Cochin, Kerala Holidays, India

The Vivanta Taj Malabar enjoys a plum spot at the top of Willingdon Island, overlooking Cochin’s historic harbour. Its central tower block wouldn’t win any architecture prizes today, but the rooms inside are extremely comfortable, with fabulous views across the bay, and the Keralan speciality restaurant is justly famous across the city.

Best of all though is the infinity pool, which is set amid a lush waterfront garden from where you can watch maritime traffic – from dugout canoes to giant container ships – chug past only meters away.

Our opinion

Deluxe facilities and recently refurbished rooms with great harbour views make the Taj Malabar one of the top hotels in Cochin.