12th March 2016
So, you want to go to Kerala? Great, I just came back from the blogger trip #KeralaBlogExpress during which time I stayed at and inspected more than 15 hotels and resorts. When it comes to accommodation, Kerala is perfect especially for honeymooners, active travellers, eco-tourists as well as for nature and food lovers. But even individual travellers will find the right place to stay here. Here is a list of my top six hotels and resorts. The order in which they appear does not indicate how I rated them..
Day of arrival: First hotel and my first night in Kerala. One of the most euphoric days we had. Watching the amazing sunset at the bar terrace with a cocktail. Looking at the sea while swimming in the panoramic pool. Enjoying an extraordinary dinner buffet. And finally the highlight on opening the balcony door – what a view! This was the most relaxed day of the whole trip! All information about The Leela in Kovalum can be found on their website.
Amazing view from my balcony at The Leela in Kovalam
My first impression of Greenwoods: What a hospitable and friendly atmosphere here. Greenwoods is a sustainable tourism resort which also offers eco-tourism based activities. It is located within a short distance of Periyar Tiger Reserve, which means it is the ideal place to stay if you want to visit the national park and explore its wide range of wildlife. You can find all information on Greenwoods in Thekkady here.
Best thing in the heat: The refreshing pool at Greenwoods in Thekkady
You probably can’t live closer to the waterside. Abad Lake Resort Whispering Palms is situated right next to the big Vebanadu Lake of Kerala’s Backwaters. We arrived late in the evening but just in time to enjoy their tasty dinner. The beautiful cottages are located next to the water – perfect to watch the sunrise which I did the very next morning. A nice pool with a great view invites you to take a refreshing swim in the morning. You will forget about everything once you are here. Check the Abad Lake Resort Whispering Palms in Kumarakom here.
Dream view from the entrance hall at Abad Lake Resort in Kumarakom
The Zuri is probably the accommodation I enjoyed the most. As this resort is so huge we needed a golf buggy to take us to our room which was located by the beautiful lake in the middle of the resort. A pool with a great view of the backwaters as well as a substantial morning, lunch and dinner buffet plus a cosy cocktail party in the evening made our stay here just perfect. Here are more impressions of The Zuri in Kumarakom.
Relaxing atmosphere at The Zuri in Kumarakom
What a dream eco-tourism resort! At Vythiri Resort you can sleep in a tree house in the middle of the rain forest, watch monkeys playing, enjoy organic and local food or stay in one of the comfortable suites or even their honeymoon suite. Early birds have the chance to listen to the rare Malabar Whistling Thrush. If you hear this bird sing you will know why I mention it here. For further info check the beautiful website for Resposnisble Tourism Resort – Vythiri in Waynad.
Super amazing 2-level honeymoon suite at Vythiri Resort in Wayanad
Kochi probably is the best place to start or end your stay in Kerala. The Holiday Inn offers pure luxury and the comfortable rooms and bathrooms with panoramic views are perfect for relaxing after your arrival or before departure. The buffet has a huge and diverse range of Indian, Keralian and Western food that will blow your gourmet mind. Here is more info about this dream hotel in Kochi.
