Sister
to the famed Malabar House in Cochin, Privacy is the ultimate stylish
‘backwater’ retreat. Lying on the palm-fringed shores of Lake Vembanad,
just 1 ½ hours south of Cochin, these are heavenly little villas. The
original has become a suite, with a dining room, sitting room, long
verandah, lush green garden and the most fabulous lake and sunset
views. The recently restored heritage bungalow has two bedrooms around
a main hall. Like Malabar House both are tastefully and comfortably
decked out with art works, colourful fabrics and period furniture.
Fully staffed, this is the ideal place to come on your own, as a
family, or with friends, where all your needs are catered for. Read,
write, explore the surrounding coconut groves and small villages by
bicycle and take gentle boat rides on the lake and in the maze of
inland canals. Or simply sit on the verandah, watching life on the
lake unfolding silently before you. If you are looking to get away
from the masses and completely switch off for a few days, this is a
genuine escape.
Rooms :
The very pretty whitewashed waterfront suite bungalow has
a thatched roof overhanging a shady veranda which is supported by teak columns.
Decorated in the same stunning style as Malabar House, it has similar colour
schemes and colonial-style furniture. There is one suite room, beside a sitting
room, with a dining room the other side. There is an abundance of natural cotton
fabrics in the bedroom, which contrast with the wooden furniture and the cool
tiled floors.
The attached ‘shower’ room has plenty of hot water. The sitting room is painted
a stunning turquoise hue and there are exquisite Indian artefacts scattered
around. Comfortable deckchairs on the verandah provide the perfect resting place
and respite from the sun. Being on one level, there is easy access for
wheelchairs.
The new addition - an antique wooden heritage bungalow adorned with
carvings and a roofed verandah is now open nearby Privacy. Around a main hall
there are two bedrooms, a king sized double and a twin, all identically
furnished with green and red silk cushions on cream linen with dark panelled
walls. There is an ensuite bathroom. The central hall showcases local art and
has a solid dining table at one end, with rattan chairs and sofa at the other.
You can lounge on the spacious verandah overlooking Lake Vembanand and admiring
the garden.
Whether you rent both or stay in one, it remains what is promised - intensely
private.
Meals :
Privacy comes with its own chef who will prepare delicious
meals, based on the recipes of The Malabar House cuisine. Local Travancore
Indian and Mediterranean cuisine is available. There are no fixed meal times and
they are taken either on the verandah overlooking the lake or in the
sitting/dining room.
There is a daily menu with plenty of choice. Unlike a restaurant kitchen, the
cook will discuss the meals directly with you and make sure to accommodate
whatever preferences with respect to spiciness, style etc.
Breakfast is included in the daily room rate and can be a choice or combination
of a Continental or South Indian breakfast. We loved the South Indian breakfast
of of idly, vada and dosa with sambar. coconut cutney and steamed banana.
Also, we reckon that the pasta with either fish or shellfish is the best we had
in Kerala - and the fish curry is to die for.
Activities :
-
Although it does not have a pool, an area of the lake
in front of the bungalows has been cordoned off for swimming.
The water is clean but a bit muddy and murkey and best for those used
to swimming in ponds, lakes and lochs.
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Excursions to Cochin to see the historic sights
of this port town
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Cruises on the lake, canals and waterways in
the property's traditional ‘snake boat’ or enjoy speedboat rides
around the lake
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Attendance at Kathakali or Teyyam dance
performances
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Attendance at local church services
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Excursions to the nearby beach at Mararikulam -
great for some 'sun & surf'
-
Village walks in the surrounding rural
countryside
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Day trip on a houseboat
-
Simply chill
Features :
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Money changing facility (provided at Malabar House,
Cochin)
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E-mail facilities are available via a dial up service
from a guest’s laptop and the hotel’s telephone. Charges are local phone
charges only.
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A masseur / masseuse from the local town can be called
in as and when required
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Privacy has its own antique wooden country boat with
ecological inboard motor and sunroof which can be used for exploring the
nearby canals and villages
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Two excellent Toyota Qualis vehicles which can be hired
(from The Malabar House) for local excursions
Room View
