Fleewinter

A beautiful colonial-style property, Brunton Boatyard is a true favourite when staying in Fort Cochin. Perfectly placed on Cochin’s famed harbour this old Victorian shipyard has been restored into a stunning luxury boutique hotel that will take you back to 19th century history.

The incredible restoration kept the tiled floors and whitewashed walls in the communal areas, which surround a large open courtyard where you can enjoy the shade in the warm afternoons. Each bedroom has traditional punkah fans hanging from their high ceilings (as well as AC) with dark wood antique furniture including a large four poster bed which needs a step to reach it is so high. In perfect contrast the bathrooms are state-of-the-art ensuring a unique but extremely comfortable stay.

With each room having a private patio you can enjoy the views of the harbour from here (with exception to four rooms) or from the outdoor pool which overlooks the large boats passing by and fishermen at work. Cochin’s picture-postcard Chinese fishing nets are just metres from the hotel and can be seen from it, or borrow one of their bicycles and explore the town in this way. You may also find yourself stuck when choosing food for the day, just within the restaurant alone. ‘History’ reflects its name and serves Portuguese, British Raj, Kosher, Arabic, Dutch and local Keralan dishes, the Terrace Grill has incredible fresh seafood dishes and the Armoury provides light meals and superb cocktails.

With all this plus the complimentary yoga, sunset cruise and cooking demonstrations included, as well as the Ayurvedic centre for massages Kerala is so famous for, you may just have found the perfect place to explore Fort Cochin and it is likely that you might never want to leave.

Note: this hotel currently holds a full bar licence.