Brunton Boatyard

The Brunton Boatyard Hotel is a looking-glass held up to Cochin era. It s our attempt to capture the soul of a colourful and romantic age that remains one of history s most charming conjuring tricks, nurtured by Kerala s tolerant spirit. Once among Cochin s most respected shipbuilding establishments, the boatyard had gradually fallen into disuse. But its location was perfect, on a quiet harbour front deep in the heart of Fort Cochin, where every by-lane could whisper tales from the city s colourful past. Here, we set about recreating the world of 19th century Cochin, using the precise building materials of the time brick, lime, wood and terracotta. For what is essentially a small and intimate city hotel, The Brunton Boatyard possesses a remarkable sense of scale, evident the moment you turn into the tiled forecourt. The lobby is a vault of sunlight and air, framed by arches and overhung with punkahs enormous, old fashioned fans of Indo Portuguese origin. The hotel s nautical past seems to follow you around. A short saunter down the corridor brings you to a little doorway. Pass through and suddenly, the whole vista of Cochin harbour opens up beyond the pool s inviting waters. Also near the pool is the hotel s jetty, and a word at the reception gets you a variety of cruising options to choose from. The heritage of Cochin is most evident around its enormous harbour, and this is a not to be missed experience. All of the Brunton Boatyard Hotel s 22 rooms overlook the sea, and so, by happy circumstance, do the ensuite bathrooms. Few pleasures rival a long hot soak in your tub of an evening, watching the dolphins play tag with the trading ships of the globe.Your super-rested muscles should then have just enough energy to carry you to the quaint four poster bed that dominates your room. You can choose from regular rooms, or the stately Harbour suites, where the appointments feature original colonial era artifacts.