CGH Earth is built around reviving the mind, body and spirit. Each of their properties is designed to be respectful of the environment and local communities, while providing a comfortable, immersive experience for guests.
Brunton Boatyard, Cochin, Kerala, India
Brunton Boatyard is both a hotel and a tribute: the property is on the site of a 19th century shipbuilding yard, and was created to reflect the spirit of those times. Each of the 22 en-suite rooms look out over the sea and are tastefully decorated. Enjoy all the amenities of this celebrated hotel in the Cochin harbor: savor an exquisite meal at the History Restaurant, enjoy an after-dinner game of billiards, and later, sip a cocktail while looking out at the water.
Casino Hotel, Cochin, Kerala, India
Set in an alluring tropical setting in Ernakulam, the Casino Hotel is a bastion of tasteful elegance and enticing comfort in Cochin, one of southern India’s most appealing destinations. Whether you’re enjoying some seafood specialties at Fort Cochin restaurant, relaxing in your room, taking a dip in the pool, working out in the gym, or simply reading a book in the sunny lounge, you’ll feel the undeniable charm of this hotel.
Chittoor Kottaram, Cochin, Kerala, India
In the verdant backwaters outside of Cochin sits Chittoor Kottaram, a 200-year-old-palace that will have you feeling like royalty. It is a single key hotel, meaning that you and your companions will be the only guests on site—and will have the freedom to create virtually any experience you wish. If you’re interested in a dance performance, a massage, a pleasure cruise on the backwaters or a fishing trip, it can happen. In addition to superlative entertainment, guests can enjoy delightful vegetarian cuisine, personalized hospitality and complete privacy: a superb environment in which to enjoy the wonders of Kerala.
Coconut Lagoon, Vembanad, Kerala, India
Lying on 30 acres of lush foliage (some of which are given over to rice cultivation), the Coconut Lagoon is a truly eco-friendly escape. To accentuate the individuality of this resort, each room is given a distinctive look and feel with locally made furniture and thoughtful décor. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this renowned resort in a number of ways: relax in the butterfly garden, take a dip in the plunge pool, canoe through placid canals here or enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake.
Eighth Bastion, Fort Kochi, Kerala, India
Eighth Bastion is set in the middle of Dutch Cochin in a historic area that has been razed and resurrected many times since the early 1700s. This latest incarnation may be the most elegant: the nine rooms here reflect the region’s Dutch past, and include charming touches like private balcony and mini bar. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and private garden, as well as the Indo-Dutch cuisine in the restaurant. Perhaps best of all, Eighth Bastion is supremely well located, providing quick and easy access to St. Francis Church, the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace and the Santa Cruz Cathedral.
Kalari Kovilakam, Kollengode, Kerala, India
Blending 19th century romance with 21st century comforts, Kalari Kovilakam defies simple description—it is a spa, an Ayurvedic retreat, an ashram and a palatial hotel. The Kalari aims to combine relaxation and healing with palace living. Each of the 18 suites are exquisitely decorated—in motifs ranging from 20s-era colonial style to traditional Kerala architecture—and were the dwellings of the Vengunad nobility that used to call this place home. Relax in the Jacuzzi, schedule a massage treatment, savor delicious vegetarian dishes, enjoy personalized yoga sessions and immerse yourself in the healing ways of Ayurveda here.
Maison Perumal, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India
You’ll feel as though you have been transported back in time at this colonial-era guesthouse in Pondicherry. The 10 air-conditioned rooms—accented by original bedsteads and exquisite antiques—embody elegant simplicity. This property also exudes a Tamil personality: in the courtyards and verandahs, as well as in the sumptuous cuisine, which blends Tamil spice and French flair. In addition to being near to so many of Pondicherry’s beautiful heritage buildings, restaurants, shopping and beaches, Maison Perumal is close to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which is a world-famous retreat for yoga aficionados.
Marari Beach, Mararikulam, Kerala, India
Unwind amid the coconut groves, lotus ponds, and smooth sands of Marari Beach, and get a sense of what has made this resort such a hit with travelers to Kerala. Each of the 62 villas is distinctively designed, and the property offers a wealth of options for relaxation and recreation. Guests can choose to lounge on the beach or by the pool, play tennis, go cycling or explore the nearby village.
Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India
Just steps from the promenade in Pondicherry’s French Quarter, this colonial heritage hotel is spacious, peaceful and welcoming. The 18 rooms each feature a charming décor with locally made furniture, and the hotel offer guests a serene courtyard with a swimming pool (and poolside cafe), as well as a restaurant and bar. There is an entire floor here dedicated to Ayurvedic massages and treatments, and the rooftop restaurant has provides Continental fare as well as local cuisine. Palais de Mahe effortlessly blends French charm with Indian personality.
Spice Coast Cruises, Kumarakom, Kerala, India
There is nothing quite like a Kerala houseboat journey, and Spice Coast cruises does it in trademark CGH Earth style. These boats, made of natural materials, feel like a floating home: as you drift effortlessly through the unique waterways here, you can enjoy a cup of tea in the lounge or relax on the foredeck with a view of the water. Rooms are cozy, and mesh windows help bring the gentle breezes flowing in and the insects out. The boat is powered by solar energy and vegetable oil in order to minimize impact on the ecosystem. This is the quintessential houseboat experience brought to you by experts in elegant, eco-friendly Indian hospitality.
Spice Village, Periyar Sanctuary, Kerala, India
Located in Cardamom Hills right next to the Periyar Tiger Sanctuary, Spice Village is well placed for exploring this exciting region of Kerala. Each of the 52 thatched huts offer simple luxury that blends into the environment, and the pool and spa add to the indulgent feel. There is also an interpretive center on site, where the resident naturalist can answer all your questions about the wilds you’ll be exploring here.
SwaSwara, Gokarna, Karnataka
SwaSwara is an indulgent escape from the everyday, allowing guests to reconnect with their mind, body and soul. The 24 spacious (at nearly 2,000 square feet) Konkani villas reflect the spirit of the Karnataka region and provide touches like air-conditioning, an open courtyard, a view of the pool or lake and even a yoga deck above your bedroom. While here, revel in the opportunities for healing and rejuvenation: yoga, meditation, swimming, reading in the library or even painting and sculpting in the arts center.
Visalam, Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, India
Set in the Chettinad region—renowned for its grand temples and elaborate mansions—Visalam seems removed from the rest of the world. The 15 restored rooms here capture the heritage of this historic region, offering elegant, air-conditioned rooms that exude simplicity and warmth. Enjoy being immersed in life here, enjoying everything from the delectable cuisine—for which Chettinad is famous—to learning little traditions like rangoli (the sprinkling of colored rice powder in kaleidoscopic patterns in the hallways), making flower garlands (otherwise known as poomalai), and learning the traditional Tamil board game Pallanguli. Visalam offers not only an escape, but a connection to this fascinating place.
These hotels are suggestions of properties that can be included in a tour to India. We will be happy to customize an India itinerary to include CGH Earth hotels only where possible or to mix with other properties. Contact Geringer Global Travel at 877-255-7438 or email us at info@34.207.230.29 to discuss how we can create a personalized luxury India tour for you.
