LUXURY RETREAT AT COCONUT LAGOON KUMARAKOM
What was once an abandoned coconut plantation is now the home of Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom – an eco-friendly, sustainable resort that’s the ideal getaway from it all. Established in 1993, Coconut Lagoon resort is spread across 22-acres of lush green land surrounded by Lake Vembanad and Kavanar River in Kerala.
Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom is a CGH Earth experience that respects the rich but delicate ecosphere and vibrant culture of the Kuttanad region. It is where you’ll find old agrarian homes, reconstituted to offer you an entry into a charming world alongside the gentle pulse of the backwaters.
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THE CONCEPT
A property of CGH Earth Experience Hotels, Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom is surrounded by coconut groves and backwater canals, and made up of old wooden Keralan homes that have been transplanted, preserved and cherished. The grounds have been curated to offer each guest a sense of privacy and tranquility akin to being on a secluded beach in Kerala.
The concept of the resort is focused on ecology, community and culture.
Being an eco-friendly resort, waste is recycled into compost and cooking fuel and everything is taken into considerations such as :
- No newspapers delivered in-room. There are common reading materials in the common spaces.
- Reusable cloth bags used as bin liners
- Shampoo, soap and lotion containers are made from terracotta and refilled each time
- No plastic straws or stirrer used
- Recycled Paper is used for restaurant menus and printed brochures
Staffs are mainly from the local communities and neighbourhoods, promoting responsible tourism and giving back to the community.
THE ROOMS
Accommodation at the Coconut lagoon is an experience on its own. The unique structures and details in each accommodation are carefully sourced using traditional materials that have been brought back to life by master craftsmen. Some of the timber found around the resort are over 200 years old with no two rooms exactly alike. Different as they are, every guest accommodation at the Coconut lagoon is united by an aesthetic agenda that is inspired and guided by โthe regionalโ and โthe naturalโ.
Heritage Bungalow
These compact independent cottages are set in lush lawns along the canals. All 27 Heritage Bungalows come with a private patio for you to sit and enjoy your natural surroundings. The partly open-to-sky bathroom echoes the traditional Keralan way of life. Most of the rooms in the Heritage Bungalows are fitted with twin-beds and a few with double beds. One cottage has specially been designed to be wheelchair friendly.
Heritage Mansion
Heritage Mansions are more spacious, with an upper story defined by distinctive wooden ribs that resemble the sides of a boat. The lower level is the living space and open-to-sky bathroom whereas the upper level is where the bedroom is. The outdoor patio is where you’ll enjoy magnificent sunsets over Lake Vembanad. There are 14 Heritage Mansions with 6 of them with a large double bed and 8 of them fitted with twin beds.
Lakefront Private Pool Villa
Situated on a quiet section of the lake front, 8 private pool villas offers its guests the ultimate getaway. These double bed villas each have a separate living room, a spacious bedroom, a patio facing Lake Vembanad, a closed bathroom and a private pool with a lovely terrace facing the pond in the back.
THE SCENE
Peace, tranquility and being one with nature is the essence of Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing and making conversation with other guests is easy here. No televisions are found in the rooms so everyone is encouraged to spend time outdoors. However, for those who do want to watch TV, there is a communal TV in the recreation room. WiFi is also disconnected in the restaurant, ensuring guests are connecting with each other and not their devices.
The vibe is casual around the resort. The dress code is relaxed and the staff are friendly and attentive.
You’ll wake up to the chirping of birds and even find a cow or two outside your room. The resort is home to a rare breed of Vechoor cows and guests can interact with them up close and personal.
THE RESTAURANTS
Dining at Coconut Lagoon is a wholesome experience on its own. The farm to table concept means that food served is always fresh. Pure sea salt, whole wheat flour, pure coconut vinegar and local produce are used on a day-to-day basis.
Ettuketu
Ettukettu is a multi-cuisine restaurant and features rustic ambience of the ancient architectural style of Kerala, known as Ettukettu. Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner is served here with a wide range of local Keralan dishes and vegetarian options. A’la carte options and set menus are also available.
Aymanam
At Aymanam, the lakeside restaurant at the Coconut lagoon, you will get initiated into the wonders of this distinct culinary tradition – real Kerala food, made with care as you would at home and served upon banana leaves to round off its authenticity. From 12:00PM to 16:00PM, local rice pancakes called “Dosa” are served with various stuffings of your choice, accompanied with “sambar” – a lentil and vegetable gravy, and homemade chutney made out of freshly grated coconut.
In the evenings, the whole grain grill offers an assortment of Keralan and North Indian wheat specialties.
