Whilst the UK summer comes and
goes in a tepid flash, it's time to think about escaping
for some autumn and winter sun so that you can snare the
warm beauty of a long, lingering Indian summer. And once
the monsoon season is over in time for September, the
balmy, tropical paradise of Kerala in South India, will
be bursting with sunshine all the way through to next
April. Which is why we've been out there to find you the
very best unique homestays in the region. And you can
forget the busy beaches and tourism scene of Trivandrum,
these special places to stay are hidden gems hosted by
generous local families. But whilst you lap up an
intimate experience of Keralan culture, cuisine and
scenery, you certainly won't be scrimping on style or
luxury...
PHILIKPKUTTYS, Kottoyam District, Kerala
Enjoy the hidden gems of the Keralan
backwaters from a magical island retreat. Arrive
by boat to this island paradise that encapsulates
eco-tourism at its most luxurious. Six cottages
fashioned in traditional Keralan style peep out from
beneath the coconut palms, boasting incredible views
over the backwaters. Enjoy private, super-comfortable
lodgings with first-class facilities, whilst also
joining in the local lifestyle and mealtimes in the
family residence. A walk around the lush farm island
will introduce you to much of the produce you will find
on the dinner table, including coconuts, nutmeg,
bananas, cocoa, cardamom, cinnamon and peppers.
www.philipkuttys.uniquehomestays.com
(Villas from $185 per night, Sept-April)
TRANQUIL PLANTATION
HIDEAWAY, Wayanad, Kerala Tranquil
by name; tranquil by nature. This plantation
hideaway tucked amongst the stunning scenery of the
Western Ghats is a luxurious retreat in the arms of
nature. Oozing with the colonial ambience of yesteryear,
yet boasting modern facilities on par with the best
hotels, this extravagant homestay is situated in a
400-acre coffee, cardamom and vanilla plantation. Follow
the jungly paths to 'Lookout Rock' for breakfast served
with a jaw-dropping view or take a dip in the azure-blue
pool; but it is the luxury tree house that really steals
the show. For romantic couples a stay in this
magnificent treetop abode carved out of coffee wood is
an absolute must. www.tranquilresort.uniquehomestays.com
(From 170 Euro per night per standard double - inclusive
of all meals, local taxes and local
sightseeing)
MOTTYS HOMESTAY AND
MARARI BEACH COTTAGES, Alleppey, Kerala
Enjoy the culture and cuisine of Kerala on
the beach and the backwaters Choose
from a traditional heritage home in the heart of the
backwaters, or one of four luxury fishermen's cottages
on a nearby palm-fringed beach. Or why not try both?
From your stylish accommodation in a traditional family
home you can learn the secrets of the local cuisine, try
an authentic ayurvedic massage, or head into the
backwaters by houseboat or dugout canoe. And from your
fully-catered beach cottage you might desire to do very
little except swing in the hammock, sip the milk of
fresh coconuts, dine on sumptuous cuisine on the
veranda, and soak up the sun from your open-air
shower. www.mottys.uniquehomestays.com
(Full-board only $50 per person per night)
THARAVAD, Palakkad,
Kerala A heritage homestay set in the
lush rice paddies of Kerala The
two-hundred-year-old ancestral home of the Kandath
family, Tharavad is an exceptional example of
traditional Keralan architecture and one of the only
homes of its calibre left standing in the area. This
beautiful heritage home has been meticulously maintained
to keep its original features including magnificent
rosewood and teak pillars and 'Nadumuttams' - open-air
courtyards inside the building. Tharavad makes an
exceptional location for an overseas wedding celebration
in true Indian style, but whatever the occasion your
warm host, Mr Bhagwaldas, will treat you to the finest
local cuisine and hospitality and take you to the local
villages where you can witness the artisan skills of the
region. www.tharavad.uniquehomestays.com
(From £70.00 per room per night, including all
meals)
AYISHA MANZIL, Tellicherry,
Kerala A colonial-style Malabari
heritage home overlooking the Arabian Sea
Indulge in sumptuous regional cuisine and
enjoy being pampered when you stay in this 145-year-old
Malabari heritage home that almost topples into the
azure ocean on its doorstep. Inside you will find
terracotta-tiled floors, regal furnishings, and a maze
of spacious rooms linked with living spaces, mezzanine
levels and balconies facing the divine views. There are
seven palacial suites where you can enjoy royal
comforts, and outside you can take a dip in the
temple-style swimming pool. With an internationally
renowned chef, there is nowhere better to sample to the
local Mopillah cuisine than Ayisha Manzil. And in a
location enveloped in local culture, you can also
experience the rare and ancient dance form of the
Theyyam at a local temple. www.ayishamanzil.uniquehomestays.com
(Full-board $200pp inclusive of all meals and
sightseeing)
THE TRYST, Nilgiris, Tamil
Nadu Hideaway in the peace and quiet
of the stunning Nilgiri Mountains
Just over the border in the even more peaceful
neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, this exclusive
homestay tucked up in the hills amongst a tapestry of
tea gardens, is definitely worth a visit whilst you're
in the region. Set on the side of a hill surrounded by
spectacular scenery, The Tryst is a beautiful home
packed with antiques and fine furnishings. The beautiful
grounds boast water features, topiary, fruit, vegetables
and medicinal plants, and the six bedrooms range from
Indian, Italian, Egyptian, Victorian, Spanish and
Country Cottage in style. www.tryst.uniquehomestays.com
(Full-board only £45 pppn)
Travel Information: The
easiest route is to fly into Cochin (Kochi)
International Airport. You can also fly to Trivandrum or
Bangalore. Please feel free to contact us for any
further travel advice.
ENDS
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For More Information Contact:
Sarah
Stanley Tel: +44(0)1637
881183 Email:sarah@uniquehomestays.com Web:
www.uniquehomestays.com
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This is a small selection of
our unique home stays. Please see our website for
more ideas and accommodation to suit you. We have
properties in the UK, USA, Spain, South Africa,
Portugal, New Zealand, Italy, India, Greece,
Germany and France.
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Please contact Unique Home
Stays in the event of featuring any of our
properties. |
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A selection of
high-resolution images is available.
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We work alongside a handful
of professional journalists who can provide
bespoke write-ups if required.
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Launched in 2001, Unique Home
Stays offers the crème de la crème of privately
hosted accommodation that offers a unique
alternative to run-of-the mill hotels. Having
travelled the world, MD Sarah Stanley knew what
she expected from top quality accommodation:
Intimate and luxury hospitality, pristine homes
oozing with character, excellent regional cuisine
and comfortable bedrooms with all the trimmings.
Today Unique Home Stays offers superior
accommodation in over 100 homes scattered over 14
different countries. The properties include
castles, priories, rectories, windmills, water
mills, townhouses, coastal homes and even a house
in the sea. |
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