Brunton Boatyard
Cochin

Sitting on the waterfront of Cochin Harbour, this elegant white-washed building lies within the northern shores of Fort Cochin. What was formerly a Geo Brunton & Sons boatyard during the pepper trade era, CGH Earth have respectfully and sensitively converted it into a luxury hotel which effortlessly reflects a blend of colonial British, Portuguese and Dutch architectural influences.

There are 22 Standard Rooms that have private sea-facing patios, with views over the old harbour, where carrier and shipping boats gently roll in and out. The four Deluxe Suites that are generously spaced over three floors include a bedroom, living and dining area, pantry room, bathroom, foyer and patio. The interiors are fresh with hints of colour throughout to match its clean exterior, and all rooms are equipped with the modern amenities that any guest would need throughout their stay in Cochin.

The public areas are incredibly spacious with pankha fans hanging from the lofty wooden ceilings, terracotta floors and truly vintage furniture and décor helps tell the story of Fort Cochin’s colonial heritage. In line with CGH Earth’s eco principles, the water is heated using solar panels and treated rainwater is bottled for guests in glass bottles . The fantastic outdoor swimming pool overlooks the sea, where working fishermen and huge boats pass by – the ideal spot to relax under the South Indian sun and watch the world go by.

Not only is Cochin’s mixed colonial heritage apparent throughout the building but also through Brunton Boatyard’s innovative cuisine. The Portuguese left the red chilli behind, Syrian Christians living in India introduced pork, Jewish coriander became prominent whilst the Dutch bravely took on cinnamon as a whole new flavour. CGH Earth blends these community dishes carefully with their own Indian cuisines to create an aromatic and colourful menu, but their well-known dish – recommended by celebrity chef Rick Stein – is known as the Railway Mutton Curry. Other distinctive dishes which we can recommend are Chuttulli Meen and Appam pancake. Enjoy the 32-cuisine menu from the Armoury Restobar, which has been delicately designed to replicate colonial details. Dine on the promenade overlooking Cochin’s glistening harbour or take a seat under the stars on the Terrace Grill and watch Cochin light up at night.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson