PRIVACY AT SANCTUARY BAY
NEAR KOCHI
USP: The charm of Vembanad
The NH 47 from Kochi leads into a rustic road on which you bump along to this intensely private haven of peace. Suddenly, you are cut off from the noise of a working world and, Lake Vembanad takes over.
The gates of the boutique resort open to a small, manicured one-acre property with two bungalows and a swimming pool, all facing the spectacular lake. The quaint Chinese fishing nets catch your wonder and the fisher folk diving for ‘karimeen' invite you to join them. Privacy, with its elegant setting, a superb collection of art and artefacts on the walls of the rooms, and green landscape will engage you in pursuits close to Nature.
Experience the lake in more ways than one. Take the indigenous skiff or the small one-man sail boat. The traditional catamaran is there too. For a customised luxury cruise, embark on the 65-ft long ‘Discovery', the greenhouse boat, fuelled by electric motor (it has a diesel engine too) and sail down the Vembanad. The interiors of the boat are stylish with two rooms, a kitchenette and deck dining. Well trained and polite staff cater to your needs.
Enjoy the culinary skills of the in-house chef and try the traditional Kerala thali or choose from the delectable Continental menu. When you reluctantly head back, take a long, lingering look at the lake with its hidden mystery, energy and lore.
Tariff
Till September 30, 2010
Privacy Suite costs Rs. 15,195.
Cottage costs Rs. 9,117.
A night's cruise on Discovery costs Rs.21, 274.
The rates are different for the period from October 2010 to April 2011. The tariff includes Continental or South Indian breakfast (Discovery full board). There is a tax of 12.5 per cent. Check out time is noon (except for Discovery which is at 9.30 a.m.)
How to get there
The resort is 65 km from Cochin International airport and an hour's drive from Kochi on NH 47.
You can also reach it by speed boat from The Malabar House, Fort Cochin.
Things to do
Row a boat, try the sail boat or take a cruise on Discovery.
Read, swim and take in the sights.
Try learning to catch ‘Pearlspot' by hand, the traditional way to catch this fish
Hire bicycles or take the ‘tuk-tuk' trip to temples nearby.
For reservations call 0484 2216666, 221 7777, mail info@malabarhouse.com or look up www.malabarhouse.com
