The Brunton Boatyard Hotel

Over a century ago, Geo Brunton and Sons was one of the most respected shipbuilding companies in Cochin. Sat on the harbour and a proud reminder of this prestigious past, is Bruntons Boatyard, a beautiful boutique hotel full of character.

The hotel has been lovingly restored using the same brick, lime and terracotta building materials to ensure it keeps its Victorian charm. On arrival you will immediately be transported back to colonial India thanks to the arched wooden ceilings, tiled floors and traditional punkah fans gently whirring overhead. The walls are adorned with photos and prints of the old boatyard and Dutch maritime maps.

All of the hotel’s 22 rooms look out over the sea where every kind of vessel from small fishing boats to trade boats and cruise ships trace their way across the water. Keep you eyes peeled for the pods of dolphins that weave their way in and out of the waterway. Four poster beds and antique wooden furniture give the rooms plenty of character and some come with balconies from which you can sit and watch the world go by.

Fort Cochin is a melting pot of cultures and this is reflected in its cuisine, every dish on the menu representing one of the many communities that have called this beautiful town home. A rich mix of Indian, Portuguese, British, Dutch, Arabian and Jewish cuisine makes dining here a real treat and with the Chinese fishing nets just around the corner, seafood is a specialty. For afternoon refreshment enjoy a cup of tea in the tea lounge and come evening the Armoury Bar is the perfect place to sip on a expertly mixed cocktail or beer and enjoy a game of billiards.

The hotel’s garden is a calm, green refuge and the outdoor pool provides a refreshing break from the Kerelan sun. There is also an Ayurvedic massage centre for those moments when you simply want to drift away.