A truly unique, laid-back hotel/resort on the edge of Lake Vembanad, Coconut Lagoon holds almost iconic status with Indian visitors to the famous backwaters of Kerala. Stay here to relax, eat well, sleep well and go nowhere for a few days.

The Keralan waterways are ever increasing in popularity and with good reason, this is one of India’s most unique and picturesque areas, where hundreds of rivers and creeks bordered by sleepy villages are plied by both local fishermen and tourist ‘houseboats’ alike.

There’s only one point of entry to this 30-acre lakeside property and that’s by boat. Gliding into the hotel’s little canal and stepping off into the cool, tiled and beautifully carved reception area, you are greeted and garlanded by friendly staff and handed a traditional coconut drink garnished with hibiscus flowers.

There are 50 rooms here, detached, well-spaced wood-panelled bungalows and mini-villas with pools, some transplanted and reconstructed from the 150-year-old originals, everything sensitively set in place and very much local in design and craft.

Wander round this large, lawned and lush property and you get a real sense of serenity. There are no hawkers – no outsiders at all in fact – and no distractions or attractions other than the hotel and the nature that surrounds it. The large central swimming pool and jacuzzi are great fun and the bar and restaurant areas are spacious and relaxed.

The surrounding nature of Kumarakom is a real draw. Venture out across little bridges that criss-cross the surrounding water and take your binoculars, in particular there is a great deal of bird life to be seen, particularly at the neighbouring sanctuary.