From simple, rustic villas and a wide variety of local experiences to chic boutiques that entice with their old colonial charm; discover the best Kerala hotels with Kuoni
This part of India has the most beautiful scenery: the backwaters with their canals passing remote villages, spice plantations, the wildlife-rich Cardamom Hills, and of course those golden stretches of palm-lined shore. The resorts along this stretch of coast tend to reflect the destination with Keralan-inspired architecture (like Coconut Lagoon, a 19th-Century former coconut plantation whose dark wood furnishings have been sourced from traditional Keralan homes or local craftspeople) and Ayurvedic spas like Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort. Closer to Cochin and the backwaters you’ll find Marari, a wide stretch of sand lined by a handful of hotels like eponymous Marari Beach Resort, a hidden Kerala gem far removed from the outside world with simple, rustic villas and a wide variety of local experiences. Then there are the chic boutiques that entice with their old colonial charm but please with their modern sensibilities, like Eighth Bastion and Fragrant Nature, whose decorative details, authentic cuisine and flawless service – not to mention decadent pools – make a welcome retreat at the end of a busy day exploring the city.
Our recommended Kerala hotels
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A restored 19th-Century shipyard, close to the famous Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi
Beautifully restored from the remains of a Victorian shipyard, this charming boutique hotel sits right on the waterfront, just a short walk from the f...
A Dutch colonial and eco-sensitive retreat, close to the famous fishing nets
This CGH Earth hotel offers a comfortable retreat in the centre of the Dutch-influenced corner of Fort Cochin. Exceptionally close to the famous Chine...
Experience exceptional service and old world charm at this new Cochin hotel.
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 ...
A delightful and historic Relais & Chateau hotel in the heart of Cochin.
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 ...
A luxury hotel with serene views overlooking the backwaters and Cochin harbour
Situated on Willingdon Island, the Taj Malabar has gorgeous views overlooking Cochin harbour and the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. A great base for ...
In a tranquil spot on one of Cochin’s islands, away from the hustle of the city.
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 exp...
A quiet and tranquil resort on the beautiful Keralan coast where the focus is firmly on wellness.
While the majority of Southern India resorts feature spas that offer Ayurvedic treatments and alternative ancient practices, at the beautiful Carnoust...
Echoing the style of traditional fishing villages, this resort has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Following an adventure taking in the highlights of Southern India there’s little better than retreating to a secluded spot that feels like your own pr...
A serene and secluded wellness retreat on Kerala’s largely untouched Malabar coast.
With accommodation inspired by traditional fisherman’s cottages, an off-the-beaten-track setting on Kerala's unspoilt Malabar coast and a focus on wel...
A breathtaking hideaway perched on a cliff-top overlooking a beautiful quiet beach.
For a real sense of understated luxury, a chance to really get away from it all and a feeling that you are at one with nature, you should look no furt...
This beautiful resort has a focus on wellness and style influenced by the backwaters.
With unique architecture that’s inspired by the region’s traditional and iconic houseboats, this Taj property leaves you with a real sense of place. L...
A quiet hideaway with a well-thought-of spa.
Green by name, green by nature, this beautiful Taj property is tucked away in secluded gardens behind a lagoon and a long stretch of beach. To the nor...
A charming backwaters heritage hotel featuring local design alongside modern comforts.
Your arrival by boat to the 400-year old reception building of this beautiful heritage property really sets the tone for the rest of your stay. With a...
Cruise through the backwaters
A cruise through Kerala’s backwaters is one of the most enchanting ways of experiencing the local way of life. Kettuvallams, or rice boats, were the o...
A beautiful resort on the shores of Lake Kumarakom which is influenced by its backwaters location.
Water, water, everywhere. As you would expect from a resort at the heart of the Keralan backwaters, the focus here is on all things H2O, whether it's ...
A unique heritage homestay, set in an idyllic location in the backwaters of Alleppey
Among vast stretches of pristine countryside and paddy fields, the Nelpura Homestay is a beautifully restored home that dates back over 150 years and ...
For those looking to cruise the enchanting backwaters of Kerala in style, the Oberoi MV Vrinda is the perfect choice.
Soak up beautiful scenery and absorb local sights as you meander through the tranquil waterways of ‘God’s own country’ on board this elegant vessel, c...
A beautiful and intimate homestay, set on a working farm on an island in the Kerala backwaters
For those who are looking to immerse themselves in the local way of life, the charming Philipkutty’s Farm, which is set on an island on Lake Vembenad,...
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Western Ghats from this charming mountain retreat
Sitting in the Western Ghats, overlooking tea plantations and the Bison Valley below, this unique mountainside retreat is a beautifully remote escape....
A modern hotel on a forested hillside in the Western Ghats of Southern India.
Many resorts are described as having verdant surroundings however, there are few places where the description is quite as apt as it is at this hotel. ...
A homely and intimate hilltop estate set on the slopes of the Western Ghats
Set on a 55-acre cardamom and coffee estate close to the town of Munnar, this welcoming boutique retreat is perfectly placed for relaxation. Spend tim...
A traditional resort with individual thatched dwellings close to Periyar National Park.
This unique holiday experience offers visitors a tribal village reborn for the modern traveller. Set in the highlands of Kerala and recreating the moo...
