The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has expanded its portfolio with the opening of The Leela Ashtamudi, a 5* boutique resort in southern India’s Kerala. Nestled in the pristine backwaters of the Ashtamudi lakes, this really is a sanctuary of calm and tranquillity, surrounded by and rooted in the history and local culture for which The Leela is renowned.
The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel perfectly complements The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, building on the brand’s presence in the coastal state. The two resorts offer very distinctive and unique backwater and beach experiences, completing the much sought-after and serenely beautiful Kerala itinerary.
Location: A two-hour drive from Thiruvananthapuram airport, The Leela Ashtamudi is a tiny hamlet perched on the banks of the shimmering Ashtamudi Lake, formed by the confluence of the 8 lakes. It offers a magical backwater experience that flawlessly balances barefoot luxury with rustic charm. Placid, serene waters, surrounded by lush greenery and swaying coconut trees create a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Thoughtfully curated experiences unlock the magic and mystery of the locale and offer an enriching cultural immersion into the destination and its awe-inspiring setting.
Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are delighted to welcome The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, an exciting new addition to our brand portfolio. Kerala has historically been one of our key markets and strategically significant to our growth in the region. The resort marks another milestone in our journey as we continue to grow in the most alluring leisure destinations across the country. This expansion is in lockstep with the growing demand from the discerning global leisure traveller to experience meaningful and transformative journeys that are an authentic expression of a region’s beauty, heritage and culture.”
Rooms: with 93 tastefully appointed rooms that reflect the traditional Nalukettu aesthetic of Kerala, the resort is home to variety of accommodations including rooms, suites and experiential houses, embodying historic charm that seamlessly blend the old and the new and serve as a window to the resort’s breath-taking natural settings. Beautifully decorated, each room also contains traditional artefacts and furnishings steeped in culture, paying homage to the history and culture of the region. Guests can choose between the Tower Wing or the Heritage Wing or elevate their experience by upgrading to one of the two available private plunge pool villas. The resort also features two unique traditional experiential houses offering the THARAVADU Experience – namely Erattupetta and Anchal which have a rich history of more than 200 years. Those seeking ultimate luxury can reserve a private getaway with a tranquil backwater cruise on Mahayana – the quaint houseboat that comes with all the comforts of a hotel and is evocative of everything that is quintessentially Kerala.
Dining: the resort houses four unique dining venues – Keraleeyam the multi-cuisine restaurant, Portico Café, serving comfort food, Raanthal – the floating dining experience and Zirkon, the aqua-themed bar. Each venue presents mesmerising views of the tranquil Ashtamudi Lake and the abundance of nature surrounding it. The fresh produce sourced locally imbues the cuisine with regional flavours, while simple aromas infused with delicate spices create an epicurean delight of incredible sights, flavours, and tastes in everything ranging from delectable authentic Kerala Sadhyas to grand feasts. The highlight on the menu is Fish Nirvana, the resort’s very own curated signature recipe, which also has a vegetarian version in Paneer Nirvana.
Spa: the resort’s Favourite Kerala Ayurveda and Spa interweaves authentic Ayurvedic healing traditions with therapeutic and relaxation treatments that use specially formulated organic blends that soothe the mind, body, and soul. An extensive menu of rejuvenating massages, Ayurveda therapies, and detoxification programmes inspired by traditional techniques ensure an authentic and immersive wellness experience.
Leisure: facilities at the resort also include an outdoor swimming pool flanked by tropical foliage for the ultimate lakeside getaway, and a fitness centre equipped with state-of-the-art equipment surrounded by panoramic views