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Brunton Boatyard
PRICE: Punchy but doesn’t blow the budget
In years gone by it was the busy shipyard business of Geo Brunton and Sons on the seafront in Fort Kochi. Now beautifully restored, this period building of the British Raj is a boutique, five-star hotel with a unique charm.
Brunton Boatyard remains tastefully sympathetic to its colonial and mercantile past, with tremendous high ceilings, terracotta floors, lime plastered walls and old punkah fans making it truly feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Nearly all of the hotel’s rooms (and their en suites) overlook the harbour, with its fishing boats passing in front of the pool, stunning sunsets and cries of gulls in the fresh sea air a charming accompaniment as you unwind in a hot bath. The maritime theme is a constant throughout the hotel, with nautical oil paintings and hues of blue and turquoise brightening up the light, airy rooms and exuding an ambience of vintage luxury.
The importance placed on history is an important theme, especially apparent when it comes to the dining experience. And it really is an experience, as well as a bit of a history lesson (aptly, it’s named ‘History Restaurant’), with a different culture served up in every dish, representing everything from Portuguese to Jewish and Syrian Christian to traditional Keralan cuisine.
As with all CGH Earth destinations, this is a true eco hotel. Rainwater is collected, treated and provided in glass bottles for drinking, as well as used for cooking, cleaning and heated by solar panels to produce hot water for guests.
Yonder Insight
Go on a sunset cruise around the harbour on Brunton Boatyard’s own craft to experience the beautiful seascapes and the working waterways first-hand.
On your doorstep
There is so much to explore amongst the remains of Fort Kochi. Head out on foot to explore Jew Town, Mattancherry market and watch the sunset behind the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