Vembanadu Grill
While you laze by the poolside during the day, you can order a selection of wraps, salads and grilled items from Vembanadu Grill. In the evenings, sit under the moonlight and enjoy freshly caught seafood such as local tiger prawns to rock lobster from the grill. This is the place to be for seafood lovers.
FACILITIES
Darter Club
Join the resident naturalists at the Darter Club to know about the fascinating bio diversity of the Vembanad Lake and its satellite ecosystems that are unique in the world. There is morning bird watching sessions with the naturalists and you can also learn more about the 54 species of dragonflies and damselflies that can be found in the Butterfly Garden. The Pearl Spot fish can also be seen in the canals around the resort and there are 44 species of fish in the fish sanctuary.
Ayurveda Centre
Combining traditional martial arts with Ayurvedic treatments, the Marma Chikitsa therapies at Coconut Lagoon certainly stands out from the rest of the spas around Kerala. A resident Ayurveda physician will recommend the right treatment based on your personal needs and problems.
Swimming Pool
The lakeside swimming pool is certainly a great place to spend the day. Sun loungers under mango trees and coconut trees make it such a unique experience and watching the sunset from the pool is something to do when in Coconut Lagoon. The pool has various depths and jet sprays for an aqua massage.
Sports & Fitness
If walking around the property isn’t tiring enough, there are complimentary yoga classes in the mornings and an indoor fitness center with cardio machines and weights for a total body workout.
Childcare
Children are welcomed at Coconut Lagoon. There is a children’s pool at the hotel and babysitting can be arranged upon request. There is plenty to do to keep children entertained here including a butterfly garden and bird sanctuary with a naturalist guide.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Kalaripayattu Practise
Experience the indigenous martial art form of Kerala. Dating back more than 2000 years, Kalaripayattu is the oldest existing marital art form. Learn the movements and techniques in the authentic way at the Kalari Center, which has been specifically built-in the traditional style to replicate a place of worship. Trainings are only available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00AM.
Bird Watching
Discover bird spotting and take amazing photos with the in-house naturalists who will guide you around the grounds of Coconut Lagoon every morning at 7:00AM.
Yoga & Meditation
Rise early and get rewarded with a yoga session at 7:00AM and wind down the day with meditation at 18:30PM at the Yoga & Meditation Centre.
Property Tour
Learn about the unique architectural details and wildlife found around Coconut Lagoon with the in-house naturalist. During the tour, you’ll also find out more about the sustainable environmental practises such as the on-site Bio-gas Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant, Rain water harvesting, Solar water heating and more. Property tours begin at 10:00AM.
Chayavallam
Enjoy your complimentary evening tea, coffee and snacks, served from a traditional Vallam (a small wooden row-boat) from 16:00PM to 17:00PM.
Cooking Demonstration
Discover the secrets of traditional Kerala vegetarian and seafood dishes with the resort’s chef. Everyday from 16:30PM.
Saree & Dhoti Demonstration
Ever wanted to know how to wear a saree or a dhoti? Learn the art of wearing these traditional clothing for women and men at the Coconut Lagoon Shop from 17:00PM.
Sunset Cruise
Glide along the silky backwaters, learn more about the ecosystem with the naturalist on board and listen to the soothing tunes from the master flutist on board while watching the sunset every evening. See how the colours of the sky change within a split second on the way back and take in the surroundings that are truly unique to Lake Vembanad. The sunset cruise is complimentary for all guests and starts at 5:30PM every evening.
Cultural Performance
Traditional dances such as Kathakali, Bharathanatyam, Mohininiyattam and instrumental music are performed daily in the evenings.
WHAT WE LIKED
There’s only one way to get to Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom and that is over water! The 1 kilometre private boat ride will slowly take you pass villages where you’ll see locals in their daily routine of washing clothes in the backwaters on one side, spot a kingfisher around the vicinity of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the other side, pass by mangroves and even see houseboats parked alongside the banks.
We also like the multiple swings and hammocks found around the resort and not forgetting the sweet old lady serving us traditional tea time in the afternoons from her little boat.
These experiences certainly makes Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom stand out from the rest and is possibly one of the best hotels in Kerala to escape the everyday hustle and bustle.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Kumarakom is during the months of December to March when the weather is pleasant and dry.
GETTING TO COCONUT LAGOON KUMARAKOM
Address:
Kumarakom,
Kottayam District
Kerala-686563 (View in Google Maps)
Website: www.cghearth.com
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Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom is a 10-minute boat ride from Kavanatinkara boat landing, which is 10km away from the nearest town of Kottayam.
Kochi – 45km
Cochin International Airport – 90km
Should you wish to find your own way to the hotel, we recommend using Uber or Ola. Uber Intercity from Cochin International Airport to Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom is approximately 2000INR.
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