Raheem Residency at Alleppey Beach, one hour south of Cochin, is an 1868 colonial property which was passionately restored in a classic, Indian style in 2003 by a small Indo-European private limited company. It is now recognised by the Tourism Dept of India as a genuine Heritage Hotel of India.

Originally built by an Englishman it was the home of the Raheem’s, an eminent Alleppey family, for one hundred years. Expect an intimate personalised service that respects your privacy in a sophisticated Indian setting with echoes of the Raj

The Apple Pool, named after the Velvet Apple tree in the courtyard, is a 14.7 metre pool imported from France.

This ten-room boutique heritage hotel has a Main House, formerly the Raheem family’s residence which has six high-ceilinged en-suite A/C bedrooms, an airy Main Hall with original glass fanlights and window shutters, all furnished with antiques from Kerala.

The front and back verandahs are the perfect spots for snoozing or for a quiet read from what Lonely Planet calls our ‘thoughtfully-stocked library’. Adjoining the back verandah in its own private courtyard is the Velvet Apple Swimming pool (so called because of the Velvet Apple tree nestling there).

Have a cooling drink outdoors and watch the ruby sunsets over the beach.

Round the corner is the Begum’s Nook, the biggest room in the house but tucked away in its own tiny courtyard. And not too far beyond there’s the refurbished marriage hall, now three Deluxe rooms each with its own private balcony but which in the past played hosts to many local weddings, bachelor parties (no mention of spinsters!), several important political meetings including two reputed to have been attended by Gandhiji and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Recommended by Lonely Planet as a ‘thoughtfully-stocked library’ enjoy a good read by the pool!

Stroll on the white, sandy beach
Visit local temples
Take a Backwater Cruise
Half-day excursion to an ashram
Take a trip to the paddy fields in the ‘rice bowl’ of Kerala
Explore a small authentic Indian town

An integrated mind/body system that calms the mind is available morning and evenings.

Shop for silks, spices, cotton and gold
Afternoon Tea in an Indian home
Watch the village ladies weaving coir ( rope)
Visit a spice factory
Visit to an Elephant ‘Orphanage’

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