Kerala luxury with IndianExplorations.com

If you long to luxuriate in a peaceful, exotic beachside setting then Surya Samudra is for you. It’s set in 20 acres of landscaped gardens with polished dark-wood cottages, reconstituted by local craftsmen from 100-year-old traditional Keralan homes and are surrounded by coconut plantations. Perfect for a Kerala luxury holiday they are set well apart and perch on a hillside overlooking the Arabian Sea. The beaches are naturally secluded, keeping the hustle and bustle of the world outside at bay .There’s also a delicious jade-coloured infinity pool with underwater sculptures which segues into the ocean below, plus a dedicated Ayurvedic spa and cliff-edge yoga platform for reducing you to a puddle of serenity. Just like their guests, the cuisine they serve is from all over the world – with the added delight of local delicacies. Whichever you choose, Oottupura, the all-day dining restaurant, or Kanal, the grill, you will enjoy a view of the sea at all times. And, of course, you can always let your hair down at our poolside bar – Madira.

Kerala luxury with IndianExplorations.com

Beautiful and luxurious cliff-top resort with glossy heritage cottages, an Ayurvedic spa, restaurants and an infinity pool looking out over the stunning sea – indeed a perfect setting for a Kerala luxury holiday.

A beautifully calm retreat with a fabulous spa on the undeveloped North Keralan coast, Neeleshwar Hermitage undoubtedly is one of the finest Kerala luxury hotels.

A blend of health retreat and hotel on the unspoilt and tourist-free northern coast of Kerala, it’s serene and stylish; a place to rejuvenate your body and spirit and feel ‘still’. The accommodation sits amongst 12 acres of lush gardens filled with frangipani and banana trees, coconut groves and glorious hibiscus flowers. Built according to traditional style, the whole site faces east and the rising sun. Endangered sea turtles hatch their eggs on the beach and rare birds flit overhead; everything is in harmony with nature and Neeleshwar’s eco principles are spot on. Spend your days in the Ayurvedic spa, doing yoga or learning to meditate, and in the evening watch the sun sink over the horizon and feel at one with your surroundings.

Luxury Kerala Hotels with IndianExplorations.com

The 16 traditional, thatched cottages are set in a row but nicely far apart, and look out to sea or over the lush gardens. Eight are detached; the others are paired for families or friends that want to be together. Other than this, all are identical. A teak veranda adorned with polished wood pillars is at the front of each cottage, and rustic wicker furniture coaxes you to sit and daydream. Inside, the interior is light-filled and airy, thanks to large windows dressed with opaque blinds. Big double or twin beds have fabulous mattresses and snowy white linen, along with plump pillows. Colourful cushions, hand-woven rugs, contemporary art, silk bed runners and a duck-egg blue wall add a bit of pizzazz while staying in Kerala luxury hotels.Out back, the bathrooms are huge and partly open to the sky. Some have frangipani trees growing right through them. Others look out over a big palm or banana tree in the private back garden beyond. The décor is very natural – granite floors, stone walls in place of tiles – and the solar showers are powerful and refreshing. Thick towels, hairdryers and a range of toiletries are nice touches, and the stylish white bowl sinks, something you would expect in Kerala luxury hotels.

Kerala luxury hotels are popular for their fine dining. You have a choice of 2 restaurants. Annapurna Ma is dedicated to the goddess of nourishment and sits in the middle of the grounds. Roofed with coconut palms and open on all sides, it looks like a lovely spot for a meal and the food sounds fantastic – a mix of North and South Indian, Middle Eastern and European flavours. The Meenakshi restaurant is poolside, close to the beach, and serves seafood all made using catches brought fresh to the hotel every morning by local fishermen. During your stay they aim to nourish your body, mind and soul through authentic and delicious food, the charm of their staff and the Ayurvedic practices for which Kerala is renowned.The Priya Ayurvedic Spa has five spacious treatment rooms ranged around a central courtyard garden. The building has been designed along traditional lines with beautifully proportioned ceilings and elegantly carved pillars. The whole place is airy and well ventilated, with a wonderful calming atmosphere in which treatments are practiced in an unhurried and quiet way. Apart from that the resort can arrange visits to the nearby Bekal Fort, cookery classes, a cruise down the backwaters or cycling on a large network of small roads and lanes that would give you a wonderful experience of local life.

