What the Guidebooks Won’t Tell You: 3 Reasons to Plan a Trip to Kerala

Holiday season is well and truly upon us!

As always, we’re on the hunt for a holiday that ticks all the boxes. Countries are being carefully considered, ticket prices are being compared, and bags are eagerly waiting to be packed. If you’re looking for a trip to truly experience a sense of the community, keep the little ones entertained, AND get some (much needed) relaxation time, Kerala could be just the place!

Kerala still remains a road (slightly) less travelled for Hong Kong families, so the destination isn’t (yet) packed with tourists. With so many gorgeous landscapes to explore around Asia, it can be tricky picking which hits our priority list. If you’re not planning on spending time in Delhi or Mumbai, we’d recommend flying to Cochin International Airport via Singapore on Singapore Airlines. You can leave around 2pm Hong Kong time and be in bed before midnight Kerala time. Perfect. Convenient flights, breathtaking views, and exciting new cultures to explore? Tick! Oh, and we haven’t even told you about the best bit: Indian Summer House.

Let’s face it, mamas, accommodation really does take a trip to the next level and this personal boutique villa is all about creating a home away from home! Surrounded by award-winning, architectural-designed gardens and romantic walkways (for some parents-only time), the palace-like retreat really is a breath of fresh air. By blending comfort and Keralan culture, all you have to do is slow down and recharge, letting the experts take care of the rest…

Located near the meandering Muvatttapuzha River in Southern India, the Indian Summer House is privy to all of Kerala’s secret local attractions. The experienced staff are all set to sort your holiday itinerary, making sure the trip is exactly what you’re after. Whether you’re exploring by boat, by bike or simply strolling along on foot, the lush tropical landscape will keep the whole clan on their toes. Step away from the on-the-go nature we adopt in Hong Kong and experience the benefits of yoga and Ayurveda. Or make the most of the (countless!) day trips offered and explore the best of Kerala!

Accommodating up to 10 guests across 4 spacious private guest rooms, the Indian Summer House is entirely yours throughout your stay (regardless of your group size). So whether you’re planning on pairing up with another family or venturing out for some parents-only time with fellow mamas and papas, this luxury trip is like no other. Each of the spacious guest rooms overlook the garden, have an outdoor rain shower, and offer exclusive use of the tropical garden, private pool, on-site spa and gym. The staff and your dedicated host will be on hand to prepare meals, organise local activities, arrange yoga or meditation classes and book Ayurveda treatments during your stay. Yes, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds…

www.indiansummerhouse.co

Click through the slideshow for our top three reasons to book to Kerela…

From visiting ancient temples to exploring wildlife sanctuaries, there’s plenty to keep your days full in Kerela. Join a local or take a self-guided walk through Muvattapuzha to truly feel a world away from Hong Kong’s bustling city life. Between relaxation time and taking care of the family, it can be tricky to plan each step of a holiday, which is precisely why we’re ready to let the experts do their thing! The Concierge Service at Indian Summer house organise all the little details, so all we have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. If you’re after some shopping, they’ll steer you towards the best silk saris, traditional jewellery and Khadi cotton shopping in the district. Or you can spend your sunny afternoons kayaking at the private Sailing Club. Looking to venture further out? The unique outbound tours include a camping trek from Munnar to the Cardamom Plantations and Kerala’s third highest peak! No matter what you’re after, you’re guaranteed to get a true sense of the the local lifestyle…

Keen to check out the local (flavour-filled) cuisine? With fresh seafood, and an abundance of tastes, textures and colours, this place is foodie heaven. From fragrant curries, brimming with spices, to refreshing fruit juices, there’s something for every member of the family. A popular short tour the Indian Summer House organises is a river crossing and tea time at Mohanan’s Tea House. You can follow this up with a local lunch at the Public Works Department while getting insight into the way the community operates in this part of India. Oh, and no stay at the Indian Summer House is complete without a cooking lesson with the head Chef!

We get it mamas, as a parent, you’re already operating at 100 miles an hour, so it’s no surprise that sometimes, the one thing you’re looking for is down time. Though exploring a new place is exciting in principal, pillow-time is often the best bit of going on holiday (hey, there’s no shame in that). With an in-house Ayurveda Spa, offering a selection of ayurvedic spa treatments, yoga and meditation, the Indian Summer House prides itself in relaxing your mind and body. The Chef can also help with special cleansing and detox menus.The villa itself is all about celebrating life’s little luxuries – something we are definitely on board with!