Ayisha Manzil

A sumptuous colonial guesthouse with unbeatable views through swaying coconut palms to the shimmering Arabian Sea

On every journey there comes a ‘moment of arrival’, when suddenly all is still, comfortable and stunningly beautiful – just as you imagined it before leaving. For visitors to Ayisha Manzil, that moment will come at sunset, sipping a cocktail and looking out to the endless Arabian Ocean from the palm-shaded terrace of this 2-storey colonial mansion.

Built in 1862 by Murdoch Brown, a tradesman from the East India Company, and bought in 1900 by the Moosas, a local family of Muslim spice traders who still run it today, the place oozes history. Antique furniture and family heirlooms decorate the spacious rooms, and a houseboy can accompany you on trips to a 6km long tropical beach, the fruit markets of Tellicherry, or the cinnamon plantation set up by Murdoch himself. These same local ingredients make Faiza Moosa’s gourmet dinners, included in the room price, a real treat. You can book one room (minimum 3 nights) or the whole house (minimum 7).

Highs

• The views over the Arabian sea
• The evening meal cooked by the owner Faiza
• The grand, spacious rooms
• The bustling markets of Tellicherry
• The nearby sandy beaches

Lows

• It’s a fairly formal house, not for young children or wild parties
• Downstairs rooms almost part of the household – request an upstairs room for extra privacy
• Guests may bring their own beer or it can be arranged on request but alcohol is not generally served