One of Kerala's only 'boutique' hotels, the Malabar House is a fascinating and sophisticated hotel, situated on a peaceful green on Fort Cochin. An inspired mixture of local furniture and antiques, combined with contemporary designs and stunning, vibrant colour schemes, is all housed within a pretty, old Dutch colonial mansion which has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The cuisine and choice of wines is second to none, whilst the staff are friendly yet discreet. It is ideally situated for wandering out to see the Chinese fishing nets or for taking gentle strolls around the island which abounds with churches and interesting architecture. One of the most innovative hotels in Kerala.

Situated a two minute walk from The Malabar House and overlooking the parade ground, Trinity is a delightful 3-bedroom hotel / villa which boasts entirely modern interior design and showcases some stunning antique furniture and objets d'art. It occupies part of an old building and is a unique, tasteful and stylish blend of the old and the new – clean lines, open spaces, cantilevered mezzanines, airy bathrooms and almost minimalist décor, are combined with traditional wooden furniture and local Malayali design concepts. There is a large sitting / dining room and, ‘hanging' down from the ceiling, is a mezzanine floor replete with deep cushions and daybeds. There are 3 excellent bedrooms and bathrooms, along with an intimate outside sitting area on the first floor and a small, shady swimming pool downstairs. The perfect chic retreat in a quiet corner of Cochin.

The sister property of Malabar House, Privacy is the ultimate 'backwater' retreat. Lying on the shores of Lake Vembanad, just 1 ½ hours south of Cochin, this heavenly little place comprises 2 cottages. One cottage (the suite) sits on the very edge of the lake and comprises a bedroom with en suite bathroom and sitting room and is a modern construction. The other cottage is a beautiful old, re-constructed traditional Malayali house. It is made almost entirely of wood and comprises 2 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. It is warm and cosy and set back a little from the lakeside. Both boast long verandahs, a lush green garden and the ultimate in lake and sunset views, together with wonderful artefacts scattered all around the interiors. Fully staffed, it is the ideal place to come on your own or with friends and is a place where you really can get away from the masses and completely switch off for a few days or weeks. The perfect place to read, write, take gentle boat rides on the lake and in the maze of inland canals. Or, simply sit on the verandah and watch life on the lake unfolding silently before you. It has been decorated in the same stunning style as Malabar House, with similar colour schemes and colonial-style furniture.

A further sister hotel of the above two properties, Serenity is situated midway between Cochin and Thekkady, making it the ideal stopover on this otherwise rather long journey. This wonderful 1920's estate bungalow has been beautifully restored and is decorated entirely in keeping with its colonial past. The timber and panelling through the property are exquisite and the warm peach and turquoise colours that dominate the interiors blend perfectly with the profusion of colonial furniture. Sitting on a hilltop, the views over the Blue Mountains of the Western Ghats are breathtaking and the surrounding rubber plantation provides a very tropical feel. With just 5 rooms, it is always peaceful and there is little to disturb you except for the sounds of nature.

With the launch of Discovery 1, cruising the backwaters has been transformed and taken to a whole new level of style and comfort. Created by the highly innovative Joerg Drechsel of Malabar House fame, and decorated with his trademark flair and taste, Discovery 1 is silent and pollutant free. It is highly maneuverable and able to get into many of the smaller canals and is not limited simply to lake cruising. Hence Discovery 1 is only available for hire for a minimum of 3 nights in order that one gains a ‘true' backwater experience by getting deep into these myriad canals and waterways and away from the hordes of other ‘ricebarges' cruising in the area. It has an upstairs sundeck / dining area which is partly covered for resting in the shade and partly open for sun bathing and birdwatching. There is one large bedroom, a dressing room, bathroom and sitting room downstairs. The sitting room has L-shaped sofas which can be converted into two extra beds. The staff and the food served on board are as per the Malabar House's usual high standards. One of the largest boats on the backwaters, it is unrivalled in terms of luxury!

Undoubtedly Kerala's finest beach hotel, Surya Samudra is situated on a small cliff overlooking a vast expanse of beach to one side and a small, secluded bay to the other. It comprises various 1, 2 and 4 bedroom cottages scattered throughout a palm grove and interconnected by pathways. They have been brilliantly re-constructed in true Malayali style, each with a verandah and open-air bathroom and are predominantly made of wood. Perhaps the highlight, is the cliffside swimming pool which has literally been dug out of the rock, which forms the base and one side of the pool. The new Niraamaya Ayurvedic Spa is undoubtedly the finest in Kerala. Housed in a newly constructed building well away from the main hotel and swimming pool, it is a haven of peace and tranquility. It is beautiful and traditional in its style, comfort and simplicity. There are 6 treatment rooms and both Ayurvedic treatments and international massages are available. The re-vamped restaurant, with its glorious sea views, offers an abundance of delicious, fresh seafood and other goodies. The perfect end to any holiday.

Nestling in a valley in the low hills of the Southern Ghats and surrounded by tropical jungle, this rustic retreat is ideal for visiting nearby Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is run by a charming couple who have a great talent for design and the interiors of the cottages and rooms are decorated simply but stylishly and in keeping with traditional, local styles. In the evenings sit by a cosy log fire, after a day out walking in the spice plantations or at Periyar. Alternatively, enjoy a therapeutic massage at the Ayurvedic centre or an invigorating swim in the pool. Beautiful antiques, artefacts and woodwork, dominate the premises which is softly lit and has a very spiritual air about it. A perfect entry or departure point for Kerala.

Sitting on Observatory Hill, high in the Palni Hills, Windermere Estate is perched on a hilltop, surrounded by a cardamom estate. The 360 degree views from this delicious little retreat are truly awe-inspiring and you often find yourself looking down on the clouds below you. When the clouds disperse, the Western Ghats open up before you. Windermere, famous for its unique ambience and charm was established in the 19th Century. With rooms in the farmhouse and separate cottages which look over the valley below, Windermere Estate would appeal to people who like to escape from the bustling cities and who have a love for the great outdoors. The owning family live in the old planters bungalow and their friendly staff will take you off on long walks in the hills or private cardamom estate. It is very much a place to experience the hills at their best as the peace and solitude up here is second to none - nature and an unspoilt wilderness envelop you. Delicious, local cuisine will ensure no-one goes out on an empty stomach and thirst-quenching mint tea awaits guests on their return from a vigorous and informative walk.