Jan 082011
An 18th-century Dutch colonial residence which has been converted into a small luxury boutique style hotel, the Malabar House has retained its calm spaciousness. Based in the historical centre of Fort Cochin, it faces the St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Painted in heartening yellows and whites and furnished with antiques and artwork, the Malabar House is a haven of tranquillity amidst a bustling harbour city. Outside, you can almost smell the centuries of imperial trade: Portuguese forts, Dutch and British churches, Chinese fishing nets and Jewish shops selling local spices and fabrics.
The Malabar House concept has now been extended into a number of other properties featuring the same stylish character. The Malabar Escapes portfolio comprises of Malabar House and Trinity in Cochin, Privacy and Purity on Lake Vembanad in the backwaters, Serenity in the foothills of the Western Ghats and their Discovery houseboat.Location
Great central location in the heart of historic Fort Cochin, facing the Parade Ground which always has something interesting going on, be it a cricket or football game or just the locals ‘hanging out’. All the major attractions of Fort Cochin are within easy walking distance and the St. Francis church is just opposite. The famous Chinese Fishing nets are a three minute walk away.
45 kms (1 hour drive) from the Cochin airport.
Facilities
Small courtyard swimming pool
Ayurvedic Spa
Bicycles available free of charge and walking trails of Cochin
Outdoor cultural entertainment is often staged in the evenings in the courtyard
Money changing service
Accommodation
17 individually furnished rooms which include Deluxe, roof garden suite and the Malabar suite. All rooms are stylishly presented and include antique furnishings and selected objects of Indian art and design. It is this fusion of colour, traditional and contemporary design that makes Malabar Escapes properties so unique and so stylish. We absolutely love it – India with a twist!
All rooms have the following amenities:
Air conditioning
Cable TV
Telephone
Mini Bar
Coffee Maker
Wi-Fi Internet
Safe Deposit Box
Dining
Malabar Junction: a multi cuisine restaurant offering international and Indian cuisine along with seafood speciality. This is renowned to be one of the best restaurants in South India and I wouldn’t disagree. The menu is varied and lives up to expectations. We recommend the Lunchtime Thali, particularly the Vegetarian Thali which is popular in this area of India. Breakfasts offer a combination of fresh fruits, eggs, bacon, pastries and local specialities which we do recommend you try – especially the breakfast Dosa.
‘Divine’: the wine lounge. Funky, modern bar serving a range of wines and tapas but somehow managing to retain that unique Malabar Escapes Indian style. Fab. Try the degustation wine and tapas.
