Xandari Harbour is a luxury hotel, set in the heart of Fort Kochi’s spice trading district, Mattanchery, on the southwest coast of Kerala. Housed in the two century-old wharf warehouses, now fully updated, it simultaneously celebrates the culture and heritage of Cochin alongside the modern aesthetics of contemporary Indian style. Situated on the Kochi harbour, it is ideally located within walking distance from Calvathy boat jetty, Vasco de Gama Square and the Dutch Palace.
The old warehouse is cleverly converted to offer just 16 spacious rooms with charming view of either the harbour or the garden. The central courtyard and infinity pool at the Xandari Harbour, all look out over the water to Willingdon Island, giving the impression of never ending space and calm. The restaurant 51, with a beautiful alfresco dining balcony overlooking the river, serves delicious farm-to-table menu focussing on traditional ‘Malabar cuisine’ with western favourites.
Mattanchery, where Xandari Harbour is located, has been of historic importance for merchants and traders of spices. Step out of the hotel and you are in Bazaar Road, a two kilometre stretch of spice shops and warehouses. Take a leisurely walk to the nearby sites of Vasco Da Gama Church and Pardesi or Jewish Synagogue and then explore the 16th-century Fort Kochi. Cycling is a popular way to explore but boating trips can also be taken to see the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Amenities
Bar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableDisabled FacilitiesGardenMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesStay Xandari Harbour offers just 16 guestrooms spread over three floors. There are four waterfront rooms with views of the harbour including two with large picture windows with extended patios leading into the water’s edge. The first floor, Spice rooms boast wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows which open up onto Cochin’s busy harbour front while the Harbour rooms are set on the second floor. All the rooms are tastefully designed in contemporary style and luxurious spacious.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Xandari Harbour, but there are no specific facilities available for children.
Dine The in-house all-day dining restaurant 51, at the Xandari Harbour has beautiful indoor and outdoor settings. It offers a farm-to-table menu with ingredients sourced from their own organic garden located in the backwaters. Menu is focussed on traditional cuisine, the ‘Malabar Food’, that brings together Indian and Mediterranean ingredients and slowly cooked to perfection.
Relax There is a luxurious infinity pool at the Xandari Harbour overlooking the waterfront. Within the hotel are ample spaces with comfortable sitting areas to relax. There is also a fitness centre and space for yoga and meditation. Ayurvedic massage can be arranged on request.
Experience Guests at the Xandari Harbour can use the hotel’s own tuk tuk to explore the town. Nearby interesting sites include the 16th-century Mattancherry or the Dutch Palace with fusion of Portuguese and Kerala temple architecture. Adjacent to it is the Jewish Synagogue, magnificently illuminated by an exquisite Belgian chandelier. On the other side of the peninsula is the Kochi Fort, built in 1503 and all along the coast you can see fishermen using the famous Chinese Fishing Nets.
Location Located in Fort Cochin in Mattanchery District on the east side of Fort Cochin.
Getting there Overlooking the Vembanad Lake and opposite Willingdon Island, Spice Harbour is 1 hr 30 mins from Cochin airport and 5 mins by car to Cochin centre.
When to go Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical. The best time to visit is from January through to April. Summer is hot and humid; the monsoon season arrives in early June and lasts till August. While September can be dry and humid. There can be a little rain in October and November, cooling off around December and lasting until February.
Destination
Southern, India
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