Kerala, known as "God’s Own Country," offers a stunning blend of backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries, all steeped in rich culture. For those seeking luxury, Kerala’s top hotels and resorts combine world-class amenities with the state’s natural beauty and heritage.
This guide curates the best luxury stays across Kovalam, Kumarakom, Kochi, Wayanad, Munnar, and Thekkady, complete with activities and dining highlights for an unforgettable escape.
1. Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Kovalam
Location: Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Why Stay Here?
Taj Green Cove is a Balinese-inspired sanctuary along Kovalam’s golden coast, sprawled across 10 acres of lush gardens. With 59 rooms and suites—many featuring private pools or sea-facing balconies—it blends elegance with tranquility. The infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea and impeccable service are guest favorites, often praised for creating a serene vibe perfect for relaxation.
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Things to Do:
Ayurvedic Spa: Experience a personalized Abhyanga massage at the J Wellness Circle to balance your dosha.
Sunset Fishing Trip: Join a local fisherman for a sea excursion, arranged by the hotel, to catch fresh fish.
Kovalam Lighthouse: Walk 1 km to climb this historic lighthouse for sweeping coastal views (entry: ₹25).
Beach Yoga: Join complimentary sunrise yoga sessions by the sea for a calming start.
What to Eat:
Bait Restaurant: Relish grilled prawns or karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish in banana leaf) with ocean views.
Jasmine Bay: Savor poolside Malabar chicken curry or Asian-inspired dishes.
Local Gem: Visit German Bakery (1 km away) for coconut pancakes and fresh juices.
Try nannari sharbat (herbal cooler) from beach vendors for a refreshing sip.
Price Range: ₹10,000–₹30,000 per night (approx.).
2. Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom
Location: Backwaters, Kumarakom
Why Stay Here?
On the shores of Vembanad Lake, this resort showcases Kerala’s traditional architecture with teak villas, open-air bathrooms, and private pools. Its meandering canals and eco-conscious design have drawn praise from guests, including Prince Charles. The Ayurveda spa and serene lake views make it a top pick for those seeking peace and luxury.
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Things to Do:
Houseboat Cruise: Glide through backwaters on a private kettuvallam (houseboat) to spot kingfishers and lotus blooms.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Visit this 3-km-away haven to see migratory birds like Siberian storks (October–March, entry: ₹50).
Village Tour: Explore coir-making and toddy-tapping in nearby villages, organized by the resort.
Infinity Pool: Relax in the lake-facing pool, a highlight for guests.
What to Eat:
Ettukettu Restaurant: Enjoy a Kerala sadya (feast) on a banana leaf with dishes like avial and payasam.
Vembanad Seafood Bar: Try chemmeen manga curry (prawns in mango sauce) with appam.
Local Spot: Head to Tharavadu Restaurant (5 km) for toddy-infused crab roast.
Join the resort’s cooking class to master Kerala’s spice blends.
Price Range: ₹15,000–₹40,000 per night (approx.).
3. The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel
Location: Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Why Stay Here?
Perched on a cliff above Kovalam Beach, The Leela is a 5-star legend with 182 rooms blending modern luxury and Kerala’s charm. Its iconic infinity pool offers breathtaking sea views, and the spa’s Ayurveda therapies are a draw. Guests love the sky bar and private beach access, ideal for romantic retreats.
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Things to Do:
Ayurveda Package: Book a Shirodhara (oil-dripping) session for ultimate relaxation.
Surfing: Take a beginner’s lesson at Kovalam Beach, known for gentle waves (₹1,000/hour).
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium: Drive 10 minutes to see clownfish and sharks
(entry: ₹30).
Sunset Meditation: Join guided sessions at dusk, a guest favorite for mindfulness.
What to Eat:
The Tides Restaurant: Feast on lobster in black pepper sauce or *meen moilee* (fish in coconut curry).
The Terrace: Enjoy a 24-hour buffet with Kerala and global dishes.