Luxury Kerala Houseboat with IndianExplorations.com

And you can join this picturesque fleet by boarding a luxury Kerala houseboat. These are traditional country boats built from bamboo and jackfruit logs lashed together with coconut fibre, converted into comfortably furnished houseboats. You can board at any backwater dock and spend a day or two cruising to your destination.

Your favourite part while on the luxury Kerala houseboat will be waking up and watching what feels like a living film;  young children brushing their teeth by the shore, women washing clothes, ducks floating by, the duck farmer smiling and waving. The sleeping areas are spacious and plywood-partitioned, with curved bamboo ceilings, arched windows and rush-mat floors. The odd section of dark wood paneling is offet by soothing cream walls, and the occasional splash of lime green or zingly yellow is provided by the cushions and throws. Some of the boats have 2 or 3 bedrooms (each with an ensuite bathroom) with a choice of comfortable double or twin beds. The boats also have covered outdoor areas (lit by lanterns after dark), whose wicker sofas are scattered with luxuriously squashy cushions, and wooden tables for dining while you watch the world float by. The Honeymoon Houseboat has a greater emphasis on privacy as you can access the deck area at the front of the boat from the room.

Luxury Kerala Houseboat with IndianExplorations.com

At sundown, it’s time to moor and make way for local fishermen and their boats. Some of their nightly catches perhaps pearl-spot or prawns may appear on your plate at dinner or lunch, seared and seasoned with local spices. On board the luxury Kerala houseboat the chef will also prepare delicious chicken and creamy vegetarian curries in his kitchenette which is where the superbly chilled beer is kept!. Food is tailored to preferences, so you can ask for dishes to be as spicy or as mild as you like. Meals are set appetizingly on the supper table in the lounge, where one of the helpful crew will have raised the window’s bamboo flaps to frame the shimmery sunset. Breakfast – tea, fresh juices, fruit and pancakes – is taken on the deck as you set off on another magical meander down the waterways.

Surya Samudra with IndianExplorations.com

If you long to luxuriate in a peaceful, exotic beachside setting then Surya Samudra is for you. It is set in 20 acres of landscaped gardens with polished dark-wood cottages, reconstituted by local craftsmen from 100-year-old traditional Keralan homes and are surrounded by coconut plantations. Perfect for a Kerala luxury honeymoon they are set well apart and perch on a hillside overlooking the Arabian Sea. The beaches are naturally secluded, keeping the hustle and bustle of the world outside at bay.There’s also a delicious jade-coloured infinity pool with underwater sculptures which segues into the ocean below, plus a dedicated Ayurvedic spa and cliff-edge yoga platform for reducing you to a puddle of serenity. Just like their guests, the cuisine they serve is from all over the world – with the added delight of local delicacies. Whichever you choose, Oottupura, the all-day dining restaurant, or Kanal, the grill, you will enjoy a view of the sea at all times. And, of course, you can always let your hair down at our poolside bar – Madira.

Kerala Luxury Honeymoon with IndianExplorations.com

Surya Samudra is a beautiful and luxurious cliff-top resort with glossy heritage cottages, an Ayurvedic spa, restaurants and an infinity pool looking out over the stunning sea – indeed a perfect setting for a Kerala luxury honeymoon.

Kerala Luxury Honeymoon with IndianExplorations.com

Luxury Kerala Holiday with IndianExplorations.com

A  recent addition to taking in your wider surroundings is MV Apsara that offer an exotic experience that couples the comfort of a boutique hotel stay with luxurious cruising. Witness Kerala’s rich heritage in style. Providing unparalled standard perfect for a luxury Kerala holiday, the cruiser is built on two levels. The Apsara consists of eight rooms, a galley, dining area, a sundeck and a picturesque forward seating area.  It offers contemporary and modern amenities offering inspiring design, innovative dining and sensuous entertainment.  The tented spa offers Ayurvedic and international treatments. The dining area and salon, situated on level 1, with their grand décor create an ambience of luxury. The corner sofas with cushions and tables on level 2 provide ample space for guests to sit back and enjoy the panoramic view of the backwaters. The impeccable services extended to the guests combined with the enhanced display of sophistication makes your luxury Kerala voyage memorable.

