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Accommodation: India
COCONUT LAGOON - VEMBANAD, KUMARKOM
Coconut Lagoon is located in the Kerala district of Kuttanad.
There’s only one way to get to Coconut Lagoon: over the water. From the jetty, your boat courses out over a breeze-laden watery highway. You are greeted with a reviving coconut cocktail, you step off the boat and straight to the reception desk, all ready to check in.
The distinctive architecture of Coconut Lagoon has its own tales to tell. Some of these mansions are over 150 years old, and were transplanted here, beam by beam, timber by timber, from the old houses of the county that had fallen to ruin. The reception of Coconut Lagoon has been washed with sunlight for over 400 years. Notice the elaborate carvings on the roof-fringe, a once-common feature of the tharawads, it's replicated often, but rarely preserved, as it has been here.
There’s only one way to get to Coconut Lagoon: over the water. From the jetty, your boat courses out over a breeze-laden watery highway. You are greeted with a reviving coconut cocktail, you step off the boat and straight to the reception desk, all ready to check in.
The distinctive architecture of Coconut Lagoon has its own tales to tell. Some of these mansions are over 150 years old, and were transplanted here, beam by beam, timber by timber, from the old houses of the county that had fallen to ruin. The reception of Coconut Lagoon has been washed with sunlight for over 400 years. Notice the elaborate carvings on the roof-fringe, a once-common feature of the tharawads, it's replicated often, but rarely preserved, as it has been here.
ACCOMMODATION - Heritage Bungalows, Heritage Mansions and Private Pool Villas
Villas will have different beds, cupboards and chests of drawers that we've sourced, not from a store but slowly, from traditional homes and of course, the famed craftsmen of the region. Furnishings too rely on local materials, offset with linen, rough-woven cotton and other natural fabrics
Dining
Fish and wood-fired wisdom
At our lakeside grill, we have a fresh approach toward cooking seafood. Thanks to a super hot clay oven that cooks a fish of up to two kilos in seven minutes flat. So it retains its essential juices. Add on innovative marinations like the Bird’s eye chilli and pearl onions and you have an experience that stays on the palate.
The Tang of Malabar
Coconut Lagoon's main restaurant buffet is the place to sample some authentic Malabari food, with the accent, of course, on fresh fish from the lake and the sea. Do try that local delicacy, Karimeen (Pearl Spot fish) a dish beloved of its connoisseurs, who will argue for hours over the proper method of cooking it.
A short way from the reception is a little wood-frame structure, the resort shop. Pick up handicrafts, jewellery, local dresses and assorted bric-a-brac. Many of the screwpine, coir and coconut-based products made by the local village women are also on display. Try too, some of the fine incense products and natural soaps available here. Most of these are bought locally, often directly from the craftspersons themselves.
FACILITIES
Swimming Pool
Ayurveda
Yoga
Meditation centre
THINGS TO DO
Explore life on the backwaters
Visit the bird sanctuary and farms
Learn to cook with spices
GETTING THERE
The resort is a 10-minute boat ride from to Kavanatinkara boat landing, which is 10 km from Kottayam, the nearest town. It is a 25 minute boat ride from to Puthenangadi boat landing, a 45 km drive from Kochi.
Villas will have different beds, cupboards and chests of drawers that we've sourced, not from a store but slowly, from traditional homes and of course, the famed craftsmen of the region. Furnishings too rely on local materials, offset with linen, rough-woven cotton and other natural fabrics
Dining
Fish and wood-fired wisdom
At our lakeside grill, we have a fresh approach toward cooking seafood. Thanks to a super hot clay oven that cooks a fish of up to two kilos in seven minutes flat. So it retains its essential juices. Add on innovative marinations like the Bird’s eye chilli and pearl onions and you have an experience that stays on the palate.
The Tang of Malabar
Coconut Lagoon's main restaurant buffet is the place to sample some authentic Malabari food, with the accent, of course, on fresh fish from the lake and the sea. Do try that local delicacy, Karimeen (Pearl Spot fish) a dish beloved of its connoisseurs, who will argue for hours over the proper method of cooking it.
