The Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has a flair for luxurious comfort, finds Charukesi Ramadurai
As soon as I stepped into the main foyer of the newly opened Grand Hyatt at Kochi’s Bolgatty Island, I understood what was so grand about it: the view. The property overlooks the serene backwaters of Vembanad Lake, stretching out beyond the green lawns in the back.
The same vista welcomed me in my room on an upper floor, where a large glass window made up one wall. The lake was still and lifeless, reflecting the mood of the Kerala sky during the monsoon months. That did not dampen my own spirits one bit however, and I sat by the window with a cup of coffee to watch the few odd boats bob up and down on the distant water.
My first meal at the hotel was at Colony Clubhouse and Grill, its décor a nod to the marine and nautical history of the region. It also doubles up as a rooftop bar, offering sprawling views of Kerala’s famous greens and blues (although they were yet to get their liquor licence at the time of my visit). Shana Susan Ninan, the marketing communications manager, joined me for a leisurely lunch, as chef Prakash Sundaram took me through the concept behind the restaurant—colonial cuisine and cooking techniques such as pickling, curing and grilling. The food is a nod not just to the more obvious influences in this area, such as the Portuguese and British, but all incomers, including the Egyptians and Arabs who had arrived here as traders.
This story is from the November 2018 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2018 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
8 Unique Indian Temples
"From Ancient Rock-cut Relics To Incredible Sculptures To A Celebration Of Feminine Divine Power, Here Are Eight Remarkable Temples That You Should Add To Your Bucket List
A Temple Trail In Bali
The allure of this Island lies in its people and the culture it embodies
THE Snake WHISPERER
SNAKEMAN ROMULUS WHITAKER'S MEMOIR TAKES READERS ON A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS LIFE, DELVING INTO HURDLES SUCH AS HABITAT DEGRADATION AND CULTURAL DISPARITIES CONCERNING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
TIMELESS BENGALI CUISINE AT AAHELI
A culinary oasis nestled within the iconic Peerless Hotel on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Aaheli is known for an exceptional dining experience
HOW GREEN IS GREEN?
THE PHENOMENON OF GREENWASHING INVOLVES DELIBERATELY FALSIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREEN CREDENTIALS OF A PRODUCT, SERVICE OR COMPANY. WHAT CAN TRAVELLERS, THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND TOUR OPERATORS DO TO FLUSH IT OUT?
IMMERSIVE UNSEEN INDIA
HAVE YOU EVER GONE FORAGING IN THE DESERT? OR LEARNT POTTERY WITHOUT A POTTER'S WHEEL? ON YOUR NEXT TRIP, TRY SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER TRIED BEFORE
DISCOVER STUNNING ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS IN TAMIL NADU
Experience the wonders of nature and wildlife while being mindful of the surroundings by visiting these amazing ecotourism destinations
AT HOME IN SPITI
AMIDST SPITI'S TOWERING PEAKS AND BARREN LANDSCAPES, THESE HUMBLE ABODES SERVE AS BRIDGES BETWEEN CULTURES, FOSTERING MEANINGFUL INTERACTIONS AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
HIMALAYAN HEIGHTS
In the shadows of the high Himalayas, take a slow, green holiday this summer... Along the way, discover why eco journeys are much more rewarding than you thought!
TEA, TATTOOS, AND TRADITION
PHEJIN KONYAKWHOSE ANCESTRY TRACES BACK TO HEADHUNTERS-RUNS THE ONE-OF-A-KIND KONYAK TEA RETREAT IN NAGALAND