The Malabar House

Step inside this chunky white 18th-century colonial British bungalow at the edge of the Parade Maidan, and you're immediately cooled by rooms in vibrant colors, a lush courtyard, and the sound of trickling water. This tiny, very contemporary boutique hotel has a tropical inner courtyard (trees, potted shrubs, and stone pathways) with a lovely plunge pool, wooden foldaway chairs, a small open-air theater area, and a covered restaurant. Rooms (some of which are quite small; suites, however, are palatial) feature waxed black Kadapa stone floors offset by bright red, turquoise, or yellow walls; each features a selection of paintings, sculptures, and period furniture reflecting the cultural heritage of Kerala, while the narrowish beds, solid in every sense, are made from carved teak and rosewood. Not only good-looking, this was also the first operation in India to be certified by Green Globe, the global environmental certification program for travel and tourism.

Facilities:
Restaurant, wine and tapas lounge; airport transfers (Rs 1,100); babysitting (with prior notice); bicycles; outdoor pool; room service; Ayurvedic spa; tailor

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.