Old Harbour Hotel, Fort Cochin, Kerala, India - Explore & Book
"In a country as hectic as India, laidback Cochin, wedged between swathes of jungle on the most south-westerly edge of India, is a rare oasis of tranquility. Once a thriving trading post, the sleepy old town of Fort Cochin is a colonial gem, its white-washed porticoed buildings reflecting eras of both Dutch and Portuguese rule.Having previously been the premises of an English tea-broking firm, Old Harbour Hotel is in a prime location within a few steps of the town's famous Chinese fishing nets, and a hop away from the Ernakulum ferry and the spice market. Owner and art-lover Edgar Pinto enlisted the help of Swiss/German architect Karl Damschen to deliver the heritage hotel concept with a fresh modern stroke, where spacious rooms and suites look out over the pretty internal courtyard or the tropical garden's lily pond. Highs Chic, serene and very well-maintained, with beautifully restored Dutch architecture, cream walls, lots of open space and interesting artIn the evening, the restaurant terrace is filled with the soothing sounds of traditional sitar players and the gentle croaks of frogs from the lily pondUpbeat and friendly staff; the approach is wonderfully informal, a simple teak desk serves as the main receptionAn immaculate raised infinity pool, with sun loungers dotted around the fragrant grounds - a safe haven for families Lows Pesky crows are always ready to swoop for morsels from your table so avoid sitting beneath the branches of the towering mango treeSome may find the beds a little hardFrom the airport, it’s about a 90-minute madly frenzied drive to the hotel (though once you arrive a very different world awaits)" - Hannah Roberts
