*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
Situated on Willingdon Island, the Taj Malabar has gorgeous views overlooking Cochin harbour and the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. A great base for those wanting to explore the area, it seamlessly combines old-world elegance with modern day convenience. You can make the most of the hotel's great facilities available; lounge by the scenic swimming pool, take a complimentary sunset cruise on the backwaters, or venture to the spa to enjoy therapies and treatments specially curated to help detox and rejuvenate. Signature experiences include the Jivaniya muscle relieving treatment, and Pehlwan Malish, a traditional massage normally favoured by Indian wrestlers. A choice of dining options at the hotel includes classic Eastern and Western comfort food at The Pepper and delicious oriental dishes at The Pavilion, one of the only authentic Thai restaurants in Kerala. For exotic seafood, head to the Rice Boat restaurant, where in an incredibly unique setting of a stationary rice boat, you'll enjoy a delicious menu of authentically cooked seafood, accompanied by exquisite views overlooking the backwaters and historic Mattancherry.
For a true sense of place but a setting the perfect distance away from the hectic heart of the city, Cochin’s Malabar House can’t be beaten. With its Relais & Chateau status you know the service is going to be attentive, the cuisine outstanding and the style unique. The hotel reflects the city’s history with distinctly colonial buildings and North African-inspired interiors (although with a modern twist) and there is a charming courtyard where you will find the bijou swimming pool. There’s also the ayervedic Purespa which specialises in a range of treatments that has emerged from an unlikely source – the ancient Keralan martial art of kalaripayattu. The hotel quite rightly prides itself on its culinary offerings. At The Malabar Junction at Malabar House, which is open for lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy both regional and Mediterranean cuisine created using fresh and largely organic produce which is sourced as locally as possible. Each evening, as guests dine under the stars in the courtyard, there are live performances of carnatic music. The rooms and suites are wonderfully vibrant in style. The ground-floor Deluxe Rooms feature either a double beds or twin bed. We recommend an upgrade to one of the the beautiful Roof Garden Suites which are located on the first floor. Not only are they more spacious, they also feature their own terrace. For the ultimate in space and luxury, opt for the duplex Malabar Suite which features a living room on the lower floor and a bedroom and terrace on the upper floor.
Eighth Bastion
3.5
This CGH Earth hotel offers a comfortable retreat in the centre of the Dutch-influenced corner of Fort Cochin. Exceptionally close to the famous Chinese fishing nets, the Eighth Bastion is the perfect base from which to explore the attractions of Fort Cochin – just grab yourself a hotel bike and map, and head out to explore the fascinating by-lanes and bazaars. Celebrating the region's Dutch heritage, the hotel is an elegant fusion of styles and ideas. Though flawless service is complemented by a unique, yet subtle nautical theme, the hotel is otherwise very modern in style. Minimalism and comfort are the predominant focus of the rooms, with contemporary architecture and chic, retro elements, like the historical maps and nautical paintings that decorate the walls. Luxurious bathrooms are furnished with floor bathtubs and sleek rain showers, and most of the rooms enjoy a furnished patio or balcony. Cuisine is a focus here, with mouth-watering Indian fusion dishes served at the hotel's East Indies restaurant. Encompassing influences from the Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, the menus are an eclectic mix of contemporary reinterpretations of old classics. Using fresh, local ingredients and handpicked Kerala spices, signature dishes to try include the Indonesian Pork and the Travancore Duck Roast.
The Willingdon Island setting of this hotel means it seems far away from the business of Fort Cochin. With the plentiful facilities that you would expect from a Trident hotel, this is a great place to acclimatise before the start of your Southern India adventure. There’s a spa on site and following a treatment or two your long haul flight will feel like a distant memory. The pool is located in the charming courtyard and there’s also a fitness centre. Travancore is the hotel’s main restaurant and it is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can enjoy both local specialities as well as traditional Italian dishes. As the name suggests, The Seafood Grill specialises in providing the freshest and most flavoursome fruits of the sea. Two bars complete the drinks and dining options – the Cochin Trader Bar and the open-air Patio. Rooms are subtly decorated with natural tones which tend to overlook the landscaped gardens or the pool area. You can opt for a Deluxe Room or a slightly more spacious Superior Room. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a Suite – top-floor accommodations that have a living area.
This exquisite boutique hotel, is set within the former offices of the East India Company placing it right at the heart of the city’s rich and varied heritage. It has only been open since 2015, however it has already become one of the most popular hotels in Cochin. Centred around a beautiful and light-filled courtyard with its distinct colonial feel, the hotel really gives you a sense of place. One of the most popular spots is the roof-top pool and café, both of which have incredible views out over the harbour... there are few places we would rather retreat to following a day of city exploration. There’s also a terrace lounge with an open-air theatre where occasional folk performances are held. The service is attentive, with nothing being too much trouble and the works of art throughout the hotel – including the Indian Street Market mural by two English artists – give the hotel something of an exclusive ambience. All-day dining is available at the main restaurant and dishes include local favourites as well as international cuisine. For a change of scene you can treat yourself to an evening at the Flint House sea food grill restaurant, or enjoy full meals or light lunches during daylight hours at the Pool Café. The spacious and luxurious rooms are beautifully decorated and located over three floors. The grandly-named Duke’s Chambers feature hints of vibrant décor and beautiful tile details in the bathrooms. You can also enjoy harbour views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
Malabar House
Trident, Cochin
Fragrant Nature
