Kerala | India
Vismaya
One of my favorite places to stay, ever. Vismaya is so special in every way that it’s hard to describe. The original house is almost 400 years old and sits right by the lake, surrounded only by water, greenery, and silence. The garden is filled with flowers, which Vinod, the manager, uses to create beautiful floral arrangements. They prepare delicious food, served in beautifully set tables. We also had an incredible Ayurveda massage.
Vembanad Lake | House | from 280€/night
Pictures of my stay in January 2025
The Mudhouse MARAYOOR
Located in the mountains of the remote village of Marayoor, an hour from Munnar. It consists of traditionally built mud houses surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. We loved their Sadhya lunches, served on a banana leaf, and the sunset picnic on the hill overlooking the spectacular landscape. The staff is mostly women from nearby communities, many of them divorced, single, or widowed.
Munnar | Hotel | from 120€/night
Pictures of my stay in January 2025
Philipkutty’s Farm
A family homestay run by three generations of women. It’s located on an island in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake, and the arrival by vallam (a traditional local boat) is epic. Our favorite part was the huge, almost unreal garden behind the house.
Kumarakom | Guesthouse | from 290€/night full board
Pictures of my stay in January 2025
Chittoor Kottaram
A house that used to be the private residency of the ruling family of Kochi. Without ostentation, the space is filled with beautifully restored pieces, each holding deep traditional value, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and timeless. Staying here is a unique experience, where every detail tells a story of the royalty who once lived there.
near Kochi | Villa | 6 people | from 450€/night
Vasco Home Stay
On our family trips, we like to combine well-designed, comfortable accommodations with traditional and simple homestays. In Kochi, we stayed in the house where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama once lived, now a guesthouse that has belonged to the same family for 60 years. George, the owner, is making a great effort to keep it alive.
Fort Kochi | Guesthouse | from 30€/night
Pictures of my stay in January 2025
Villa Mia
This is the personal house of Vinod, the manager at Vismaya. He is such a wonderful, kind, and sensitive person that I’m sure his house will be as unique as he is. The place is run by his wife.
Marari | Guesthouse | from 45€/night
Old Harbour Hotel
300 year-old heritage building. It was the first hotel in Kochi. I went for lunch and loved it.
Fort Kochi | Hotel | from 170€/night