A short way from the reception is a little wood-frame structure, the resort shop. Pick up handicrafts, jewellery, local dresses and assorted bric-a-brac. Many of the screwpine, coir and coconut-based products made by the local village women are also on display. Try too, some of the fine incense products and natural soaps available here. Most of these are bought locally, often directly from the craftspersons themselves.
FACILITIES
Swimming Pool
Ayurveda
Yoga
Meditation centre
THINGS TO DO
Explore life on the backwaters
Visit the bird sanctuary and farms
Learn to cook with spices
GETTING THERE
The resort is a 10-minute boat ride from to Kavanatinkara boat landing, which is 10 km from Kottayam, the nearest town. It is a 25 minute boat ride from to Puthenangadi boat landing, a 45 km drive from Kochi.
MARARI BEACH RESORT - MARARI
Far from the madding crowd, and distant from the world of trendy hotspots and beach raves, Marari’s lietmotifs are space and silence.
A sprawl of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged pathways. A wind-break of palms runs the length of the property, and beyond, is only the sand, the sea and the sky all whispering their special language. The resort is a carefully nurtured biodiversity haven that attracts nearly 80 varieties of birds.
Rooms - Garden Villas, Garden Pool Villas, Deluxe Pool Villas
A sprawl of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged pathways. A wind-break of palms runs the length of the property, and beyond, is only the sand, the sea and the sky all whispering their special language. The resort is a carefully nurtured biodiversity haven that attracts nearly 80 varieties of birds.
Rooms - Garden Villas, Garden Pool Villas, Deluxe Pool Villas
Homespun simplicity and locally sourced natural materials combine to create a warm ambience. There's no TV set in any of our rooms.
Our bathrooms are inspired by the old Kerala villa styles, where the bathing areas usually stood at a little distance from the main house. Often, these were open to the sky, partly for ventilation, but mainly because it was just so much fun bathing that way,
At Marari, you can experience this idea in updated, contemporary form (Which means that all modcons are reassuringly present ). Few things can match the special joy of a hot shower in a secluded courtyard, open to the sky with only the tingle of warming sunlight and the swaying treetops for company.
Dining - The Marari culinary journey is as multi-layered and subtle as one of our curries.The foundation is, of course the fruits of the ocean. Fresh fish and shellfish -crafted into an endless array of possibilities.The next layer is just-picked produce from our own organic farm.
Leisure
The crisp Malabar sunshine just cries out for a long and leisurely browning session. Or for that matter, just while away an afternoon with a book from the library.
Our bathrooms are inspired by the old Kerala villa styles, where the bathing areas usually stood at a little distance from the main house. Often, these were open to the sky, partly for ventilation, but mainly because it was just so much fun bathing that way,
At Marari, you can experience this idea in updated, contemporary form (Which means that all modcons are reassuringly present ). Few things can match the special joy of a hot shower in a secluded courtyard, open to the sky with only the tingle of warming sunlight and the swaying treetops for company.
Dining - The Marari culinary journey is as multi-layered and subtle as one of our curries.The foundation is, of course the fruits of the ocean. Fresh fish and shellfish -crafted into an endless array of possibilities.The next layer is just-picked produce from our own organic farm.
Leisure
The crisp Malabar sunshine just cries out for a long and leisurely browning session. Or for that matter, just while away an afternoon with a book from the library.
Village Colours
A stroll or a bicycle ride through the village around the resort can be a fascinating experience. Meandering sleepy lanes, dotted with little groceries, patchworks of political posters, perma-smiling schoolkids, the colours unroll.
The Temple Trail
A half day guided trip to 5 major temples in this part of Kerala – the Shiva temple at Mararikulam, the Devi temple at Mullackal, Alleppey, the Jain temple at Alleppey, the famous Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha and the serpent god temple at Mannarshala.
Country Boat Ride
A one hour cruise on a country canoe escorted by an experienced guide. Explore the inland small and inland canals.
