A boutique luxury hotel set in a 19th-century boat building facility in Fort Kochi, blending colonial heritage with modern comforts. Features three pools, seafood-focused dining, and stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Chinese fishing nets.
CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard occupies a meticulously restored 19th-century boat-building facility on the waterfront of Fort Kochi, Kerala, in the lanes near Calvathy Road. The hotel sits at the intersection of Kerala's colonial heritage and contemporary luxury, positioned within easy walking distance of Fort Kochi's most significant landmarks — the iconic Chinese fishing nets are roughly 300 metres away, St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India) stands approximately 500 metres to the north, and the Jewish Quarter with the Paradesi Synagogue is a 15-minute walk. The building's history as an active boatyard during the Dutch and British colonial periods is woven throughout the interiors: massive teakwood beams, exposed laterite stone walls, antique maritime artefacts, and scale models of historic vessels create an atmosphere of living history.
The hotel has 26 rooms across Heritage Rooms, Heritage Superior Rooms, and Dutch Bungalow Suites, each individually designed with period furniture, four-poster beds, and either garden or sea-facing views. The intimate scale — only 26 rooms — is central to the Brunton Boatyard experience, ensuring highly personalised service that larger resort properties cannot replicate. The History restaurant serves one of Kochi's most regarded seafood menus, emphasising the cross-cultural culinary heritage — Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish, and Arab — that defines Fort Kochi's cooking tradition. Breakfast earns consistent praise for its Kerala staples: appam with coconut milk, puttu, freshly ground spice chutneys, and banana-leaf presentations.
Three swimming pools include one with direct views over the Arabian Sea and the Chinese fishing nets, framing what is arguably Fort Kochi's most distinctive pool panorama. The CGH Earth group, known for responsible luxury and ecological sensitivity, ensures the property maintains sustainable food sourcing and heritage conservation practices. The hotel team arranges Kathakali performance bookings at nearby venues, heritage walking tours of the spice warehouses and Jewish Quarter, backwater houseboat cruises, and private cooking classes in Kerala cuisine. The Fort Kochi location also places guests within reach of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale exhibition sites, the Pepper House arts complex, and Mattancherry's antique and spice markets.
Amenities
- Pool
- Spa
- Heritage rooms
- Sea view
- Fine dining
- Kathakali show arrangements
- Boat tours
Location
1/498 Calvathy Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Highlights
- A 19th-century boatyard meticulously converted into a 26-room boutique luxury hotel in the heart of Fort Kochi
- Walking distance to Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue
- History restaurant celebrated for seafood menus reflecting Fort Kochi's multicultural Portuguese, Dutch, and Arab culinary heritage
- Three pools including a sea-view pool with direct sightlines to the Arabian Sea and Chinese fishing nets
- CGH Earth group responsible-tourism ethos with sustainable food sourcing and heritage conservation practices
Tips for visiting
- Dutch Bungalow Suites offer the most historically immersive experience; Heritage Superior Rooms with sea view are excellent value
- The History restaurant draws Kochi's food community and fills quickly — reserve a table in advance even as a hotel guest
- CGH Earth properties actively support local artisans and sustainable seafood sourcing; the dining reflects genuine local sourcing
- Ask the reception team for the printed Fort Kochi heritage map — an excellent companion for a self-guided walking tour of the quarter
- Peak season is October to February; advance booking of 3–4 weeks is strongly recommended for Christmas and New Year periods
Accessibility
The heritage building has uneven historic stone flooring and several steps between levels that present challenges for wheelchair users. There is no full step-free route through the property. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly before booking to discuss the most suitable room and access options.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Brunton Boatyard from Kochi Airport?
The hotel is approximately 38 km from Cochin International Airport, around 45–60 minutes by road. The Kochi Water Metro also connects the mainland to Fort Kochi. The hotel can arrange airport transfers on request.
Is the hotel suitable for families with young children?
The hotel is primarily designed for couples and cultural travellers. Children are welcome, but the fragile heritage décor, compact pool areas, and boutique scale make it less suited to families with very young children compared to larger resort properties.
Does Brunton Boatyard offer Ayurvedic treatments?
The hotel has a spa offering traditional Kerala therapies and Ayurvedic treatments. The CGH Earth group has expertise in authentic Kerala Ayurveda and can arrange extended multi-day wellness programmes.
What is the best room type at Brunton Boatyard?
The Dutch Bungalow Suites offer the most spacious and historically rich experience. Heritage Superior Rooms overlooking the pool and sea are an excellent mid-tier choice with strong sea views and good natural light.