Small and intimate, Brunton Boatyard in Fort Cochin recalls the colonial elegance of the Dutch and Portuguese architecture of the Malabar Coast. Infused with a rich and colourful history, this charming harbour front hotel is ideally located to explore the delights of Fort Cochin and most of its 26 beautifully appointed rooms and suites look out onto the captivating harbour setting. Decorated throughout in Dutch colonial style, the rooms boast wooden flooring and carved wooden beds, with en suite bathrooms that offer exquisite views out across the water. Two restaurants offer the best in fine dining, with a superb range of dishes available that perfectly reflect the diversity of cultural influences that have left their indelible mark on Kochi. A swimming pool overlooking the harbour and an excellent Ayurvedic centre complete this most tantalising of packages, affording the best in comfort, service and old world charm.

Inspired by traditional jungle construction and blending seamlessly into its forested surroundings, the Spice Village in Thekkady is a tranquil haven located close to the rich wilderness of the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Offering comfortable chalet style accommodation in the heart of a fragrant spice garden that lies deep in the Cardamom Hills, this hotel affords the perfect spot to immerse oneself in a landscape of dappled forest canopies, rubber and tea plantations and the rolling highlands of the Western Ghats. 52 thatched cottages, with verandas overlooking the gardens, create the perfect ambience, and with a range of facilities that include a swimming pool, tennis court and Ayurvedic centre, there is everything to soothe the body and soul. Activities around the village include trips to the nearby wildlife reserve, plantation visits and walks amongst the verdant forest landscapes.

A former coconut plantation, the Coconut Lagoon Resort features traditional wooden bungalows with garden courtyard bathrooms. The hotel features a swimming pool and a restaurant specialising in Keralan food. (www.casinogroup.com)

Beautifully appointed, with 3 en suite, air-conditioned cabins, a relaxing day lounge and dining area and an upper deck for taking in the majestic views, the RV Katherine offers standards of accommodation, service and excellence that far exceed those of other traditional houseboats. Over 27 metres in length and crafted from local materials, this beautiful Kettuvallom is designed for both comfort and safety. The superb blending of traditional ambience, exquisite Keralan cuisine and 21st century comforts, makes this unique vessel the ideal way to enjoy the best of Kerala’s idyllic landscapes.

The Marari Beach Resort is set in 30 acres of beautifully maintained rambling gardens with coconut palms, mango, jack and other exotic tropical fruit trees. The spacious villas are all air-conditioned, and the bathrooms are spacious and modern, built in traditional Keralan style with an open-air courtyard. Each villa also has a small private garden area.