“Sleep is the best meditation.” Dalai Lama
The Vivanta by Taj Hotel – Malabar is a colonial style gated hotel, a vast resort on Willingdon Island, a historical location that’s seen many travellers pass by its door over the years from traders to the discerning traveller.
The gardens were a stunning mix of lush greenery and colourful tropical blooms that gave an additional feeling of tranquility. This really is the perfect place for the weary traveller to rest their head and indulge in some luxury. Relaxing body scrubs and Indian massages were offered at the Jiva Spa and there was also a beauty salon, gym and business centre but we didn’t try any of these as we only stayed one night. Good wifi connections were available in our room and all the public areas.
We took the complimentary sunset cruise on a traditional wooden Indian boat across Vembanad Lake. The cruise passed by the modern port, past the brightly coloured Indian fishing boats moored up for the night and the famous cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that line the shore. While it was a pleasant outward journey, the return leg was spoilt by loud music played through crackling speakers and bright flashing disco lights, both completely unnecessary and quite frankly annoying. Upon our return it was happy hour so we enjoyed pre-dinner drinks at Mattancherry, the stylish lobby lounge bar.
Winner of multiple international awards, the Vivanta by Taj – Malabar accommodates the needs of all types of traveller whether it’s couples, families, business travellers or honeymooners, they can cater for all individual requirements across their various different rooms and packages. If you are looking for a place to start your trip in style or somewhere to finish to unwind and relax in luxurious surroundings, then this hotel is the place for you.
The Nitty Gritty
Vivanta by Taj Hotel- Malabar
Wellington Island, Kochi (Cochin) 682009, India
Telephone: +91 484 664 3000
Website: www.vivantabytaj.com/malabar-cochin
Check-in 3:00pm
Check-out 12:00pm (Late Check out Available upon request)
The Good……
Old school colonial charm
Immaculate resort and gardens
Complimentary High Tea and Sunset Cruise
Attentive and hospitable staff
The Not so Good……
Unnecessary disco on sunset cruise ruined the experience
International Dining Options were disappointing (Italian)
Food was expensive compared to the rest of Kerala but as expected in a 5* hotel
Alcohol prices were very high except at Happy Hour
Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2015. All rights reserved.
Read my three previous Kerala posts In Pictures: A Postcard From Kerala, India, Discover Kerala: Faces of India and Discover Kerala: Cochin