Luxury Kerala Holiday with IndianExplorations.com

The itinerary is superb and extremely interesting. On day one, the Apsara sets sail and heads to the north of Vembanad Lake, sailing through Taneermukkam, famous for the salt water barrier dam and its ancient temple. The next day you set sail through Punnamada Lake which hosts the Annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Past the finishing point, you dock at Kanjipadam village with its rice fields, little houses and constant gaggle of geese and ducks. And there’s the 100 year old temple of Shree Bhagavathy Kshetram which hosts a 5 day annual cultural Ulsavam (festival).  During this luxury Kerala holiday you will be transfered to rice boats and weave your way through the picturesque, narrow canals in Chambakulam, known for its annual snake boat races and the oldest market. You will also get a chance to walk through the paths and lanes of this craft and coir village and also visit the St. Mary Florence Church built in 1870.  The cruiser then proceedes to the Pamba River, also known as Dakshina Ganga – the Ganges of the South. A traditional Kerala astrologer on board reveals your planets and the influence on your life. Allow him to chart your past and your future based on the traditional science; or just watch the play of the sky, the water, the birds as you sail back. There are, of course, the relaxing on-board activities arranged just for you.  Day three and four includes sailing via Punnamada jetty and Chithira Kayal to arrive at the uninhabited Padiramnal Island, home to over 90 local species and 50 migratory boards. You will return to the Vembanad Lake where your nostalgic luxury Kerala journey comes to and end.

Luxury Kerala Holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Enjoy your luxury Kerala holiday in a perfect eco-setting – a pleasant escape to the lap of nature.

Kerala can now offer a fantastic experience to the discerning traveler. Nowhere in India will you find a more gentle and relaxed state than Kerala; tucked away in the south west corner, between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. I recently visited this land of coconuts which is criss-crossed by rivers and waterways. After working hard throughout the year as everyone does, I was looking for a beautiful journey and Kerala just ticked all the boxes. Planning such a trip wasn’t easy as I was interested in staying in hotels that offer more then simply the comforts of an exotic hotel. I wanted to see the best of Kerala’s culture and art in a contemporary yet timeless setting. My search ended at Malabar Escapes. If you are looking for luxury Kerala holidays I can promise that there isn’t a better place than the experiences that Malabar Escapes offer.

Privacy with IndianExplorations.com

In 1997 they opened their first property the Malabar House, a 20th century bungalow at Fort Cochin. Word of mouth quickly spread the message and with the success they added Privacy then Serenity, Trinity and finally Discovery, our houseboat. The properties are at a distance that makes it a perfect circuit for a luxury Kerala holiday with minimum road travel.  Not very far from Malabar House is Trinity, a three suite contemporary design inset in an old building. Giving the feel of a contemporary apartment, it’s ideal for those who want more privacy than they’d get staying at a hotel. It is ideally located for walking through Fort Cochin. Once you enjoyed the sightseeing, antique and curio shopping at Jew Town travel to Privacy at sanctuary bay, a secluded and personal setting right on the shore of Lake Vembanad which is a perfect gateway to the pristine backwaters. There is no place more stylish to cleanse yourself than this peaceful retreat. Privacy has two bungalows each having their private sit outs and verandahs overlooking Lake Vembanad. The pool is half way between the two bungalows. For guests hungry for a bit more activity they keep mountain bikes to explore the surroundings or sail along the shores of the lake using their dinghy’s. If that’s not enough, take a cruise on the luxury houseboat discovery which is a traditional hull of a wooden rice barge with contemporary tropical architecture. Malabar Escapes believes in customizing your experience and therefore one can spend as many nights as they want on this boat to explore the backwaters, a self supporting ecosystem of lakes, canals and estuaries that connect many villages.

Malabar House with IndianExplorations.com

The land of coconuts is also famous for its rubber estates and spice plantations. A perfect inclusion in your luxury Kerala holidays would be a visit to Serenity which is on a hill top en route Periyar. Serenity at Kanam estate is an intensely private villa hotel surrounded by rubber estates and tropical spice gardens.  This 1920’s estate bungalow has fully retained its heritage ambience and blends into an unspoiled rural setting. Each room has period furniture with verandahs and sit outs. During your stay enjoy a visit to the spice plantations, spend a day with the elephant or pamper yourself with an ayurvedic massage.

