The Best Hotels and Luxury Resorts in Kerala

Tropical Kerala, also known as ‘God’s own Country’ is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India and one of the most popular destinations in India for a luxury escape. Among the palm fringed lanquid backwaters, spice plantations and tropical beaches are hidden some of the most serene and exquisite hotels and luxury resorts in Kerala.

I’ve visited Kerala 5 times now and have been lucky to experience many wonderful hotels and luxury resorts. They can actually be amazing value, often a fraction of what you would spend on an average hotel in Europe, meaning that India really is a great place to splash out and treat yourself. Here’s my favourite hotels and luxury resorts in Kerala

Here are my favourite hotels and luxury resorts in Kerala

The Leela, Kovalam Beach

Kovalam is a beach resort just a stones throw away from Kerala’s capital city – Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) Leela operate some of the very best luxury hotels in India and the Leela, Kovalam is no exception. Perched on the cliff top over Kovalam beach this 5 star resort has an amazing infinity pool with spectacular views over the beach and the mesmerizing Kovalam sunsets which makes it undoubted one of the very best luxury resorts in Kerala. Click here to check prices, reviews and to book.

Welcomhotel Raviz Ashtamudi Resort

Tucked away in a serene spot on the backwaters is the Welcomhotel Raviz Ashtamudi Resort. The welcome and hospitality we received here was almost overwhelming as the staff were so eager to impress! The hotel is situated right on the side of a lake, after a boat ride and a canoe race at sunset we were all gifted a beautiful Kerala style sari and were treated to a sumptuous poolside party thrown in our honour!

Actually, I hardly got time to appreciate the super comfy room and gorgeous views from the balcony. This luxury resort in Kerala actually has some amazing rates on Booking.com at the moment – making a room here less than a basic travel lodge in the UK – worth every penny/ ruppee I think!

The Raviz also have another delightful property in Kozhikode (Calicut) I did not get to stay here but we enjoyed a delicious and  extravagant buffet lunch around the pool.

CGH Earth Hotels

I was also lucky enough to stay at several CGH Earth Hotels in Kerala and I absolutely love this hotel group because each hotel has individual charm and character that really enhances the culture and nature of the surroundings, so that even in the comfort of your hotel room you feel close the fascinating culture of Kerala.

The CGH Earth hotels are also super eco friendly and have interesting activities for guests to get involved in. They have several luxury resorts in Kerala, I especially loved Coconut Lagoon nestled on an backwater island near Kumarkom. You have to take a boat through the backwaters to get to the hotel and I loved the traditional Kerala village feel – especially my room in a double story wooden house. Spice Village is arguably the best place to stay in Thekkady, the pool overlooking the harbour and colonial character of Brunton Boatyard means it is a top choice for Fort Cochin or also try 8th Bastion for it’s fabulous, chic, contemporary feel and delicious food.

A Blissfull Backwater Cruise

And of course, a visit to Kerala wouldn’t be complete without cruising along the backwaters and spending a night in a traditional thatched house boat. Just make sure you check your operator before parting with your money as not all houseboats are equal. We went with Lakes and Lagoons and I can highly recommend them – it was probably the highlight of my time in Kerala and the backwaters must be the most peaceful, serene place I’ve found in India yet – an essential Kerala experience that you really shouldn’t miss!  See the full post about my backwater houseboat experience here.

Other Recommended Luxury Resorts in Kerala

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is the place to go if you want that quintessential luxury resort in Kerala alongside the backwaters vibe. Some other members of the group stayed in the Kumarakom Lake Resort and had private swimming pools on their balcony! I also heard great reports of the Zuri Resort. The Oberoi and Vivanta by Taj hotel groups also have fantastic properties that get rave reviews but sadly, I have yet to experience these myself.

Wayanad

For a luxury homestay in Kerala away from the crowds check out Wayanad. Nestled far up in Western Ghats, as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of Kerala will reward you for making it up here ( it’s quite a drive from the main tourist trail). In Wayanad I adored my stay at Pranavam Homestays in the lush plantations with amazing vegetarian food and generous and friendly hosts who really made me feel like home.

The other bloggers were split between other luxury resorts in Wayanad and I had the opportunity to visit  Vythiri Village – it wasn’t totally finished when I visited (March 2015) but I can see it will be an amazing resort with an artificial waterfall, zip line, huge pool, a state of the art conference center, a fun bridge, a restaurant in a houseboat and rooms with private plunge pools in the bathrooms and Vythiri Resort – another stunning, luxurious rainforest retreat.

By the way, my stay in these properties and luxury resorts in Kerala was generously hosted by Kerala Tourism but all views are my own. If you wanted to book one of the hotels I’ve recommended here I have provided links to Booking.com where, at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small commission to go towards helping me stay at that maharajahs palace in Rajasthan! So thanks for your support! 🙂

Have you stayed in a luxury resort in Kerala? Which would you recommend?