In House Activities
Kalarippayattu performance
Yoga at the yoga center
Butterfly garden visit
A talk on ‘Ayurveda’ with the doctor at the Ayurveda Center
Music Lessons at the Club House
Environmental tour accompanied by a staff
A visit to the bio gas plant and organic garden
Wellness
The Ayurvedic centre has qualified doctors you can consult, and they'll be happy to introduce you to this ancient form of no-side-effects medicine. What's more, therer's a full range of treatments and traditional Kerala massages on offer. A great way to start your Marari day
GETTING HERE
88 km from Cochin International Airport
A stroll or a bicycle ride through the village around the resort can be a fascinating experience. Meandering sleepy lanes, dotted with little groceries, patchworks of political posters, perma-smiling schoolkids, the colours unroll.
The Temple Trail
A half day guided trip to 5 major temples in this part of Kerala – the Shiva temple at Mararikulam, the Devi temple at Mullackal, Alleppey, the Jain temple at Alleppey, the famous Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha and the serpent god temple at Mannarshala.
Country Boat Ride
A one hour cruise on a country canoe escorted by an experienced guide. Explore the inland small and inland canals.
In House Activities
Kalarippayattu performance
Yoga at the yoga center
Butterfly garden visit
A talk on ‘Ayurveda’ with the doctor at the Ayurveda Center
Music Lessons at the Club House
Environmental tour accompanied by a staff
A visit to the bio gas plant and organic garden
Wellness
The Ayurvedic centre has qualified doctors you can consult, and they'll be happy to introduce you to this ancient form of no-side-effects medicine. What's more, therer's a full range of treatments and traditional Kerala massages on offer. A great way to start your Marari day
GETTING HERE
88 km from Cochin International Airport
THE SPICE VILLAGE - PERIYAR
The timeless wilderness of Periyar Tiger Reserve is just a short distance away .
If you need evidence that comfort is easily obtained without intruding on Nature, you don't need to look further than Spice Village's cottages. No fancy carpets. Just coir mats on bare stone floors. Modern bathrooms and interiors, but with a spartan elegance based on simple, natural materials and local woodcraft.
No artificial air conditioned spaces here. Just cool, naturally lit rooms and airy private porches. So open a window, and your mind as well. And let your senses be enveloped by the sounds and scents wafting in on the forest air.
Rooms - Standard Villas and Deluxe Villas
From a rise, the roofs of Spice Village will seem to spring from the forest itself. In our cottages , you sleep under a thatched roof made of elephant grass, identical to those on the tribal huts of the region.Each year after the rains, the roofs are inspected, and a team of deft tribal artisans recreate or repair the ones that need tending. Old thatch is used for rope making or fodder, an elegant and ecological recycling method we've adopted from the tribals, who've done this for centuries.
Dining - Take heart, you do not have to walk 50 miles to lunch. The name simply refers to our sourcing of all the ingredients in your food. Everything comes from within a 50 mile radius of the resort. Locally sourced food not only benefits the local communities, it also helps us reduce our carbon footprint in transportation.
Of course, a good bit of the food comes from more like 50 yards away. Our vegetables are grown in house at our organic farms. And fish comes in fresh from the river.
A Century-old Setting
Feel like a quick bite and some old-world atmosphere? Then the Tiffin Room is just the place for you. Savour the timelessness of the place while sipping on a freshly brewed cup of tea. Antique rosewood chairs and tables will grip you with tales from a 100 years ago.
Leisure
Journey Through Periyar - Day activities in the Periyar Sanctuary, including Boat Safaris, rafting and Wildlife walks.
Bird watching and fishing enthusiasts will find new experiences to take home. And if you catch something, why, the chef will be happy to fry it up! Finally, Spice Village has a fine ayurvedic facility offering extensive massages and treatments.
Trekking - Night Treks in the Periyar wilderness, with jungle stopover
Ayurveda
Massages, treatments and more at our extensive facility
Bullock Cart Ride - All Indians will tell you (just don’t ask them why) that the real India can only be seen from a rattling top of a village Bullock Cart. Watch the hilly countryside slowly drift by to the slow clip-clop of hooves and the ringing of the cow bell.
Spice Village's master chefs share some of their skills with you at the evening cookery classes. Here you will learn the secrets of traditional Kerala and seafood cooking.