Kerala houseboats with IndianExplorations.com

The most recent addition is Purity a superbly crafted villa overlooking the Vembanad Lake. All rooms have a terrace overlooking the Vembanad Lake. Just 50 kms from Fort Cochin, it’s being promoted as a spa destination and will offer 3 to 14 day retreats.  Previously known as Casa Del Fauno, it was recently acquired by Malabar Escapes and after being refurbished the superbly crafted purity will offer unique experiences to its guests. It will also be the departure point for acclaimed houseboat, Discovery.

Luxury Holidays to Kerala with IndianExplorations.com

For someone planning luxury Kerala holidays, each of these properties have an idyllic setting and comforts beyond the Teflon hospitality. Malabar Escapes promises to enrich your life by offering experiences for all senses.

Luxury,  as easy as it sounds is in fact extremely difficult when you actually try to define it.  During my visit to Rajasthan in July 2009, I came across the Aman Resorts, a chain of luxury resorts scattered not far away from each other in the colourful state of Rajasthan.  Since 1988 when the flagship Amanpuri opened in Phuket, Aman has established three resorts in India redefining luxury holidays to India.

Aman Bagh with IndianExplorations.com

It’s difficult to express the guests experience at Aman as it ticks all the boxes. It offers an intimate and discreet experience while providing the highest level of service. Each resort and setting is unique, but certain elements characterise all of them — a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy.  From the garden estate Amanbagh set in the foothills of the Aravallis built in a haveli style to the wilderness camp Aman I Khas that sits on a gentle slope on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park against a backdrop of hills each leaves an impression, an indelible mark. Their newest addition is Aman Delhi just minutes from the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the peaceful Lodhi gardens. It completes the triangle for someone in search of luxury holidays to India. The design of the resort is contemporary, complemented with Indian touches such as hand-made rugs and jaali screens. Spacious suites afford guests the opportunity to relax in enveloping comfort.

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Aman excursions are a class apart. I was particularly impressed by their walks that can be combined with culture trails.  At Aman Bagh the resort can arrange day trips to the Pink city of Jaipur and walks to the surrounding countryside.  The experience at Aman I Khas is focused on wildlife viewing. Having said that they also arrange visits to the Old City and Khandar Fort which is one of Rajasthan dramatic ruins. Not very far from the resort is the Banas River, an ideal spot for a picnic style lunch. The pools are fringed by water grass and decorated with lilies, creating an excellent feeding ground for wading birds and other water fowl. Guests can enjoy a half-day excursion to this birder’s paradise, strolling the banks of the river with a naturalist. At Aman Delhi they arrange off the beaten track tours to the Moghul city of Shahajanabad or to several private galleries that regularly host art exhibitions of paintings, pottery, sculptures, photographic art and prints by many up-and-coming artists.

Luxury Holidays to India with IndianExplorations.com

The Spa at Aman Resorts is a class apart. It provides a refined and peaceful environment in which to relax. Using organic Aman products created from pure and proactive ingredients, traditional treatments as well as henna art, local specialities are on offer.

Kerala luxury safari holidays with IndianExplorations.com

Dense rain forest clothed these slopes once housing an incredible diversity of life. And even today – despite the surge of humanity up these mountains – they are counted amongst the worlds 24 biodiversity hotspots. Elephants roam these forests and I’ve seen tracks of tiger at over 600 feet high in the Munnar hills. Endemic species like Nilgiri Tahr (wild goat) and lion-tailed macaques make their home here. Coffee and cardamom with their dense cover are favourite haunts. At the edge of Periyar Tiger Reserve, in the buffer zone forests many of which now have an understorey of cardamom, it is possible to walk and camp in the wilderness. A single fruiting fig can hold one mesmerized as it attracts insects and birds to fruits and more birds hunting the insects and more birds hunting birds.

Tigers safaris with IndianExplorations.com

As evening falls the canopy comes alive with palm civets, eyes gleaming emerald in the torchlight and the distant trumpeting of elephants is suddenly drowned by the explosive alarm calls of sambar deer that sets the hair on the nape of your neck erect. In the morning you emerge from the tents and head out for another adventure packed day along trails that plunge across streams and then climb out to high clearings with the most exhilarating views you can imagine. And one of the joys of Kerala is that a luxury pad is never far from reach. I’ve always felt a little bit guilty ‘adventuring’ from such a luxury base – but the feeling passes quickly.

Luxury Kerala with IndianExplorations.com