Sitting on the western banks of Lake Vembanad in Kerala’s backwaters, Purity is a waterfront oasis that oozes relaxation and serenity. The property was originally built back in 2003 but it has an ambience and attention to deal that matches Kerala’s crop of colonial boutique hotels. Today the villa is known as Purity and it’s owned and managed by Malabar Escapes, the brains behind Malabar House and Serenity. It boasts their signature colourful style and is filled with tastefully picked antiques, furniture and curios. The 14 bedrooms are incredibly stylish; think vibrant cushions and modern artwork set against crisp white walls, bouncy beds and polished concrete floors. Rooms are divided between the original building and the newly built building closer to the lake. We feel the rooms in the old building offer more character but the newly added rooms offer more space, bigger beds and additional comfort. Some of the rooms, the garden and the pool overlook the lake, a view that few hotels can compete with. This is an ideal option for those looking for a stylish and relaxing retreat in the backwaters.