GETTING HERE
190 km from Cochin International Airport, 145 km from Madurai Airport
FALUKNAMA PALACE HERITAGE - HYDERABAD
Falaknuma Palace is also known as the ’mirror of the sky‘ because at 2000 feet, it was built in the clouds and reflects the ever-changing moods of the sky. Set in 32 acres of land and spread over 19400 square meters, the Palace was commissioned by Sir Nawab Vikar-Ul Umra, a Hyderabadi nobleman from the Paigah family. Each was the ruler of their own court, built their own breathtaking palaces and each commanded their own private army.
Bought over in 1895 and used as the residence of Nizam VI until 1911, Falaknuma Palace later went on to be used as a royal guesthouse for dignitaries, including free India's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad who availed of its famed, lavish hospitality in 1951. The echoes of visiting European monarchs, the Duke of Windsor, heads of state and distinguished governors can still be heard in this newly refurbished inner sanctum of Hyderabad. Since 1995, The Taj Group of Hotels has sensitively restored the palace not only to accommodate the privileged in 60 glamorous rooms and suites, but also to accommodate the extravagance of the ’then‘ with all the comfort of the ’now‘.
Rooms - Hold court in any one of our 60 stunning guestrooms and suites, influenced by decades of signature luxury and excess. Her Highness Princess Ezra's personal touches to the restoration of some of these rooms allow you to experience indulgence in its most unapologetic form. This is how the Nizams lived and ruled and, embedded in its richness and its decadence, is a journey worth repeating time and time again.
LUXURY ROOMS
At Taj Falaknuma Palace, Luxury Rooms are glimpses of royalty, shaped by Italian marble flooring, valance curtains, colonial furniture, 310 TC Egyptian cotton linen sheets and Ploh bathrobes. All Luxury Rooms face a Central Courtyard, which is green, lush and brimming with nostalgia.
PALACE ROOMS
The Nizams of the past would wholeheartedly approve of the Palace Rooms in all their opulent glory. These rooms are about richness, beauty, perfection and luxury, all of which have been channelled through the medium of royalty. You can see the commitment to these ideals in the rich fabrics, gleaming oak wood floors, hand-painted walls and its literal reflection in the bathroom's mirrored tiles.
HISTORICAL SUITES
Owing to their location in the Scorpion-shaped palace, Taj Falaknuma Palace's Historical Suites are also called Pincer Suites. Time stands still in delicate Edwardian artwork, antique furniture, grand high ceilings and luscious fabrics personally handpicked by Her Highness Princess Ezra.
Services - T YOUR SERVICE
William Ward Marret didn't just design a Palace, he created a space dedicated to the art of perfecting pleasure. Where billiards rooms, smoking rooms, pools, ballrooms, croquet lawns, private gardens, a dining room to seat 101 guests at the world's largest dining table, a library, turret rooms, stables, terraces with views of the city, a private petrol pump and royal garages filled with a fleet of vintage cars serve to be just some of the known pleasures and comforts of this sumptuous royal abode. With many secrets still hidden within the undulating folds of 32 acres of land, we urge you to make your own discoveries during your stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace.
The Heritage Walk at Taj Falaknuma Palace allows you to get better acquainted with the classic, timeless elegance of the Past, as it takes you through some of the world’s finest handmade tapestries, French brocades, royal portraits, beautifully crafted, inlaid furniture from Kashmir, porcelain of the highest quality, objet d’art from different corners of the globe as well as crockery from the Nizam’s personal collection.
Bought over in 1895 and used as the residence of Nizam VI until 1911, Falaknuma Palace later went on to be used as a royal guesthouse for dignitaries, including free India's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad who availed of its famed, lavish hospitality in 1951. The echoes of visiting European monarchs, the Duke of Windsor, heads of state and distinguished governors can still be heard in this newly refurbished inner sanctum of Hyderabad. Since 1995, The Taj Group of Hotels has sensitively restored the palace not only to accommodate the privileged in 60 glamorous rooms and suites, but also to accommodate the extravagance of the ’then‘ with all the comfort of the ’now‘.
