Tranquil

Authentic plantation homestay in the unspoilt hills of northern Kerala, set on a 400-acre coffee and vanilla estate

If you want a taste of the planter's life, you can't do better than staying as personal guests of plantation director Victor Dey and his wife Jini. From the minute you arrive in the lush gardens, ablaze with scarlet hibiscus, birds of paradise, potted geraniums and busy lizzies, you know you are in good hands. Greeted effusively by the Deys and their three dogs, you immediately feel like old friends - and indeed many guests have become just that. You stay in a plantation bungalow (with a deep veranda and comfy chairs) or among the branches in luxurious treetop suites, and take cocktails and fabulous meals on the terrace with your hosts.

There's a sparkling pool, private eyries with hammocks and swing chairs, a games room and well-signed walks through the coffee bushes and up to mountain viewpoints. Tranquil's trump card is the combination of efficient hotel standards with a relaxed and personal house-party ambience.

Highs

• You'll find utter tranquillity and relaxation
• There's a house-party atmosphere and you feel like a personal guest
• Expect wonderful feasts
• The lovely countryside has great walks and views
• There's a beautiful pool, a garden with scented flowers and hammocks and swing chairs for lounging around
• You'll get stimulating conversation and the opportunity to learn about the planter's life with Victor and Jini

Lows

• There's a lack of privacy - it's difficult to be anonymous here
• Drinks with the Deys and dining at one big table means you have to be sociable
• Dog-haters will need to avoid the huge (though friendly) Alsatian and two other pet dogs