The Malabar House is a fascinating and sophisticated hotel, situated on a peaceful green in Fort Cochin.

An inspired mixture of local furniture and antiques, combined with contemporary designs and stunning, vibrant colour schemes. These are housed within a pretty, old, colonial mansion which is one of the finest boutique hotels in Cochin. Each room is different in shape and size and they are scattered around the premises. Some suites have their own balcony, other rooms have shared verandahs and some have four poster beds. None is alike but all are stylish, colourful and comfortable. The cuisine at the famous Malabar Junction combines South Indian and Mediterranean ingredients, and it boasts some exquisite seafood recipes. The immensely chic and contemporary new wine bar, Divine, offers an extensive wine list which showcases some excellent emerging Indian wines, together with delicious Eastern and Western tapas.

It’s fun, hip and THE place to be in Cochin. The pretty, central courtyard has an open air dining area and a small swimming pool, overhung with sweet smelling frangipani. It is ideally situated for wandering out to see the Chinese fishing nets or for taking gentle strolls around the island. The whole place is incredibly easy on the eye and is as romantic on ‘candlelit’ evenings as it is during the bright, sunny daytime. One of the most innovative hotels in Kerala, whose charming staff are friendly and personal, yet discreet.

Malabar House was one of the first two hotels in India to be asked to join Relais & Chateaux and rightly so – the cuisine and atmosphere here are second to none and it proudly lives up to its membership.