This delightful boutique hotel, moored on a historic stretch of Kochi Harbour near to the famous Chinese fishing nets, has been refurbished from the remains of a Victorian shipbuilder’s yard. It’s an elegant, colonial building with an old-world feel and its eclectic interiors blend English, Dutch and Portuguese influences. You’ll find high arched ceilings and terracotta floors, antique furniture and chandeliers plus all manner of photographs and trinkets that tell the story of Brunton Boatyard’s colonial heritage. All of the comfortable rooms and suites have decadent four poster beds and all the rooms face the sea, as do the ensuite bathrooms so you can watch cavorting dolphins from the comfort of your soaking tub.
Outside there’s a gorgeous outdoor pool, or you can hire bicycles and, armed with a map, the city’s markets and old quarters are yours to discover. Sunset cruises around Kochi Harbour can be arranged, as well as cookery demonstrations where you can learn the secrets of one of chef’s famous dishes. The hotel’s History Restaurant features a fusion menu of appetising dishes using only the freshest ingredients that are designed to reflect the 30 different communities that live in Kochi. The signature First-Class Railway Mutton Curry is a particular Anglo-Indian highlight, as well as the Fish Moilee, Portuguese Roast Pork and Dutch pudding. There’s a bar and a billiards room to while away an evening over a glass or two, and ancient Baul music takes centre stage in the courtyard as enthusiastic performers sing of God, love and longing with joy and emotion.
