Backwater 

Undoubtedly it’s India’s budget beachside bamboo huts and the (delicious every time) 10p roadside chais which largely account for its charm; but not everyone travelling India is staying on a shoestring, and for those Fragrant Nature Retreat, Kollam (Kerala) is well worth checking into.

With second and third sites opening in the stylish Fort Kochi and jungle-deep Munnar in January 2016; Fragrant Nature Retreat is a secluded haven, peacefully overlooking Kerala’s famed backwaters, offering its guests respite in the form of sunrise yoga, Ayeuverdic care, swimming pool, gym, incredible food, riverside bar, restaurant, peddle boats (the best being in the form of a giant swan), and unrivalled sunset views of fishermen towing that day’s catch.

Each bedroom is just a stone’s throw from the backwater bank, is fully air-conditioned and complete with pristine bathroom and hot water power shower – a necessity to those visiting the sub continent with cash to splash – and a real treat for backpackers taking a much needed break from washing with cold water from a dirty bucket…

At Fragrant Nature I felt the squeakiest clean and most refreshed I’ve felt in months – but the retreat is so much more than that…

Days on end can easily be spent and lost at Fragrant Nature, where the hotel welcomes everyone from large parties with tailor-made yoga/Ayurvedic packages, to honeymooners, who can choose to stay in the most luxurious suite with private swimming pool, and those travelling with children who not only have the pool and backwaters to entertain themselves, but a playground area and games room.

A typical day might start with sunrise yoga on a dedicated practice platform on the water’s edge; followed with a walk along the winding riverside path, under a canopy of palm trees and retro lanterns, to the hotel’s restaurant for a breakfast of everything from fruits and muesli to spicy masala dosa and stuffed parottha.

After this you can take in the butterfly decorated, floral grounds with a walk; lay out on one of the river-facing loungers to read, or go for a dip in the pool before a late, leisurely lunch of fresh salads and rich local delicacies.

After lunch you can check in for a soothing Ayurvedic or spa treatment and meander down to the Sunset bar to drink in the views before dinner.

Everything about Fragrant Nature’s surroundings is serene; rich in greenery and thick with coconut trees, Jasmin and lotus blossom.

The hotel is also ideally located for day trips to Kochi (Fort Cochin), Kerala’s renowned, cultural capital; just half an hour away from the famous beach resort of Varkala with plenty of alternative, delicious dining options overlooking the sea; and within easy reach of Alleppey from where the backwaters can be most enjoyed.

Each of the staff at Fragrant Nature are exceptional. They are incredibly attentive and your every need (and more) is no trouble. Left in peace but on hand when you need something, this is a team who really care about the wellbeing of their guests.

Thank you very much to the team at Fragrant Nature for a wonderful stay.

For further inquires or further information please e-mail: enquiries@fragrantnature.com

Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa is in an idyllic location and is suitably placed to sample both the backwaters and the beaches of Kerala, being situated between the key backwater location of Kollam/Quilon (20KM) and the popular sandy beach location of Varkala (15 KM).

The resort is 5 KM from the main highway, it is 60 KM north of Trivandrum, the state capital and 55 KM from Trivandrum International Airport (approx 1 ¼ hour by road) and 60 KM from Trivandrum Domestic Airport.

Yogi. Vegetarian. Funk, Soul and Disco Lover. Red Wine Drinker.