Must-see hotels in Northern Kerala

This fabulous, plastic-free beachfront ecoresort consists of 18 sleekly designed thatch-roof cottages inspired by Kerala fishers' huts, with voguish…

Surrounded by jungle and spice plantations, lovely Varnam is an oasis of calm 3km south of Katikulam in northern Wayanad. Varghese and Beena will look…

With a warm family welcome, this wonderfully peaceful and exclusive resort is pocketed away on an incredibly lush 1.5 sq km of working pepper, coffee,…

In northern Calicut, the restored 1850 home of the Kadathanadu royal family is as serene as it gets – a traditional family compound with pristine lawns,…

Amid coffee, fruit and spice plantations with sweeping reservoir panoramas, Amaryllis elevates the humble Kerala homestay into a luxury-boutique affair…

Secluded and on an 80-year-old estate overlooking banana plantations, ginger crops and rice paddies, this charming homestay (which translates as My Own…

Costa Malabari pioneered tourism in this area and consists of three lovely homestay-style properties just back from Thottada Beach. Costa Malabari 1 has…

In a stellar clifftop location overlooking secluded Adikadalayi Beach, this wonderfully friendly address is a sprawling family property of well-presented…

In a prime spot among palms, frangipanis and oleanders, facing northern Thottada Beach, charming Blue Mermaid has two immaculate rooms in a traditional…

The handful of rooms at this welcoming jungle guesthouse are comfortably appealing, but the standout factor is the fabulous location on the sanctuary…

A century-old traditional Keralan building with handsome wooden shutters, hidden beneath coconut palms and separated from Thottada Beach by a small lagoon…

An elegant blend of Balinese and Keralan architecture infuses Bekal's opulent Taj, on secluded southern Kappil Beach 6km north of town. The pool overlooks…

A beautifully remote-feeling resort fringed by spice, coffee and tea plantations, 8km southwest of Kalpetta. Each of the private cottages is individually…

Chembra Peak looms high above this peacefully positioned, red-brick, colonial-era bungalow turned boutiqueish hostel, set in leafy gardens 6km south of…

Around 10km northwest of Payyanur and 5km southwest of Ayitti Jetty, this tranquil homestay, sandwiched between a near-empty golden-sand beach and the…

The six rooms tucked into this 19th-century rust-red heritage home are enormous and filled with antique furniture, but most guests come for the Mappila …

A smart, contemporary, good-value five-star with all the business trimmings, popular for its professional service, outdoor pool and spacious, well…

Comfortable whitewashed cottages with terraces and traditional Mangaluru-tile roofs surround a pool amid shady grounds of palms and hibiscus at this warm,…

Under the watch of welcoming Hyacinth, this character-filled heritage home fronts unspoilt, palm-fringed Ezhara Beach, 9.5km southeast of Kannur. Rooms…

Hidden amid greenery above quiet Kizhunna Beach (just south of Thottada Beach), this warm, yellow-walled guesthouse makes up for its lack of beach views…