We just love our special South Indian boutique hotels – we want you to do that too! They are also less regal than our hand-selected North India boutique hotels, and all have fresh, tropical, and warm air. We have something fabulous for you with these southern secrets – whether you are looking for an opulent opportunity, or something a little rustic, choose to spend the night in a coffee plantation, by the beach, in a settlement village, or even on the waters!
Enchanting Travel is pleased to share our Top 10 award winners for South India Boutique Hotels, who have analyzed their input from our most famous properties, as well as the regular quality tests of our team.
Top 7 Boutique Hotels in South India
1. The Serai Kabini, Nagarhole
Yes, rest at The Serai Kabini, a truly luxury resort, nestled on the banks of the bountiful Kabini River, in the middle of lush green coffee plantations in Chikmagalur. There is a lot to do and see with plenty of flora and fauna to research about local species in the nature library – or you can simply relax. A spa offers traditional Ayurvedic therapies and spas, or a bubbling Jacuzzi. There is a spa. There are private swimming pools in a villa or a cottage on the seafront. We highly recommend that you take a planting tour to get to know the coffee process better.
2. The Spice Tree, Munnar
Yes, you guessed that: Spice Tree Munnar, our next award winner, is in tea plantations in the beautification of wild biodiversity in the Western Ghats (known as the spine of India). This luxury South India boutique hotel offers suites as well as two villas with a pool. You can enjoy yoga with trained instructors in the morning, go to the spa for a relaxing treatment in the afternoon, or immerse yourself in the heated outdoor pool that the local mountain fountains provide. The proximity of tea bushes is also an absolute must for tea drinkers, afternoon tea, and the special tea-tasting course – where you learn about local tea culture.
3. Spice Coast Cruise, Alleppey
This is maybe one of the most special stays you can do overnight. Spice Coast Cruises offer exceptional luxurious, traditional houseboats that are typical barges for carrying cargo. These markers are much more luxurious nowadays. Solar-powered and all mod-conditioned, including a/c and one or two bedrooms en suite, you will be in these houseboat backwater tours for a comfortable treat. Place your time in your semi-open-air or in the sundeck where fishing on Lake Vembanad can be seen, as well as everyday life while passing through villages squandered on the shores.
4. Anavilasam Luxury Plantation, Thekkady
Anavilsam Luxury Plantation House lends itself for an exotic, fragrant stay in cardamom and pepper plantations. Four suites, a private swimming pool, a presidential suite, and many elegant en suite guest rooms have all contemporary amenities, and each one has the air of a luxurious country house. Ayurvedic massages by the in-house professional are on offer. The love of good, clean, and fair food that the international Slow Food movement includes is a particular feature of the property. You can enjoy a delicious local meal in a traditional style with its own fresh ingredients cultivated right on-site and cooked with love.
5. Eighth Bastion, Kochi
Situated in the port village of Kochi in the proximity of Fort Kochi Beach (Cochin) where local fishermen catch the nearby fish market in the morning. The Eighth Bastion is unique in its style, colonial, and postmodern architecture superbly with the region’s legendary historical and charming hospitality.
In Cochin, there are many things to do. This fabulous city can be visited, including a pleasant walk to see the gigantic Chinese fishing nets in action, to the old Jewish quarters or the local spice markets, all close by. Each suite has huge windows, spacious tubs, and balconies or patios. They also have a large bathroom.
6. Marari Beach Resort, Alleppey
Marari Beach Resort is located in a sleepy village on one of South India’s finest beaches, nestled in palm groves. You can relax in your own private roof garden or pool villa constructed in the traditional, tropical Kerala style. The villas have their own privacy. They are spread out.
The outdoor pool, tennis court, and spa Kerala Ayurveda are all available for you to keep busy. You could also take a stroll in the village in rural areas, sunbathe on the beach or take an authentic Indian cuisine class. Otherwise, you could have fun.
7. Java Rain Resorts, Chikmagalur
Want the best resorts? India’s original coffee hill is now destined to the best resort in Chikmagalur, a luxury holiday resort in Java Rain. Situated along the hills of Mullayangiri, Java Rain has 20 villas with rich comfort and amazing views on the hills of Baba Budan and a beautiful panoramic view of the city Chikmagalur on one side. The rooms are furnished with a large garden and a large terrain.