Nothing appeals to the human soul like connecting with Nature’s glory while enjoying the comforts of modernity. And no place comes closer to achieving that harmony than Kerala. Promising that perfect reflection of paradise is one of God’s own country’s leading recreational hangouts — Kumarakom Lake Resort, the flagship of The Paul Hotels and Resorts.
Nestled in the heart of Kerala’s backwaters by the banks of Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state, Kumarakom Lake Resort is easily the ideal getaway for the urban dweller and the tourist alike. The luxury heritage holiday hotspot sprawls across 25 acres of lush greenery and soul-stirring ambience.
The destination for a romantic getaway or leisure time with family and friends, or even a wedding or an office conference, Kumarakom Lake Resort offers the complete experience for people with a variety of tastes.
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The stay at Kumarakom Lake Resort promises to be memorable, with the perfect blend of Kerala’s traditional architectural charm and contemporary, modern comforts. The rooms, villas and suites are reconstructions of 16th Century traditional homesteads, transported from their original locations and reassembled. The villas and suites all have open-roofed bathrooms. The options for stay range from the grand presidential suite, the heritage lake view villa, the heritage villa (all with private pools) and the meandering pool villa to luxury pavilion rooms and houseboats.
The ideal option would be the heritage villa that makes you feel completely at home in a house-like structure, with state-of-the-art facilities and a private pool with Jacuzzi. The open-air bathroom with a pebbled courtyard, combined with the natural aesthetic appeal of the homely ambience, makes you connect with Nature while lounging leisurely in the comfort of the modern bedroom that opens into the pool.
The meandering pool is, by far, the most attractive, with its connective river-like feature panning across a set of villas that will make you want to stay in the water for as long as possible. The infinity pool, located right on the lake’s edge, is the perfect retreat for water lovers to experience and observe Nature’s balance.
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A must-try at Kumarakom Lake Resort is its throwback to the ancient practice of Ayurveda in ‘Ayurmana’ — the 200-year-old heritage retreat of Ayurvedic healing at the resort. Originally home to the Chathamangalathu Mana, a family of renowned Ayurvedic practitioners, the Ayurveda spa claims to give an unforgettable experience that promises to fine-tune the body, mind and soul. With a range of packages to choose from, this is one offer to rejuvenate you shouldn’t pass up.
‘Ettukettu’, the speciality restaurant mansion, is named after its exquisite eight-sided outlook with two central courtyards, which was dismantled from its original location and relocated in precision at the resort. The multi-cuisine buffet restaurant seats close to 115 people, and displays the grandeur of Kerala’s regal architecture. Offering an array of eats from across the world, the traditional Kerala cuisine stands out. Some of the delicacies that are sure to bring you back to the resort are the flavourful karimeen pollichathu, cooked and wrapped in banana leaf, the Syrian Christian duck roast and curry, the delicious appams and stew and the mouth-watering beef curry with Kerala parottas. The breakfast, lunch and dinner are each an event in themselves, offering a royal spread.
The other dining hotspots at the resort are ‘Vembanad’, the seafood bar, serving up a plethora of delicacies by the banks of the placid backwaters, and the Pool Pavilion, on the banks of the lake by the infinity pool. The evening calls for a must-visit to ‘Thattukada’, the traditional Malayalee tea shop recreated in original style, offering aromatic tea and fresh local snacks while you sit on the lawn, sip away and make easy conversation.
The adventurous must try the boat cruise through the vast and complex system of backwater wetlands, as well as the lake tour in the array of boats around the resort. It’s easy to lose track of time, as every turn and bend of the backwaters’ estuaries, lagoons and canals introduces you to the natural splendour. The lake, a hub for migratory birds, offers some of the best sights and sounds of glorious flora and fauna, so make sure to take your camera along. The world-renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in one portion of the lake close to the resort annually, every second Saturday of August.
The more relaxed should give the houseboat a try. Inspired by the traditional kettuvallom but decked with modern amenities, the lake cruise offers you a fine-dining experience while watching the sun set on the horizon — a sight that will remain etched in your memory for long.
A highlight at Kumarakom Lake Resort is the rapid attention it’s receiving as a destination wedding hotspot, packaging expert assistance and themed concepts for the perfect exotic nuptial bond. Apart from the various awards the location has won, the resort also hosted Prince Charles on the occasion of his 65th birthday. Kumarakom Lake Resort exudes the charm of Kerala’s true heritage while offering a complete range of new-age amenities for a luxuriously comfortable stay. (The author was in Kumarakom on the invitation of the resort.)