LaLit Resort & Spa Hotel

Padinhar Rd, Udma, Kerala 671319, India

With palm forests making an ideal foil to tranquil backwaters teaming with wildlife, it’s easy to see why Kerala is known as ‘God’s Own Country’. The LaLit is in perfect harmony with its surrounds. Set over 10.5ha, each of the 37 suites come with Jacuzzis, outdoor seating areas and views of the water. A penthouse boat, known as Kettuvallam, which bobs on the River Nombili is the choice spot. This floating cottage has separate living and dining spaces, with a deck aimed squarely at the setting sun. The Rejuve spa is a serious high point. Try both Ayurvedic and western massage. Nature walks around the herb gardens provide an introduction to Ayurvedic medicine, while other attractions include canoeing, fishing and two swimming pools. The Nombili restaurant serves quality local cuisine where you can sample regional dishes such as pollichathu (fish cooked in banana leaves) and crab baked in a spicy masala. As you would expect, dosas, idlis and masala omelettes are all cooked to order at the live bar. After a long day of rejuvenation, it has a range of detox or retox cocktails that use local ingredients and wines from the Sula Vineyards north of Mumbai.