Local Pick: Try Fusion Restaurant (2 km) for parotta with beef fry, a coastal staple.
Sip sulaimani (spiced black tea) at nearby stalls for a local touch.
Price Range: ₹12,000–₹35,000 per night (approx.).
4. Brunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi
Location: Vembanad Lake, Kochi
Why Stay Here?
This restored 19th-century shipyard in Fort Kochi is a boutique gem with 26 rooms reflecting British, Dutch, and Portuguese influences. Its colonial decor, waterfront views, and intimate vibe appeal to history buffs. Guests highlight the sunset cruises and Armoury restaurant’s ambiance as standout features.
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Things to Do:
Sunset Cruise: Enjoy the hotel’s complimentary 1-hour lake cruise past glowing Chinese fishing nets.
Heritage Walk: Stroll 500 meters to Santa Cruz Basilica or Jewish synagogues, guided by the hotel.
Kerala Folklore Museum: Drive 15 minutes to see 4,000+ artifacts (entry: ₹200).
Cooking Class: Learn to make *puttu* and *kadala curry* with the chef.
What to Eat:
Armoury Restaurant: Try *dosa* stuffed with spiced crab or Malabar prawn curry.
History Restaurant: Savor Anglo-Indian railway mutton curry, a colonial throwback.
Local Favorite: Visit Kashi Art Cafe (1 km) for organic salads and mango lassi.
Snack on parippu vada (lentil fritters) from Fort Kochi’s street vendors.
Price Range: ₹10,000–₹25,000 per night (approx.).
5. Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa, Wayanad
Location: Kalpetta, Wayanad
Why Stay Here?
Nestled in the Western Ghats amidst coffee plantations, this 5-star resort offers 62 rooms and cottages with valley views. Its infinity pool, modern design, and warm service create a perfect blend of nature and luxury. Guests rave about the serene setting and personalized touches.
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Things to Do:
Chembra Peak Trek: Drive 10 km to hike to Kerala’s highest peak and its heart-shaped lake (permit: ₹500).
Edakkal Caves: Explore 7,000-year-old carvings, 20 km away (entry: ₹30).
Pookode Lake: Boat on this scenic lake, 15 km from the resort (₹100/person).
Spa Session: Book a spice-infused scrub at Jiva Spa to unwind.
What to Eat:
The Coffee Shop: Enjoy Wayanadan chicken roast with porotta or wood-fired pizza.
Poolside BBQ: Savor grilled paneer tikka or fish under the stars.
Local Gem: Visit 1980s A Nostalgic Restaurant (5 km) for bamboo biryani.
Try sulaimani tea at local stalls for a spiced pick-me-up.
Price Range: ₹14,000–₹35,000 per night (approx.).
6. Blanket Hotel & Spa, Munnar
Location: Pallivasal, Munnar
Why Stay Here?
Blanket Hotel & Spa is a 5-star eco-friendly retreat near Attukad Waterfalls, surrounded by tea plantations. Its elegantly furnished rooms, infinity pool, and spa make it a top choice for honeymooners and families. Guests praise the misty valley views and luxurious cottages, calling it a “nature-lover’s paradise.”
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Things to Do:
Tea Plantation Tour: Walk through nearby estates to learn about tea-making (arranged by the hotel, ₹500/person).
Mattupetty Dam: Drive 13 km for boating and scenic views (boating: ₹300/person).
Kannan Devan Tea Museum: Explore Munnar’s tea history, 7 km away (entry: ₹125).
Jeep Safari: Book an off-road adventure to spot wildlife like Nilgiri tahr (₹2,000/jeep).
What to Eat:
In-House Restaurant: Savor Kerala fish curry with red rice or continental dishes like pasta.
Spa Café: Enjoy herbal teas and light bites post-treatment.
Local Hotspot: Visit Rapsy Restaurant (5 km) for appam with chicken stew, a Munnar favorite.
Try chai with pazham pori (banana fritters) at roadside stalls for a quick snack.
Price Range: ₹10,000–₹25,000 per night (approx.).
