The Brunton Boatyard
Designed by the CGH Earth group to echo Fort Cochin’s trading history, the property brilliantly channels 19th‑century Malabar style, fusing Dutch, Portuguese and English architectural influences and housing authentic period antiques throughout.
Mattancherry Palace and the spice‑laden lanes of Jew Town sit close by, while the romance of the Chinese fishing nets is only a short stroll away. Cochin’s colourful history is everywhere here; even Salman Rushdie opened The Moor’s Last Sigh in these streets.
Accommodation
All 26 rooms face the sea, each air‑conditioned and furnished in heavy teak with antique four‑poster beds, terracotta tiles and whitewashed walls. The modern ensuite bathrooms also overlook the water, offering the rare pleasure of watching ships, fishing boats or even dolphins while going about your morning routine.
Communal areas carry the hotel’s heritage character: high ceilings, tiled floors, period furniture and traditional punkah fans gently stirring the air. Outside, the deckchair‑lined pool looks directly onto the harbour, complete with a stone dolphin statue; a charming touch when dolphins appear in the river.
Dining reflects Cochin’s history and setting. History restaurant serves Portuguese, Dutch, British Raj, Arabic, Kosher and Keralan dishes made with local ingredients, while the Terrace Grill offers open‑air seafood by the water. The Armoury provides snacks and light meals in a relaxed, club‑like setting.
Experiences
- Cruise Cochin Harbour from the private jetty, gliding past working fishermen, enormous cargo ships and, with luck, a playful dolphin or two as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.
- Stroll to the iconic Chinese fishing nets, watching vendors haul in the day’s catch and cook it to order; a living tradition dating back to the court of Kublai Khan.
- Explore Fort Cochin’s landmark churches, including Santa Cruz Basilica and St Francis, the oldest European church in India and the first resting place of Vasco da Gama.
- Visit Mattancherry Palace, the Dutch‑era residence famed for its vivid Kerala murals and portraits of the Rajas of Cochin.
- Cycle through historic Fort Cochin, using the hotel’s complimentary bicycles to roam beaches, spice markets, old warehouses and hidden backstreets at your own pace.
- Wander Jew Town’s atmospheric lanes, lined with antique shops, old Jewish homes and the four‑century‑old synagogue that anchors this multicultural quarter.
- Breathe in the spice‑laden air of Mattancherry, where ginger, cardamom, turmeric and cloves fill the bustling old market – the heart of Cochin’s centuries‑old trade.
Why We Include Brunton Boatyard in Our Journeys
Kerala is cultured, fascinating, and wonderfully safe, with warm, highly educated locals who make Cochin such a pleasure to explore. For many travellers a stay at Brunton Boatyard makes for an ideal finale: elegant heritage, modern comfort, excellent fusion cuisine and gentle downtime where history is effortlessly absorbed.
Talk to us about designing your journey >
From the Team
“I’ve always loved the history of the spice trade. Long before 600 AD, Arab merchants were sailing into Cochin for pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, clove and sandalwood. This place has been a cultural crossroads for centuries since, and Brunton Boatyard sits perfectly placed to explore its historic sites, all within easy reach.”
Why Plan with Journeysmiths
Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.
Positive Impact
We prioritise working with properties that address location-specific needs from education to conservation and environmental sustainability. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that address location-specific needs from education to conservation and environmental sustainability. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
Great Places to Combine with Bruton Boatyard
unton Boatyard works beautifully as part of a wider journey in India. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.unton Boatyard works beautifully as part of a wider journey in India. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.
An encampment of luxury air-conditioned tents in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, MANVĀR Kumat offers its guests safaris by jeep, camel or foot into a wilderness that is far from a wasteland. Wildlife and communities thrive.
A mid-century delight found in Delhi’s most leafy and desirable neighbourhood, the Oberoi is a place of impeccable service and verdant views. Historic sites, both ancient and recent, are right on its doorstep.
The smallest details…
Our trip to India with Journeysmiths was exceptional, with our contact (Ross) on top of even the smallest detail. The suggested itinerary was perfectly thought out and provided a welcome mix of cultural experiences and natural wonders. Organisation 'on the ground' was seamless, including our transport, guides and other local contact. All accommodation exceeded our expectations and ensured we actively looked forward to returning to our hotel every day, despite the fun we were having.
West Bengal was the first home of the East India Company and for decades the British made Kolkata their capital. A strong colonial influence remains, but the Bengali heritage is undeniable.
Assam and Nagaland are two states in India’s northeast, separated from the bulk of the country by Bangladesh. The region is comparatively wild and sparsely populated, so it’s excellent for spotting rare wildlife.
Central India doesn’t top most traveller’s itineraries, but we think this is an oversight. The region has a wealth of important cultural sites including temples and caves, as well as superb national parks and reserves.
Rajasthan means “Land of Kings” and the palaces, fortresses and temples of this desert state back up the claim. Once ruled by Maharajas of unimaginable wealth, the opulent legacies remain.
The famed Golden Triangle begins in Delhi, the Indian capital. It’s a captivating, expansive city that lends itself to journeying south to see Agra’s Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur.
The landscapes in South India are green and the pace of life is slower. This is an ideal region for relaxing into the local way of life as you float down Kerala's waterways aboard a houseboat.
Western India is flanked by the Thar Desert and the Arabian Sea. It’s a diverse region, with the industry and large urban populations in Mumbai contrasting with the lush, tranquil beaches of Goa.
