It was an exceptional experience. Pure luxury, excellent service, breathtaking location, absolute silence. We were located in one of the littel houses near the lake. The lower floor was a litle spartanic, but we were explained that it is typical of the malayam houses. The outdoor bath and shower were very clean and a nice experience. The upper floor was very bright, with a view over the area and towards the lake.
We tried both the central restaurant as the seafood restaurant right on lake Vembanadu. The first one is a good choice with an wide buffet selection, the second one is definitely better and more exclusive. Quality was very high, service very fast, kind and gave helpful information selecting the right dinner.
We tried the ayurvedic centre, it was ok, bu we found better ones right in the village, easy to reach.
The birdwatching tour in the morning was very informative and a great experience. Hotel provides good quality glasses.
Special thanks to Thomas at the reception and to Leethu for patiently explaining the birds and the surrounging nature. We sureley come back into God`s own country.

This was the third CGH Earth property we stayed at during our tour so we knew what high standards to expect and we were not let down. We arrived by boat and were welcomed by charming staff offering refreshing towels and fresh coconut drinks. We just stayed in a standard villa for 2 nights - for longer stays I think it would be nice to have a pool villa although the main swimming pool was beautiful with plenty of loungers and a nearby pool bar serving snacks as well as drinks. We loved the outdoor bathroom in our villa - the villa itself was spacious, clean and well equipped.
The hotel provided several complimentary tours - we went on the early morning bird watching walk with the very enthusiastic and friendly naturalist. We also took advantage of the complimentary sunset boat trip which was very relaxing. The buffet restaurant had a very wide choice of food - delicious Keralan curries.
The chai boat came every afternoon at 4 p.m. offering complimentary tea and snacks.
After our two night stay we then spent a night on one of CGH's houseboats - wonderful! A peaceful cruise of the backwaters with delicious freshly cooked food - total relaxation!
All the staff were so helpful - intent on making your stay an enjoyable one and they succeeded!

This full service eco resort worked hard to provide guests with many interesting opportunities to learn, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. We had a two story teak cottage with an upstairs bedroom with windows and a wood window seats on three sides - a bit like a ship, and a high 4 poster bed. The very modern bath was outdoors but walled for privacy. For anyone with even small mobility challenges the steep high stairs to 2nd level would be a challenge, especially to do a night excursion down and out to the bathroom - plus we worried a bit about night mosquitos. There were one floor options but I believe our's was one of their nicest cottages with a view of the lake. Meals were very good as was their afternoon tea and snacks. We particularly enjoyed walks around the very large property with the naturalist from whom we learned many things about the flora and fauna including the many species of birds given sanctuary just across the canal: they also bred a rare local miniature dairy cow so there are tiny cows tied to trees all around. Evenings had some musical entertainment but were quiet as fitting with the resort's style. The sunset cruse was fun. We also ventured into the Ayurvedic medical treatment spa where even a basic massage was an unusual experience. Our house boat from Spice Coast Cruises picked us up at the hotel dock for the backwaters visit to follow.

Our second visit and it didn't disappoint. Spent 2 nights, the perfect antidote to a long flight. The whole place is beautiful & peaceful but full of interest. You arrive by boat, right into reception, with your arrival celebrated by flute playing and the presentation of floral garlands and fresh coconut juice whilst you check in.The food is superb, the service second to none and the rooms lovely. There are activities you can join in if you want like bird watching and butterfly spotting with naturalists, sunset cruise. An excellent swimming pool and if you go for a villa your own private plunge pool.