Rooms - Hold court in any one of our 60 stunning guestrooms and suites, influenced by decades of signature luxury and excess. Her Highness Princess Ezra's personal touches to the restoration of some of these rooms allow you to experience indulgence in its most unapologetic form. This is how the Nizams lived and ruled and, embedded in its richness and its decadence, is a journey worth repeating time and time again.
LUXURY ROOMS
At Taj Falaknuma Palace, Luxury Rooms are glimpses of royalty, shaped by Italian marble flooring, valance curtains, colonial furniture, 310 TC Egyptian cotton linen sheets and Ploh bathrobes. All Luxury Rooms face a Central Courtyard, which is green, lush and brimming with nostalgia.
PALACE ROOMS
The Nizams of the past would wholeheartedly approve of the Palace Rooms in all their opulent glory. These rooms are about richness, beauty, perfection and luxury, all of which have been channelled through the medium of royalty. You can see the commitment to these ideals in the rich fabrics, gleaming oak wood floors, hand-painted walls and its literal reflection in the bathroom's mirrored tiles.
HISTORICAL SUITES
Owing to their location in the Scorpion-shaped palace, Taj Falaknuma Palace's Historical Suites are also called Pincer Suites. Time stands still in delicate Edwardian artwork, antique furniture, grand high ceilings and luscious fabrics personally handpicked by Her Highness Princess Ezra.
Services - T YOUR SERVICE
William Ward Marret didn't just design a Palace, he created a space dedicated to the art of perfecting pleasure. Where billiards rooms, smoking rooms, pools, ballrooms, croquet lawns, private gardens, a dining room to seat 101 guests at the world's largest dining table, a library, turret rooms, stables, terraces with views of the city, a private petrol pump and royal garages filled with a fleet of vintage cars serve to be just some of the known pleasures and comforts of this sumptuous royal abode. With many secrets still hidden within the undulating folds of 32 acres of land, we urge you to make your own discoveries during your stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace.
The Heritage Walk at Taj Falaknuma Palace allows you to get better acquainted with the classic, timeless elegance of the Past, as it takes you through some of the world’s finest handmade tapestries, French brocades, royal portraits, beautifully crafted, inlaid furniture from Kashmir, porcelain of the highest quality, objet d’art from different corners of the globe as well as crockery from the Nizam’s personal collection.
Bespoke Tailoring - If all you have is a day or two to feel and look the part of a Hyderabadi nawab, then that is all the time you need. Your valet or concierge can organize custom-made Sherwanis in beautiful fabrics and flattering silhouettes. It can be turned around almost overnight in a city noted for its contribution to Indian fashion, and all at good prices.
Dining - The culinary experience at Taj Falaknuma Palace recreates the passionate relationship between monarchs and their cuisines. Inspired by centuries of indulgence, we will take a leaf out of those experiences that have captivated the Nizams and their distinguished guests. We will recreate and reinterpret tastes and traditions of a bygone era, while keeping contemporary palates in mind.
If you're partial to your poison, then the Palace also has a staggering collection of the rarest whiskies, single malts, luxury vodkas and cognacs, including Louis XIII, supplemented by an unrivalled selection of the finest handmade cigars from all over the world.
JIVA SPA
Get one with mind, body and soul as the Royal Jiva Spa transports you to a time when relaxation was both a finely-honed art and a practised science. With a philosophy rooted in traditional Indian approaches to wellness, the Jiva Spa is all about holistic rejuvenation and centers you like nothing else will. Our rejuvenation experiences are masterminded by well-trained experts armed with exclusive natural products and a gentle approach to all round healing.
If you're partial to your poison, then the Palace also has a staggering collection of the rarest whiskies, single malts, luxury vodkas and cognacs, including Louis XIII, supplemented by an unrivalled selection of the finest handmade cigars from all over the world.
JIVA SPA
Get one with mind, body and soul as the Royal Jiva Spa transports you to a time when relaxation was both a finely-honed art and a practised science. With a philosophy rooted in traditional Indian approaches to wellness, the Jiva Spa is all about holistic rejuvenation and centers you like nothing else will. Our rejuvenation experiences are masterminded by well-trained experts armed with exclusive natural products and a gentle approach to all round healing.
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