Brunton Boatyard
Cochin, Kerala
With the waters of the Arabian Sea gently splashing against its wooden terraces, there are times when this atmospheric hotel evokes the feeling of being on the deck of an old ship. In reality, you are firmly anchored to the shore, but the Brunton Boatyard puts its heritage in shipbuilding front and centre. There are exposed beams, intricately-carved details, and traditional ‘punkah’ cloth fans drifting like sails in the wind. The impact is intoxicating, allowing you to vividly imagine the region’s history and heritage - it's the kind of hotel experience we can’t resist.
Alongside nods to its industrial past, the Brunton Boatyard offers plenty of contemporary luxury. Take a dip in the pool, or sit on the sheltered terrace, and look out at the shipping traffic that still passes en route to the open ocean. Let delicious cooking aromas lead you to an array of tempting dishes, including plenty of locally-caught seafood and the house signature curry, served on the sheltered veranda, in the historic dining room, or on the languidly-shaped main terrace.
Location
Reaching out over the shore and into the shallows of the Arabian Sea, this engaging hotel is in the heart of the city’s Fort Kochi district, making it as convenient as it is comfortable.
A little more detail
Heritage with style
High-end dining
Pool terrace & spa
Yoga & gym
From a client…
This hotel is the real deal - just the right balance of heritage and modern facilities. And we adored the view from our room.
Image gallery
Why we love it
Discover what to expect from staying at Brunton Boatyard
Immersive heritage
Surrounded by Fort Kochi’s rich history, Brunton is perfectly placed for exploring and experiencing the region’s distinctive culture. Wander along streets lined with a wonderful jumble of rainbow-hued houses, and take your senses on a tour of the sights, sounds and heady aromas of the spice market. Return to the hotel to find a few peaceful moments in the sheltered gardens, imagining its past life as a bustling boatyard.
Seafood feasts
Being situated where it is, seafood naturally features prominently on Brunton Boatyard’s menus. They include plenty of locally-sourced ingredients and some fiercely hot fish curries! Eating freshly-grilled squid on the overwater terrace at sunset, with the silhouettes of those giant, sail-like fishing nets in the background, is one of those moments that feels very special.
Out on the water
Every day at around 6:30 pm, if the conditions are favourable, the hotel’s boat takes guests out into the bay to cruise as the sun sets. See Cochin from a different angle as you sail away from the harbour, watching the lights of the town begin to twinkle as dusk settles in. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two…
What can you do there?
When you’re not out exploring Cochin, or watching the sunset from your favourite spot along the rocky coastline, you can hunker down in the hotel and take some dedicated downtime. Enjoy an early breakfast of strong, sweet coffee and local treats in the sheltered garden, or head there in the mid-afternoon for a spot of tea. Cool off with a swim in the pool, curl up with a book in a cosy corner, or unwind with a herbal massage at the Ayurveda Centre.
Steps in Sustainability
Like many of the CGH Earth properties, Brunton Boatyard is taking admirable steps in sustainability. They have installed solar photovoltaic panels on the roof to heat the water, thereby reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint, and they harvest and purify rainwater to serve in refillable glass bottles, which removes the need for thousands of single-use plastic ones. It’s a great start to creating a more sustainable hotel experience for their guests.
