Backwaters and Maldives

The Malabar House is in the heart of historical Fort Cochin, just a 3 minute walk to the Chinese fishing nets.

It is ideally located for sightseeing, shopping and backwater cruises. The history of Malabar House dates back to 1755, becoming a heritage hotel in 1996. Inside the hotel there is a blend of traditional and contemporary design with a cozy and personal feel. There are 17 individual rooms and suites, a swimming pool, bicycles, an Ayurvedic spa and an acclaimed restaurant.

Kumarakom Lake Resort is a fine, luxury resort nestled on the serene banks of the Vembanad, a vast stretch of tranquil, emerald green backwaters.

Sprawling across 25 acres of lush greenery, Kumarakom Lake Resort offers luxury villas and suites reconstructed from 16th century traditional Kelara homesteads. There is also an Ayurveda Spa, a delightful infinity edge swimming pool, meditation centre, health club, multi-cuisine restaurants and a traditional Kerala teashop.

The Leela’s 182 rooms and suites are spread over 44 acres, cradled between two sweeping beaches with panoramic views of the Kovalam coastline.  Guests can dine at an array of excellent restaurants and relax by one of the two infinity pools which overlook the Arabian Sea.  For the energetic, recreational facilities include tennis, badminton, cycling, gym and yoga, while for total relaxation visit Divya, the Ayurvedic Spa.

Located in the unspoilt Meemu Atoll, Medhufushi Island Resort is a 40 minute seaplane journey from Male airport. Medhufushi Island Resort was awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence Award in May 2011.

The 112 thatched villas are simply furnished in traditional Maldivian style, each with a large private outdoor verandah. Choose from a beachfront or overwater location. The two Lagoon Suites offer maximum privacy and stand alone over the lagoon with access by private “dhoni”. Family Villas, consisting of two interconnecting Beach Villas, are also available and will accommodate a family of four.

Medhufushi is set in a lagoon so the best diving is experienced away from the island and the Medhufushi dive centre, operated by Werner Lau, can arrange this. On a plus side this means that guests can walk straight into the lagoon without standing on any coral and also that the resort is able to offer a wide variety of water sports such as kayaking, kite surfing, waterskiing, wake boarding and even surfing. Other facilities include a choice of dining options both over water and on land, an overwater spa, freshwater pool and fully equipped gym.

One of the most popular hotels in the Maldives, Medhufushi offers attractive accommodation and extensive water sports facilities.  Early booking is essential, especially for the Lagoon Suites.