The Himalayas are undisputedly the most impressive mountain range in the world. Their snow-capped peaks hold not only life-giving fresh water, but important national parks and cultural touchpoints.
Ulley is the best place on the planet for snow leopard spotting, and Snow Leopard Lodge is the only specialist accommodation option.
The Trident, Agra is a few minutes’ walk from the Taj Mahal and presents an ideal base and relaxed ambience from which to explore the world heritage site.
Rohet House is a high-end hotel in Jodphur, part of House of Rohet portfolio of properties and the former home of the Rohet family.
Six Senses Vana is the ultimate destination for those interested in wellness and looking for a rejuvenative break. Journey through the forest to this stylish and blissful retreat where you can fully immerse yourself in the gentle world of healing, growth and nourishment. Highly trained practitioners and therapists are on hand throughout to guide you in your bespoke programme.
An authentic, welcoming and comfortable lodge in a staggeringly remote and spectacular location, this is the place to come for snow leopards and warm hospitality.
A haven of beautiful grounds that are home to luxurious, secluded and elegant tents, Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort is close to a world-renowned tiger hotspot.
India delivers extraordinary experiences, making it perfect for family adventure. Particularly engaging for inquisitive teens, it’s immersive, colourful and exhilarating. With our expert guidance, your family can enjoy a safe and fascinating journey that includes deserts, palaces, lakes, forests and wildlife.
An encampment of luxury air-conditioned tents in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, MANVĀR Kumat offers its guests safaris by jeep, camel or foot into a wilderness that is far from a wasteland. Wildlife and communities thrive.
As elegant and exotic as the palaces it gazes out over, Oberoi Udaivilas is a sumptuous hotel on the lake shore it shares with Udaipur. It’s grand, but that’s completely appropriate in this distinguished city.
A hotel that’s as grand and impressive as its name, The Imperial in Delhi is a place to enjoy supreme levels of comfort within a short distance of the historic sites of India’s capital city.
A mid-century delight found in Delhi’s most leafy and desirable neighbourhood, the Oberoi is a place of impeccable service and verdant views. Historic sites, both ancient and recent, are right on its doorstep.
A delightful camp on the edge of UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park, home to plentiful rhinos and more, Diphlu River Lodge is an excellent base from which to discover the wildlife and culture of Assam.
An exclusive-use boat on the sacred Brahmaputra River, MV Rudra Singha blends traditional charm with modern indulgence. Life aboard is relaxed and personal, while curated excursions reveal the landscapes, culture, and soul of Assam.
Wake up to Nagaland’s gorgeous mountain vistas and the sound of a nearby mountain brook.
The Mahua Kothi takes its name from the mahua tree, which is revered as the tree of life by local people.
The Wildflower Hall in Shimla is one of Oberoi’s premier natural retreats, and one of the most luxurious escapes in this breathtaking mountain region.
The Thiksey Monastery looms large over the Indus Valley, both physically and culturally speaking. At its foot is the remarkable Chamba Camp.
The ITC Maratha is luxury hotel which takes its design inspiration from the Maratha dynasty which historically ruled the area around Mumbai.
The Oberoi Mumbai is the most luxurious hotel at the heart of India’s largest city.
Stay in this harbourfront heritage hotel in Fort Cochin, where every room overlooks the busy historic harbour, and you’re perfectly placed for the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the spice‑laden markets nearby.
Carnoustie is a tranquil place to recharge and rejuvenate, surrounded by the beauty of Kerala.
Samode Haveli offers a perfect place to unwind in lush surroundings in the heart of Jaipur, but it is also ideal for guests seeking accommodation within striking distance of the city’s fascinating historical sites.
The Oberoi Amarvilas is a five-star hotel offering luxury, world-class service, and decadent Mughal decor.
Wake up to birdsong in an untouched corner of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. Sher Bagh is an ecologically friendly camp offering unmatched luxury in a unique location; it’s a safari camp which harks back to the glamour of a bygone era.
The Leela Palace Udaipur is a modern, slick hotel with jaw dropping views of Lake Pichola.
Aman-i-Khas is the most exquisite basecamp for your Rajasthani safari.
Sujan Jawai - a Relais & Chateaux property in a leopard rich wilderness - takes luxury to an entirely new level.
A Thar Desert fortress in Rajasthan that’s also a sublime boutique hotel, Mihir Garh is close enough to Jodhpur for day trips and also a perfect base for village visits, regal picnics by lakes and exploration on Marwari horses.
In a private forest adjacent to the Satpura Tiger Reserve and National Park, this encampment of jungle-luxury cottages and tents is an intrepid base for safari adventures in tiger territory.
Samode was featured by the Daily Telegraph as one of The World’s Best 50 Honeymoon hotel destinations, and it’s easy to see why.
This grand palace was built in the 1880s and has hosted countless influential leaders and celebrities throughout its rich history.
An oasis of design and tranquillity in Kolkata’s most cultured quarter, Taj Bengal offers elegance, calm and effortless access to the City of Joy’s historic landmarks.
Our Varanasi choice is the Taj Nadesar Palace, where 40 acres of lush private gardens surround the hotel.
This classic tented camp with a luxury twist is a calm and tranquil retreat set in the heart of the Sri Lankan bush. Enjoy the jungle, rivers and lagoons of Yala National Park by day, then come nightfall, you’ll head back to camp where you can recount the day’s adventures, warmed by the glowing firepit and surrounded by delicate lanterns that illuminate the surrounding trees.