| There are so many facets to the Coconut Lagoon
experience. The heritage of the old fuedal villages of Malabar. The vast
frolic of the Vembanad lake. The shimmering waters of the canals that
criss-cross the property. Together, they become an experment in
ecological living that remains startlingly different. |
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Water and history are the defining elements at
Coconut Lagoon. Water surges in clockwork rhythms on its shores, through
its canals and pools. And history stands watch from the grounds above. .
From the centuries-old beams of the heritage mansion to the carved woods
of the reception,the past comes alive as liquid reflections, mirrored in
ripples and shards wherever you look. |
Fittingly, Coconut Lagoon can be reached only over
the water. (See map).The great Vembanad lake, an inland sea that
stretches clear across central Kerala, forms a breeze-laden watery
highway. Your coach transfer happens via a generously clunky wooden boat
with a little inboard motor (so as not to disturb the fishes). And the
lobby, when you arrive, turns out to be a reconstructed 19th century
mansion with a stone jetty attached. Your boat putters sedately through
a narrow canal, its banks covered with flowers. Tiled-roof bungalows
peer through the foliage. And with a reviving coconut cocktail in one
hand, you step off the boat and up to the reception desk, all ready to
check in. Conde´ Nast Traveller once described Coconut Lagoon as one of
the 25 best destinations in the world. Our guests tell us that the
journey inward is an experience to match.
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Fuedal Kerala was a jigsaw of tiny states,
principalities and landholdings, creating a unique culture, architecture
and way of living. It is this heritage that echoes in Coconut Lagoons
dark timbers. Until a few years ago, the old 'therawads' or family homes
of the area were running to seed, the landed families scattered, the
craftmen unable to make a living. We wanted not only to perpetuate this
slowly vanishing world, but to bring it alive for the contemporary
traveller. Village craftspeople were invited to restore the work of
their forefathers, to transport an ancient way of life to the shores of
the Vembanad, and create an experience of ecological living that was
shot through with the spirit of ancient Malabar. We've tried our best to
ensure that this spirit reflects in every structure. From the carved
woods of the ceilings, to the brasswork on the doors, it's all faithful
to a forgotten graciousness. Those with an eye for detail will find much
to delight in. Sunlight filtering through the intricate fretwork of a
roof shade. A gleaming of brass, a slash of cast iron, a preternaturally
gleaming, polished wooden pillar. |
Accommodation
Heritage bungalows.
Heritage mansions.
Deluxe pool villas.
The Heritage Mansion at right is one of the many accommodation options
you have at Coconut Lagoon. While the comforts of modern civilisation
are all at hand, we've made sure they don't intrude. Living experiences
at Coconut lagoon are never more than the essence of old Kerala, updated
slightly perhaps, but kept pure and simple. |
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Facilities
Swimming pool.
Ayurveda.
Yoga and meditation center.
Recreation Area.
Kalari (Martial Arts) training. |
Cuisine
Kerala cuisine.
Seafood specialties at Fort Cochin.
A wide selection of International favorites.
The spirit of old Kerala is alive and well in our cuisines. Coconut
Lagoon's the place to sample some authentic Malabari food, with the
accent, of course, on fresh fish from the lake and the sea. Sample some
giant freshwater prawns, along with a plate of nourishing red rice. Or
try the local delicacy, Karimeen (Pearl Spot fish) a dish beloved of its
connoisseurs, who will argue for hours over the proper method of cooking
it (we've adopted them all). The Vembanad Lake, and the backwater canals
that feed it, provide a rich daily bounty of succulent prawns, mussels,
crabs, Pearl Spot fish and more. Taste these in combination with fresh
organic vegetables, and of course, the myriad spices that form the
backbone of Kerala cooking. The range is from mild and flavoursome, to
the totally fiery. Take your pick. |
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Lunch is best taken at our airy. Verandah-style restaurant, with
sumptous buffet options that celebrate the best and most varied
traditions of Kerala cuisine.
Fort Cochin is the speciality fish restaurant. The emphasis is on
freshness, and the menu stays small, focusing on seasonal varieties and
the catch of the day. |
| Our Ayurvedic Centre is the place to experience the
gentle, yet deep healing of an Ayurvedic massage in its authentic form.
Ayurveda, of course, is India's ancient science of healing, combining
medicine, therapy and massage to produce wellness in the mind, body and
spirit without the slightest side effects. |
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