7. The Grand Cliff Resort, Munnar
Location: Chinnakanal, Munnar
Why Stay Here?
This 5-star deluxe resort is set amidst tea gardens and forests, offering premium suites and private pool villas with waterfall views. Its Ayurvedic spa, infinity pool, and activities like yoga and trekking make it ideal for a royal escape. Guests love the “breathtaking landscapes” and attentive staff.
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Things to Do:
Anayirankal Dam: Drive 10 km for boating and elephant sightings (boating: ₹200/person).
Village Walk: Explore local life and spice gardens, guided by the resort.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Take a 20-km jeep ride to the world’s highest tea plantation (₹2,500/jeep).
Ayurveda Session: Book a rejuvenating panchakarma treatment at the spa.
What to Eat:
Multi-Cuisine Restaurant: Try nadu chicken curry with parotta or grilled seafood.
Bonfire Dining: Enjoy a custom barbecue with valley views, a guest highlight.
Local Pick: Head to Saravana Bhavan (8 km) for masala dosa and filter coffee.
Sample vattayappam (steamed rice cake) from local bakeries for a sweet treat.
Price Range: ₹12,000–₹30,000 per night (approx.).
8. Spice Village, Thekkady
Location: Periyar Hills, Thekkady
Why Stay Here?
Perched atop Periyar Hills, Hills & Hues is a boutique luxury resort with panoramic views of Periyar Lake and lush forests. Its stylish rooms, infinity pool, and wellness center offer a tranquil retreat. Guests call it a “hidden gem” for its blend of nature and modern comforts.
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Things to Do:
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Book a boat safari 5 km away to spot elephants and tigers (₹300/person, October–March best).
Bamboo Rafting: Try a full-day rafting trek in the sanctuary, arranged by the hotel (₹2,000/person).
Spice Plantation Tour: Visit cardamom and pepper farms nearby (₹400/person).
Kathakali Show: Watch a traditional performance at the resort’s cultural center.
What to Eat:
The Deck Restaurant: Relish pork vindaloo or meen pollichathu with lake views.
Coffee Shop: Sip Thekkady’s famous cardamom tea with snacks.
Local Favorite: Try Spice Village Restaurant (3 km) for kappa (tapioca) with fish curry.
Grab chakka vada (jackfruit fritters) from Kumily’s street vendors for a snack.
Price Range: ₹10,000–₹25,000 per night (approx.).
9. Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady
Location: Kumily, Thekkady
Why Stay Here?
Greenwoods is a 5-star resort enveloped by greenery, offering elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, and proximity to Periyar’s wildlife. Its blend of luxury and rustic charm, plus activities like nature walks, makes it a guest favorite. Reviews highlight the “warm hospitality” and serene setting.
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Things to Do:
Periyar Jungle Trek: Join a guided night trek in the sanctuary to spot deer and boars (₹1,500/person).
Gavi Day Trip: Drive 40 km to this eco-tourism spot for birdwatching and kayaking (₹3,000/person).
Martial Arts Show: Watch a Kalaripayattu performance at Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, 2 km away (entry: ₹250).
Spa Retreat: Book a Kerala-style massage with local herbs.
What to Eat:
Tree Top Restaurant: Enjoy chicken chettinad or vegetarian thali with forest views.
Poolside Café: Try fresh juices and sandwiches for a light meal.
Local Gem: Visit Annapoorna Restaurant (2 km) for puttu with beef curry.
Sample elaneer (tender coconut water) from roadside stalls for hydration.
Price Range: ₹9,000–₹22,000 per night (approx.).
Pro Tips for Your Stay:
Best Time to Visit: October–March for pleasant weather; July–September for monsoon Ayurveda retreats.
Getting Around: Hire a hotel-arranged driver for safety, especially in Munnar’s hills or Thekkady’s winding roads (₹2,000–₹3,000/day).
Packing: Pack light cotton clothes, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent for coastal and forest areas; add layers for Munnar and Wayanad’s cooler climates.
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