Kerala is quite often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, a stay at Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa only helps to reinforce this feeling.
The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa is a haven of subtle five-star luxury at whose beating heart lies a man-made lagoon of incredible beauty and tranquillity. Situated on the edge of the magnificent Vembanad Lake in Kerala, this lagoon which is surrounded by the entire resort is continuous with its waters.
The resort exemplifies the richness of the traditional culture of the place with all the best of present-day lifestyle elements. The winner of the 2007 and 2008 ‘Best Resort Spa Hotel in India’ title and honoured in The 2011 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, the resort’s charm is derived from a fine balance of natural materials, a beautifully landscaped spacious setting (the property measures 18 acres) and a spa that comprehensively offers Ayurvedic, Western and Oriental therapies.
N. Mahesh of the firm Iyer & Mahesh who was at the helm of affairs where the eco-sensitive design of this resort is concerned, has designed many buildings which have become landmarks. He believes that eco-friendly designs should go hand-in-hand with utility. “Eco-friendliness should be there in your architecture and your technology. If you are building a lake side resort in Kerala, then your designs should be vernacular.” he feels.
The infinity edged pool with its water spouting elephant sculptures, provides a stunning view of the man-made lagoon beyond it and through its connecting bridge glimpses of the Vembanad lake.
Right from entering the lobby where a four sided white Kathakali artist’s sculpture greets you, it is all about authentic wall art and sculptures accessorising a straight lined chic design plan.
From the outside in, the design scheme rests very simply on the pillars of understated style and a restraint filled reference to the traditional style of architecture. The landscape of the place has been executed by Gopakumar.
His guiding hand however was Priscilla Kamani the owner, who has a natural predilection towards good landscape design.
The large swimming pool of the resort is surrounded by water spouting elephant sculptures; this edgeless body of water provides a direct view of the central lagoon which then melts into the gorgeous waters of the Vembanad lake.
The backwaters of Kerala are well known to be ideal for revitalising both the mind and body. What helps is the presence of the delightful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary amid them and the myriad waterways where if the visit is well timed one may catch the snake-boat races as well.
And if you have the Zuri Kumarakom as your hub then it is almost certain that silent promises will be made to oneself to return to it another day very soon. It is exactly because of this confidence in Zuri Kumarakom’s charisma that its oft used tagline has been appropriately coined as ‘Welcome Back’.
Text By Mala Bajaj
Photographs Courtesy The Resort
Contact:
web: www.iyermahesh.com
