Arguably the most indulgent retreat in the Backwater area, Kumarakom Lake Resort is spacious, airy and combines traditional architecture with modern interiors very well. Food is a real draw here; we love the eight-sided multi cuisine restaurant as well as the specialty seafood bar. The infinity pool that overlooks Vembanad Lake is absolutely idyllic, and so too the yoga pavilion and the Ayurveda spa. There are 50 bungalows nestled into the 10 acres of grounds; despite the number of rooms the property never feels crowded. You can choose between a standard Heritage Villa that overlooks the lotus canals and a larger Heritage Lake View Villa with views of the lake. These both have private pools. There’s also the Meandering Pool Villas; these sit around a huge meandering shared swimming pool. The most affordable option is the Luxury Pavilion Room; these nestle in the verdant gardens and don’t have a pool. We feel Kumarakom Lake Resort is one of the best resorts in the area and is ideal for those wishing to unwind at the start or end of a tour.