Originally owned by Dutchman Jan Herman Clausing in 1755, this historical Fort Cochin property was subsequently sold to spice traders, tea traders, and bankers - finally becoming The Malabar House in 1996. Funny thing though, the minimal and forward-thinking interiors still exude a palpable Dutch design sensibility. Think Rotterdam in the middle of India.
The 17 rooms and suites - 11 deluxe rooms on the ground floor, five roof garden suites, and a duplex Malabar suite - are all filled with original artwork, and bright swathes of color adorning feature walls. Sensible furnishings seems as though taken directly from northern Europe's style centers.
What are distinctly Indian, though, are both the food, scenery, and Ayurvedic spa. Spicy, robust flavors surround your palate. And the Kalarippayat-inspired ayurvedic oil massage a try ... well ... you'll just have to see for yourself.