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 Koder
House is a meeting place of the past and the present. Nestling in the
historic part of Fort Cochin, this is a charming three-storey boutique
hotel with a distinctive red façade. The ancestral home of the Koders, a
prominent Cochin Jewish family, the centuries’ old property is a tribute
to the rich mixed culture of the area – a mélange of Portuguese, Dutch,
Kerala and even Chinese influences. Today, it is owned and run by Amar
Properties and Investments. Koder House will offer travellers an
experience that is completely unique. And exclusive – because it offers
just 6 super luxury suites!
Koder House was built by the family’s
patriarch, Samuel Koder. It is believed to have been constructed
across three floors because he intended for each of his three sons to
occupy each floor. But this was not to be. Business took the three
sons far and wide, and after the untimely demise of one brother,
finally only Satu Koder was remaining. He and his wife Gladys lived
there. With their passing, an era ended. Satu Koder’s daughter,
Queenie, sold the house to its present owners.
The Koder House was reconstructed over
an early nineteenth century Portuguese mansion. It is believed to have
been structured and gabled in Europe and shipped to Cochin. Its
windows are said to be made of glass imported from Belgium.
The Koders emigrated to Cochin from Iraq
a few centuries ago. Samuel Koder ran the Cochin Electric Company
which was eventually sold to the government. Also, the Koders had a
huge chain of department stores across Kerala, which too, were sold.
The stores stocked everything from molasses to pins and flourished.
The Koders could be relied on to stock luxury goods such as alcoholic
beverages from the UK, fine clothes, and chandeliers from Europe. The
owners, of course were like mini royalty.
As Samuel Koder was the honorary
consul to the Netherlands, the Dutch ambassadors visited the house
often. He also began the Freemasons’ organization in Cochin.
In its heyday under the Koders, the
house was known for its famous Friday Open houses. This was a big
event on the Cochin social calendar. Though informal, anticipation
of the event would build up in mid-week itself. It became a focal
point of the Raj literati, glitterati and any one who wished to
meet the Koders or know about Indian Jewish lifestyle. Visitors
could be as many as 45, or just a handful - among them
ambassadors, celebrities or heads of state! Conversation and food
was the order of the day.
Facilities & Services :
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Restaurant
The restaurant is named Menorah in
tribute to the heritage of its original owners, the Koders. It
serves predominantly continental and Indian cuisine, with an
emphasis on Seafood – the beach, after all is just a short walk
away. The menu is extremely select and revised regularly.
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Plunge Pool
The restaurant overlooks the
plunge pool in the courtyard. The two heritage doors set in the
far wall add to the ambience here. As dusk falls, the lights
come on and you are plunged into a different atmosphere.
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Hanging Bridge
How would you like to walk over a
street and into the house opposite? You can! Well almost. The
hanging bridge leads off the second floor into the building
opposite, supposedly Samuel Koder’s office. The entrance into
the other building has been walled off, but you can still stand
on the bridge and relive the feeling!
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Other Service
You will have access to the best
technology has to offer. Including electronic safe, internet
data port and cable TV in each room, foreign exchange,
doctor-on-call and laundry. Plus, hands on service that is both
discreet but efficient.
Serena Spa
The world famous spa organisation,
Serena Spa, will offer you a fusion of Indian and Asian spa treatments
adhering to ancient traditions. You’ll be lulled into happiness by the
welcoming smiles and skilled hands of our therapists as they employ
traditional restoratives, herbs, oils, spices and flowers.
A Serena Spa is a sanctuary designed to
peel away the layers of daily stress with select restorative and
rejuvenating therapies that combine the best of time tested holistic
treatments.
Our treatments draw inspiration from
the rich heritage of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life
as well as from European health concepts, Aromatherapy and
traditional home remedies found throughout South-East Asia.
The Serena Spa menu includes a
wide array of classic and new treatments massages, scrubs,
wraps, facials, various baths, foot and hand care, slimming,
toning and firming as well as exotic features such as Vichy
shower and Floatarium spa experiences. We also have fitness
programs, special spa restaurant menus, fruit and vegetable
juices and of course an extensive range of spa products for sale
in our spa boutiques.
Serena Spa operates in many
countries and we always seek to incorporate local traditions in
our treatment menus, décor and operation.
Accommodation
Travellers will feel very
much like the distinguished guests who once called upon the Koders. Very
special. When the house was being renovated, the present owners took
especial care to retain its original character. The feel is both
contemporary and classic; the atmosphere, relaxed. The suites are on
either side of the three storey structure.
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Deluxe Suite
The deluxe suites offer a large
bedroom, a state-of-the art bathroom and a sitting room, all done up
luxuriously. The heritage theme is carefully maintained in the
draperies, furnishings and all the accessories. All suites overlook
the park leading to the beach. There are twin-bed and double-bed
options.
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Junior Suite
The Junior Suite is on the right hand
side as you enter Koder House. It is slightly smaller than the
Deluxe suites, but also offers an extremely luxurious bedroom,
living room and bathroom. The bedroom, like in the other suites has
an inviting four poster bed, with a ultra-thick mattress and
exquisite silk throw.
Room View
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