Malabar House

A haven of stylish hospitality: an 18th-century residence in one of India’s historic trading ports

To transform an 18th-century Dutch colonial residence into a small, luxury hotel, and to preserve its calm spaciousness, is an achievement anywhere. To do it in India is practically a miracle. But miracles do happen, and Malabar House in Fort Cochin is proof. Painted in heartening yellows and whites, furnished with antiques and artwork chosen by the German owner and kept spic and span by Mr Isaac and his team, each of the 17 bedrooms is a haven of tranquillity amidst a bustling harbour city.

Outside, you can almost smell the centuries of imperial trade: Portuguese forts, Dutch and British churches, Chinese fishing nets and Jewish shops selling local spices and fabrics are all within striking distance. After watching the sun set into the Arabian Sea, you can dine in style on Indian or European cuisine at the hotel’s poolside restaurant. A favourite amongst journalists and style-setters, Malabar House has won best heritage hotel awards from the Kerala Government (and others) and was the first operation in India to be certified by Green Globe, the global environmental certification programme for travel and tourism.

Highs

• The staff, led by the cheerful Mr Isaac, are wonderfully friendly
• The design of the old home, which dates back to 1755, is stunning
• You'll find excellent food and service
• The elegant and clean rooms have been sensitively revamped

Lows

• The pool is set in the courtyard so dips feel slightly public, but this is no place for a ‘sun and swimming holiday’; it's an oasis for visitors to historic Cochin
• The rooms which open onto the courtyard can be a little noisy