CGH Earth hotels
This innovative group of hotels in India’s sultry southern states and beyond offers you an immersive taste of each region’s culture, heritage and history.
Each property has its own distinctive character which fits with its surroundings – no homogenous branded interiors here. Red-roofed villas reflect in a still lagoon by Kerala’s famous backwaters; thatched lodges sit serenely in a scented Thekkady spice garden; cool corridors surround a sheltered courtyard pool in Pondicherry’s French Quarter.
This vision of hotel luxury steps sideways from the standard definitions. Rather than lavish opulence, ‘luxury’ here means attention to detail, a commitment to heritage, and ensuring guests connect to the destination from the first moment. There’s a sense of storytelling in each property which fires the imagination and sets you wondering about the history of the area and the lives of those who call it home. Venture out to experience it for yourself, and return to the hotel at the end of the day to unwind at leisure.
Start planning your journey here...
With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.
Location & Highlights
- Secluded pools
- Ayurvedic treatments
- History and culture
- Cookery classes
Why we love it
“Modern elegance meets rich history with premium quality - a memorable place to stay.”
Brunton Boatyard, Cochin
Extending out over Cochin’s historic shoreline, Brunton Boatyard has been beautifully restored to combine its shipbuilding heritage with modern amenities. The result is a property bursting with character. Exposed beams and dark wood allude to the boats that once bobbed against its harbour, whilst the spacious terrace looking out over the sea makes you feel like you’re sitting on the deck of a tall ship. It’s the kind of property we absolutely love, that connects you to your location whilst offering the highest quality of experiences. Explore Fort Kochi’s winding streets, take a boat trip out into the bay, and dine on fresh seafood as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.
Take me there
Coconut Lagoon, Kerala Backwaters
With tranquil gardens and a lakeside setting, the Coconut Lagoon is a refreshing retreat within one of India’s most enchanting landscapes. The surrounding wetlands are abundant in birdlife, including rare darters and flocks of egrets. Low roofed cottages and private pool villas are arranged through the gardens and along the lakeside, with shady verandas where you can sit and watch the last rays of the warm Keralan sunset glint off the water. Canoe and kayak along Kerala’s backwaters, enjoy a cuppa from a floating tea shop, and wander through the thriving butterfly garden.
Marari Beach Resort, Alappuzha, Kerala
The Marari Beach is a sustainability-focused resort set in acres of lush gardens with its own organic farm, which offers cosy relaxation beside one of Kerala’s finest beaches. Thatched cottages, modelled on the traditional homes of Mararikulam fishing communities, are scattered throughout the estate, creating a homely feel. Dine on homegrown organic produce, regional spices and the freshest local seafood, and learn more about the culinary experience by picking your own veg and herbs in the garden. Head out on naturalist-led walks to learn about the region’s ecosystems, take a wander along the beautiful beach, and get up early to watch the local fishermen land the first catch of the day.
Take me there
Spice Village, Thekkady, Kerala
This eco retreat sits lightly within the biodiverse Thekkady hills, in an area of supreme natural beauty and ancient forests. The resort uses local tradition and innovative sustainable practices to offer stylish, environmentally-friendly accommodation. The cottages are decked out in a minimalist style with plenty of natural light, white walls and smart upcycled pine furniture. Learn about the different spices grown in the region with a chef-led masterclass and visits to a nearby plantation, meet local tea-pickers at work in the hills, head out on guided treks into the Periyar Tiger Reserve and take a bamboo raft out onto Periyar Lake.
Chitoor Kottaram, Cochin, Kerala
Sheltered beneath tall trees in lush garden surroundings, Chitoor Kottaram feels like a proper hidden gem. Once a modest residence of the region’s royalty, the manor house and grounds still reflect a certain relaxed grandeur. The river waters lap gently against the jetty at the garden’s edge, and guests arrive from mainland Kochi by boat into their own, private idyll. With just a couple of guest rooms available, a stay at Chitoor Kottaram means you’ll have the entire place exclusively to yourselves, with no other guests, and the entire staff dedicated to making your stay really special.
Wayanad Wild, Kerala
With its refreshing mountain climate and beautiful rainforest setting, the Wayanad Wild is all about taking in the natural surroundings, and soaking up the clean air and the scents of the jungle. Admirably, the resort has been built without removing any trees, and each room has its own balcony or terrace looking out into the forest. Comforts are modern but tech is kept to a minimum to encourage a connection with the wilderness around you. Dine on wholesome seasonal produce sourced at the local market, and the freshest fish from the harbour nearby. Go on guided night hikes into the forest, and learn more about the region’s ecosystems from a skilled naturalist as you share a coffee around the campfire.
Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
Just a few steps from Pondicherry’s seaside promenade, and cooled by breezes blowing in from the Bay of Bengal, Palais De Mahe is an elegant, old-world hotel in the heart of the city’s French Quarter. The rooms are bright and full of character, with high ceilings and arched walkways. Explore Pondicherry’s historic streets by rickshaw, or take guided heritage walks around the areas of the city that spark your interest. Stroll along the grand promenade, watch garlands being woven at the city’s famous flower market, and take time out from the bustle with a dip in the courtyard pool.
Tilar Siro Andamans, Havelock Island
Far from the constant buzz and hum of India’s bustling towns, in one of its most remote island regions, Tilar Siro is a proper castaway idyll. A selection of unobtrusive cottages sit serenely within dense greenery and tall palms, just moments from the shoreline. Despite its remote location, this resort’s styling is very contemporary, and the focus is all about the diving. Whether you’re an experienced PADI-qualified diver, or just dipping your toes in for the first time, this is the prefect place to get beneath the surface and explore the Andaman’s extraordinary underwater world.
Inspiring experiences and places to stay
Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…
Start planning your journey here...
With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.
Marari Beach, Kerala
Talk to our expert team...
Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.
The Selective Asia difference
-
Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
-
Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
-
Award-winning, nose-to-tail service
-
Responsible travel
-
24 hour local support
-
Our flexi-booking promise and financial clarity
No ordinary Travel Company
Personally designed, exceptional journeys across Asia that champion a passion for travel with care for community connections and the planet.
Unfollow the herd.
Fully protected and flexible bookings
Selective Asia is a fully ATOL licensed and bonded tour operator, and our flexi-booking promise offers increased protection & peace of mind.,
