Coconut Lagoon (CGH Earth), Kerala

By boat is the only way to reach Coconut Lagoon, so tucked away from modern life is this lakeside haven. Overlooking the tranquil Lake Vembanad the most taxing decisions you'll have to make during your stay here include which pool to lie by, or what treatment to have at the spa? All wonderful choices to make. Dotted across 30 acres of former coconut plantation, eight of which are now designated to paddy fields, indicative of CGH Earth's sensitive approach to tourism. Interconnected by streams and gullies, with adjoining bridges and pathways, accommodation is spread between white colonial-style bungalows and larger two-story houses. The pool villas are the best by far, including private pool and sunrise and sunset views, as well as their own sitting rooms, hammocks, and beautiful bathrooms. All of the rooms at Coconut Lagoon evoke the local cultures and are decorated in natural materials. Food and wellness are real strong points here and, in keeping with Ayurvedic principles the two go hand-in-hand. Candlelit dinners at Aymanam, dining on fresh fish straight out of a clay oven, served on a banana leaf in the traditional Kerala way, are a memorable experience. And if that's not enough you can pick of some of the flavours with an afternoon in the kitchen with the head chef.