Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom India, Kerala

This is without a doubt the finest hotel by the backwaters, spread over 25 acres on Lake Vembanad. It’s famous for many things, including a mighty fine high tea on the lawn, and for hosting Prince Charles and his entourage for the British royal’s 65^th birthday celebrations in 2013. Kumarakom Lake Resort is a great choice for those seeking luxury standards in beautiful Kumarakom.

From the resort, you can organise day trips into the backwaters, or visit the Kavanar Bird Sanctuary to spot hundreds of rare and beautiful bird species. Instead, you may choose never to leave the resort, which is equipped with a lakeside infinity pool and Jacuzzi, a fitness centre, an Ayurvedic spa, and plenty of water sports on the lake. Save some time for a banana boat ride(!) or a sunset lake cruise. Although there are two great restaurants on-site, if you want to go out for dinner, you can access the resort by vehicle.

The rooms and villas are arranged in a U shape so as to make the most of the wonderful views. The meandering pool villas are particularly unique; all arranged around a private pool with separate step entrances from the villas themselves. All the rooms are spacious, but the heritage villas are particularly large and have their own private pools.

Kumarakom Lake Resort is large and sprawling, so it doesn’t have an intimate feel to it, but if you want a certain standard of luxury and royal treatment, this is by far the best place to stay in the area.