Being quite isolated here means you will undoubtedly be eating all meals on-site, but that’s an indulgence rather than a drawback. Select a meal plan when you book to get the best value – see the rates page here.

There are 2 dining areas: the large, central restaurant ‘Ettukettu’ is open to the sides and faces the lake with cool, tiled floors, crisp linen, whirring fans overhead and a relaxed, holiday vibe.

The lakeside grill ‘Aymanam’ is completely open-air, functions only from October to April and specialises in (as you’d expect) grilled fish and seafood from the surrounding area.

The spacious outdoor bar ‘Herons’ Pond’ is well stocked and well manned and serves up some great coconut-based cocktails.

Breakfast, like lunch and dinner, is laid out buffet-style and was plentiful. There are all the usual western options: juices, homemade yoghurt, cereals, fresh fruit, toast, butter, marmalade, tea, coffee, beans, hash browns and eggs in your chosen style, along with traditional Indian dishes such as idli and dosas.

Lunch and dinner can be à la carte or from the buffet, we plumped for the latter on every occasion as the selection of south Indian and particularly Keralan dishes was just so appealing. Other items are available on the menu, continental as well as Indian, but stay with the local cuisine and you will not go hungry!

A special mention here goes to the service, which in all aspects was excellent.