Purity
Vembanad Lake

Located on the widest point of Lake Vembanad lies the peaceful hotel, Purity. This Relais & Chateaux property speaks for itself – a picturesque and remote getaway tucked away in Kerala's Alleppey backwaters.

Purity is easily accessible by road, a one hour 45-minute scenic journey from Cochin International Airport through South India’s swaying palm trees, but our favourite mode of transport is to arrive by boat. A stay at Purity makes for a perfect combination with a night's stay on CGH Earth's Spice Boat Cruises; gently float down the lake and finish here at Purity for some complete relaxation. 

Showcasing a mix of contemporary Indian art, antique sculptures and bold pink and turquoise colours throughout, this boutique resort modernises traditional Keralan architecture by creating a minimalistic, breathable space to help relax guests during their stay. This charming lake resort includes 14 rooms which are all styled in a unique manner. Choose between 5 lake and garden facing deluxe rooms on the ground floor, 5 garden suites with private terraces – including one individual bungalow, perfect for families – or 4 Vembanad suites with prime lake views. Purity is home to its own Ayurveda Spa, where you can experience traditional Keralan healing treatments; or even enjoy this in the comfort of your own room, before using the private spa facility located within your spacious bathroom.

As well as the variation in colours throughout the property, Purity offers a wide selection of creative cuisine in the kitchen. Combing local flavours and colourful aromatic spices, guests can enjoy traditional Keralan dishes – the Seafood menu being a popular choice. Breakfast suits all, with a mixed menu of Indian Dosas and Idli or choose from the delicious continental display. Whilst all is served in the courtyard – including light snacks and drinks throughout the day – exclusive dining on the garden platform can be arranged upon request: ideal for a candle lit moonlight dinner. If you'd like to dive a little deeper into understanding the local cuisine, make sure to take part in an interactive cooking demonstration here.

Morning yoga is complimentary during your stay and after a sunrise stretch, take to the lake on a backwater canoe ride to nearby villages. See the beautiful community of Kuttanad in the flesh and witness local village life unfold before your eyes. For history lovers, visit the backwaters colourful temples and palaces or get creative and take part in heritage craft experience at Kerala’s famous metal casting workshop.

Purity is a family-friendly resort, and we're happy to say that the hotel accepts children of all ages. They are bound to love the property's pool – fear not, there is also an adult-only pool, which overlooks the never-ending lake views; heaven.

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