Holidaying in India means so many different things, but they all serve the purpose of refreshing the mind, relaxing the body and soul. There are several luxury resorts spread across South India and these are the combination of exotic locations, warm ambiance, ancient therapies and treatments. From heading to a romantic or spa retreat, to a candlelight dinner to staying in a tree house, camps, bungalows, cottages, and forts. These properties also derive their uniqueness from their location.Here’s the list of best boutique hotels in South India that you can consider for your next trip.
- Primrose Villas – Chikmagalur,Karnataka
One of the newest resorts in Chikmagalur, Primrose Villas is located at about three and a half-hours drive from Bengaluru. All the villas on the property are spacious and boast about 20 feet high ceilings.The Stunning scenery from the villas,dining areas,the lounges,the 360 Degree views ,the divine serenity,Coffee plantation tours, mountain treks, and a trip to Bhadra Tiger Reserve can be enjoyed while staying at these villas. Guests can enjoy magnificent views of the Western Ghats from the room.
Website : Primrose Villas
- The Serai Kabini – Nagarhole,Karnataka
Located on the Southeastern end of Nagarhole National Park, Kabini is home to one of the largest numbers of elephants in Asia. The river attracts these majestic animals in big herds. Besides, over 300 species of birds are spotted throughout the year.It’s a truly luxurious resort in the heart of lush, green coffee plantations in Chikmagalur, nestled on the banks of the bountiful Kabini River. With flora and fauna aplenty, which you can study up on the local species in the wildlife library, there is much to do and see here – or you can simply relax. There’s a spa where you can enjoy traditional Ayurveda and spa treatments, or enjoy a bubbling Jacuzzi. You can stay in either a villa or a waterfront cottage, which have private pools.
Website : The Serai Kabini
- Visalam – Chettinad,Tamil Nadu
Visalam is a heritage house of rare distinction. It is an endearing symbol of paternal love that equally captures the soul of Chettinad, a region renowned for its palatial homes, fiery cuisine and colourful culture. This CGH Earth experience is a window to the unique ways of life of the prosperous trading community of the Chettiars of Tamil Nadu. Visalam is housed within a 70-year-old mansion, offers much more than its indulgent menus. The service is immaculate, the decor stunning—much of it informed by individually hand-painted tiles crafted at a nearby village—and the leafy poolside an ideal place to unwind with a freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.
Website : Visalam
- Svatma – Thanjavur,Tamil Nadu
Set in the idyllic village of Asikkadu is our brand new centre of holistic wellness, Svatma Ramnivas Mayavaram. In our busy lives, it is important to alter both physical and emotional attributes to draw energy and wellness from nature. It is well known that good health is best achieved in consonance with nature. Svatma Ramnivas is an oasis of calm surrounded by lush greenery and organic farms. Svatma draws on the rich artistic heritage of its surrounding city Thanjavur, erstwhile capital of the Chola empire. Here is a boutique hotel that knows how to indulge its guests. The regional cuisine is a highlight, made all the sweeter with a sophisticated digestif beneath the stars at the rooftop bar.
Website : Svatma
- Evolve Back – Kabini,Karnataka
Evolve Back, one of the top luxury resorts in South India, is located near the banks of the river Kabini, which runs through the Nagarhole National Park and borders along the Bandipur National Park. Built like the huts of the indigenous Kadu Kuruba tribe, the resort is an epitome of absolute peace, serene & pristine environment commensurate with luxury. Evolve Back’s Spirit of the land philosophy finds its most intimate expression at Kabini, where you are drawn into the vibrant social tapestry of the local Kadu Kuruba tribe. While you discover a vernacular dimension to luxury that’s truly liberating, the resort gives you a wildlife experience like no other. Inspired in design by the Hadis or tribal villages, this picturesque resort of sweeping panoramic vistas, is bordered on two sides by the Kabini River.
Website : Evolve Back
- Marari Beach Resort – Alleppey,Kerala
Located in a sleepy village, Marari Beach Resort is set right on one of the best beaches in South India, nestled among palm trees. You can relax in your own private thatched-roof garden or pool villa, which have all been built in traditional Kerala style with a tropical theme. The sea-side village experience set on 30 acres with coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm. The guest cottages echo their dwellings in style and character while our cuisine reflects the culinary subtleties of these people whose sensibilities and culture have been influenced by the charms and challenges of the oceans.
Website : Marari Beach Resort
- Coconut Lagoon – Kumarakom,Kerala
Coconut Lagoon is located in a sheltered and enchanting cove in Kumarakom, this resort reflects the diversity and magnificence of Vemband Lake. From the tranquil Butterfly Garden to the delightful flora and fauna through every nook and cranny of the property, you will relax the moment you get here. If you are a bird lover then Coconut Lagoon will give you many days of happy bird spotting. It will not be far fetched to say that the guest cottages at the coconut lagoon are individual works of art. They were built from the remnants of old mansions – tharavads, that were once the family homes of the nobility of the land. They were brought here in sections and painstakingly reassembled by skilled craftspeople so that you could experience first hand what it is to live in these ancient and celebrated houses of yore.
Website : Coconut Lagoon
- Old Harbour Hotel – Kochi,Kerala
At the heart of ancient Fort Cochin, Kerala, a place that exudes history and culture, is the ‘Old Harbour Hotel’. A 300 year-old building that has for long been a heritage monument of this town, now reopened as a boutique hotel. Built in the Dutch style of architecture with hints of Portuguese influences, it was the first hotel of old Cochin. This 300-year-old colonial building was the office of an English tea broker. Interiors are studded with bold local paintings, entertaining artefacts and simple antiques. The bedrooms have high ceilings, deep comfortable beds and big windows for cool breezes. Chic bathrooms in the cottages have open-to-the-sky showers.
Website : Old Harbour Hotel
- Eighth Bastion – Kochi,Kerala
Located close to Fort Kochi beach in the port town of Kochi where local fishermen bring in the catch of the day at dawn to the nearby fish market. Eighth Bastion takes on a unique style, superbly blending colonial and post-modern architecture, and embracing the legendary tales and charming hospitality of the region. Each of the en suite rooms provide gigantic windows, spacious floor tubs, and balconies or patios. There’s also a delightful swimming pool to help you cool off in the tropical weather, and a courtyard ideal for sipping sundowners, while the East Indies Restaurant provides a unique flavors with Indo-Dutch cuisine.
Website : Eighth Bastion
- Anavilasam Luxury Plantation – Thekkady,Kerala
Aanavilasam Luxury Plantation House on 7 acres of private estate with Pool Villas and Luxury Plantation Rooms. It’s a Honeymooners Paradise. Just 8 km from Thekkady, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is surrounded by a pristine Cardamom and Pepper plantation.As a vacation retreat, this property gives the sensation of an exotic far away destination without the hassle of traffic. Luxuriously appointed yet casual and welcoming, this is a boutique accommodation suited to individuals, couples or small families in search of a personalized country retreat.
Webiste : Anavilasam Luxury Plantation