the tranquility and seclusion of backwater life; or wend your way south to the palm-lined sands near Alleppey and indulge in some beach-based R&R. And, to enhance your mind-body-and-soul-satisfying sojourn, ensure you indulge in the ancient healing science of Ayurveda while you’re away. Because of the rich vegetation and wealth of herbs in Kerala, it is believed that the cosmetic and therapeutic Ayurvedic treatments practised here are the most superior.
Yeah, we know it's a cliché, but no trip to Kerala is complete without a watery wend through the beautiful meandering backwaters. This lush paradise offers a slice of nature and village llife like no other.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Kerala
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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.
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.
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.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
January The Great Elephant March in Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). April–May sees the most spectacular festival in Medom, Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival. August The second Saturday of the month sees Nehru Snake Boat Race in Alleppey: 100 men in a long, slim boats, rowing and chanting songs and racing along the famous Kerala backwaters. In 2006, a group of foreign women took part for the first time.
This quirky coffee-stop combines a contemporary art gallery in a restored colonial house with a cute café at the back where sophisticated locals and discerning travellers gather to enjoy a cheap-and-cheerful continental breakfast or soup-and-sandwich lunches. Open 8.30am until 7.30pm.
Burgher Street, Fort Cochin, 682001
The ultimate destination for seafood lovers. The bamboo-furnished setting feels suitably coastal even though you are in fact in a hotel complex, and it's surprisingly romantic. The made-fresh-for-you dishes such as lobster or crab are utterly melt-in-the-mouth.
Casino Hotel, Willingdon Island, Kerala
A modern minimalist cocktail bar, where female visitors get two drinks on the house on Wednesday nights.
Avenue Regent Hotel, 39/2026, M.G Road, Cochin, Kerala
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