Set in a 200-year-old building, Ayana boutique hotel in Kerala’s historic town of Kochi offers guests a sanctuary from the kaleidoscope of activity on Fort Kochi’s streets outside. Found on Bazaar Road, the oldest international trading market in India, the 16-room hotel has recently opened its doors to the public after an extensive restoration and renovation into a modern luxury property.
Having acted as a courthouse, banking office and tea and spice warehouse in its two century existence, the new art-deco design is complemented by one of the largest collections of contemporary Indian art, paying year-round homage to the city’s annual Kochi-Muziris Biennale Art Fair. With striking colours and checkerboard tiled floors serving as the foundation for each room, the finishes espouse a classic elegance with understated touches of high-tech comfort.
Fort Kochi’s Arab, Chinese and European merchant history can still be seen today, taken in with harbour views and passing steamships from the hotel’s rooftop, whether you find yourself there for the morning yoga class or a sunset by the pool.
During your stay, don’t miss dining at The Old Court, an all-day eatery overlooking the courtyard garden, where fresh local produce is a key focus that highlights the coastal location’s seafood and authentic spicing flavours. For lighter occasions, try the Tea House – occupying the original courtroom – where you can find a wide selection of speciality tea and coffee with freshly baked fare, perfect after a day of sights.
ADDRESS
Kalvathy Road
Fort Kochi
-
Revolutionary Apple icon designer Susan Kare unveils a playful jewellery and objet collaboration with Asprey StudioAsprey Studio's new collection, Esc Keys, brings digital artworks by Susan Kare to life
-
What is the role of fragrance in contemporary culture, asks a new exhibition at 10 Corso ComoMilan concept store 10 Corso Como has partnered with London creative agency System Preferences to launch Olfactory Projections 01
-
Jack White's Third Man Records opens a Paris pop-upJack White's immaculately-branded record store will set up shop in the 9th arrondissement this weekend
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeysStay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
-
Members’ club Polo Palladio is Jaipur’s hottest stamping groundPolo Palladio in Jaipur is the reimagined members-only playground of Rajasthan Polo Club, with vibrant interiors by Marie-Anne Oudejans
-
Charlee in Mumbai is a speakeasy immersed in mysteryCharlee in Mumbai’s Bandra West encompasses a clandestine restaurant and bar designed by Kaviar Collaborative
-
Telugu Medium Kitchen, in Southern India, is a labour of loveDesigned by Sona Reddy Studio, Telugu Medium Kitchen dives deep into the Andhra heritage for food cooked with traditional richness
-
Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico -
Martim — Wroclaw, Poland -
Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia -
KLoé Hotel — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
