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As this resort is located on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad, and so only reachable by boat, you'll be picked up from your embarkation point by the hotel's own launch. The boats operate once an hour on a schedule to minimize the disturbance to birds. The ride takes 15 minutes.

The forty-nine cottages are styled on typical houses from surrounding villages and are set within a network of irrigation canals in a coconut grove. Each air-conditioned room is furnished in jackwood, with intricate window carvings and terracotta tile floors. Some bathrooms are partly open to a private open-air courtyard, complete with a banana or coconut tree. Please note that there are no televisions in any of the rooms.

The hotel's swimming pool is positioned overlooking the lake. There is a gym, a spa, and several dining choices. Ettukettu is the multi-cuisine restaurant. Aymanam serves light dishes such as dosa during the day and specialises in seafood for dinner. Private dining is available at the Paddy Hut.

A wide variety of activities are available including sunset boat cruises, kayaking, village and farm walks, visits to the nearby bird sanctuary, cooking demonstrations, yoga, and meditation. In the evenings, cultural performance such as kathakali are staged and wildlife talks are given.

The CGH Earth group believes that luxury includes an interest for the environment and local people. Coconut Lagoon do have solar, biogas and water conservation systems, however, they've gone a step further in their commitment to operate in a more responsible manner. The architecture optimises the use of natural light and natural ventilation, enabling energy conservation through a strategy that supersedes merely energy efficient technology. They use locally manufactured terracotta waste bins, cloth laundry bags, and recycled paper is used in guest amenities as well as restaurant menus. An indigenous variety of buffalo grass is used instead of a conventional lawn across the property, thereby consuming less water.

A portion of their profits are used in supporting two local schools with maintenance work, stationery, and study materials. Lastly, as a part of as part of a ‘Plastic Eradication Programme’ they distribute cloth bags in the local community every three months.

OUR RATING: First Class