Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Cochin
India
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
Wellington Island, Cochin
682009 Kerala Kerala India
www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-malabar-cochin
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Indian Hotel Company Limited
Shareholders
Public Listed Company
Date of Creation
14th April 1986 as Taj Hotels
Hotel General Manager
Mr. Lalith Viswakumar – Area Director – Operations and General Manager. He is a hospitality industry professional with a strong background in hotel management. Also, an experienced Director Of Sales Marketing with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. Skilled in Food & Beverage, Front Office, Banquet Operations, Hospitality Management, and Yield Management. Strong operations professional with a PGDBA focused in International Hospitality & Tourism from Swiss Hotel Management School.
Hotel Positioning
5-star Luxury
Development Strategy
Taj Malabar’s development strategy involves preserving and showcasing the cultural legacy of the region while providing luxurious experiences for its guests. The resort’s recent renovation is a testament to this strategy, blending contemporary design elements with the property’s rich history and heritage.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Cochin
History & Story
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, located in Kochi, Kerala, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1940s as a British-owned residence, later converted into a hotel. Acquired by the Tata Group in 1954, the property underwent significant renovations and expansions, with a major overhaul in the 1990s adding modern amenities while preserving its colonial-era charm. Today, the 5-star luxury resort offers 93 rooms and suites, multiple dining options, a spa, and recreational facilities, showcasing stunning views of the Cochin harbor and tranquil surroundings, while also being recognized as a cultural landmark and recipient of numerous awards, including « Best Hotel in Kerala » at the India Travel Awards.
Date Renewal
• Taj Malabar Resort & Spa underwent a year-long renovation, completed in 2024. The renovation, designed by P G Patki.
• Interiors with local heritage-inspired designs.
• Culinary experiences, including Pepper, Rice Boat, and Mattancherry Bar.
• Wellness offerings, including J Wellness Circle Spa and yoga center.
Date added extensions
N/A
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Strategic Location: Overlooking the Cochin harbor, offering stunning views.
• Rich Heritage: Blending colonial-era charm with modern amenities.
• Exceptional Service: Taj’s signature hospitality and attention to detail.
Location
• Neighborhood: Willingdon Island, Kochi.
• Area: Cochin Harbour, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• 45 km from Cochin International Airport.
• Close proximity to Kochi’s major attractions, including Mattancherry Palace and Fort Kochi.
Key sites/activities in the area
• Historical Landmarks: Mattancherry Palace, Bishop’s House, Fort Kochi.
• Scenic Spots: Cherai Beach , Backwaters of Kochi ,Kochi Harbour.
• Cultural Experiences : Spice Market , Chinese Fishing Nets, Local Cuisine.
Fun Facts
• Island Life: Taj Malabar is situated on Willingdon Island, a man-made island created in 1936.
• Historic Roots: The resort’s building was originally a British-owned residence.
• Seafood Paradise: The resort’s seafood restaurant, Rice Boat, serves fresh catches from the Arabian Sea.
Children’s Corner
• Baby-Sitting Services: Available upon request, allowing parents to relax.
• Children’s Menu: Special kid-friendly meals and snacks available.
• Cribs and High Chairs: Available upon request.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of suites: 11
• Presidential Suite – 01 room
• Grand Luxury Heritage Suite – 01 room
• Grand Luxury Suite with Balcony – 01 room
• Luxury Suite with Plunge Pool – 02 rooms
• Signature Suite with Balcony – 06 rooms
Number of Luxury rooms:
• Deluxe Room – 21 rooms, 26 sqm
• Luxury Sea View Room – 22 rooms, 26 sqm
• Luxury Sunet Sea View Room -12 rooms, 26 sqm
• Heritage Room – 21 rooms, 38 sqm
• Heritage Sea View Room –6 rooms, 638 sqm
Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 93 rooms
Restaurants & Bars
• Pepper – Named after the ‘Black Gold’ that made Kerala an indomitable figure in the spice trade, Pepper Restaurant covers a spacious area. Encased in glass walls that give you a lovely view of the water and Dolphin Point, the restaurant serves an expansive menu of Indian and Continental cuisine including authentic Kerala dishes, made from scratch.
• Rice Boat – Two quintessential elements of Kerala, the cuisine and the houseboat, come together to create this iconic restaurant experience. With an open kitchen, the structure is moored on the edge of the water and you feel like you’re enjoying a meal while cruising through the backwaters With generations of tastemakers of Kerala, here fresh seafood is laced with hand-pounded spices and made with classic recipes.
•Mattancherry Bar – Probably Cochin’s favourite watering hole, the Mattancherry bar is a draw for its concoctions as much as its effervescent bartenders who remember the regulars’ choice by heart. Coated in rich brown warmed by a champagne
Wellness
• J Wellness Spa – The Spa Block greets you with a scent that is distinctly Kerala. A Teak wood carved wall welcomes you into the Ayurvedic Treatment Room where you can experience the wisdom of a medicinal system that has been perfected over thousands of years. For healing with water, let your mood dictate the activity as you’re spoilt for choice with a sauna, steam room and a lovely indoor jacuzzi.
• Fitness Centre & Pool: For fitness enthusiasts who cannot skip a workout or avid travellers who want to stay fit to explore the many sights of Cochin, the Fitness Centre has something for you. Situated on the ground floor of the Spa block with tasteful interiors, the gym makes working out an elegant affair. After a robust session, enjoy the experiential shower and wash away the grime and stress. Or, you can have a dip in the pool with a gorgeous view of the harbour.
• Rajavarma Hall- Spread across 346 sq. mt of elegance, the Raja Varma Hall is one amongst the trinity of venues at the Taj Malabar. A regal and dignified ambience, it can take in 150 – 200 people. The capacious hall accentuated with wood and cream is warmed by glorious chandeliers.
• Bristow Hall: The second meeting room seats 12 people. Abundant natural light and an enviable view of the Eastern Himalayan range inspire the proceeding and make this space ideal for brainstorming sessions, executive meetings, and strategising.
• Wellingdon Hall: The Willingdon Hall accommodates 80 people. The capacious halls accentuated with wood and cream are warmed by glorious chandeliers. They are outfitted with collapsible walls to separate or largen the space for meetings, conferences, weddings and other celebrations.
Extra Notable Features
• MORNING YOGA : Practice your Yoga, breathe in a morning guided by one of our wellness experts at chosen spots that bring in serene views of this waterfront hotel. For those who are accustomed to the din of city life, the quiet mornings at Taj Malabar are a welcome respite. You can choose to amplify it by participating in the daily yoga sessions. Under the guidance of an instructor, you’re encouraged to stretch the body, focus the breath and calm the mind. It’s a perfect start to the day.
• SUNSET AT THE JETTY: Enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets over a delectable meal with a backdrop of sailing ships and the shimmering water. One of the many bounties of Taj Malabar is the jetty that gives you water access. It’s also a beautiful spot where the sky paints an ethereal sunset and is set against a sprawling view of the water and ships. Upon request, you can enjoy an intimate meal by candlelight and gaze at the view that is only rivalled by your company.
• KERALA BOAT TOUR: Taj Malabar faces the point where the Vembanad and Periyar meet at the mouth of the Arabian Sea. This confluence deserves nothing less than a serene boat tour with the coastal air making waves in your hair. As you cruise along, you can also enjoy the panoramic views of historic Mattancherry and Vypin. If you’re lucky, you might just encounter a dolphin that might pop up along the ride and really make your journey. You could also pay a visit to Bolghatty Island, a picturesque little island in the Ernakulam district.
Number of employees
N/A