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KAYAL ISLAND RETREAT

Abode inspired by the village

SOUTH INDIA - Kerala, Cochin

Tradition, myths and untouched natural beauty meet here at Kayal, a resort hidden in a quiet island on Vembanad lake, India's largest lagoon. On a soul searching trip to this island, Maneesha Panicker, the founder of experiential travel outfit, realized she had to share the authenticity of this unexplored land with her guests. At Kakkathuruthu, the Island of Crows, she built Kayal, an intimate space where fisherfolk and farmers share their life with guests. Though not far from the ancient port city of Kochi, the island, connected only by traditional rowboats, is off the maddening rush of modernity.While experiencing the luxury at Kayal, you will be taken back to time when life was simpler.

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SPIRIT to discover
MANEESHA PANIKER
STORY to share
KAYAL ISLAND RETREAT
STYLE to experience
INSPIRED BY VILLAGE

KAYAL ISLAND RETREAT

INDIA, KERALA, COCHIN

Abode inspired by the village

Say hello to Maneesha - In another life, she was no different from you. She lived in New York, worked in the bustling, mega metropolis and loved every moment of it.

Photo: Kayal Island Retreat



KAYAL ISLAND RETREAT

INDIA, KERALA, COCHIN

Abode inspired by the village

Kayal is our ode to slow living and simpler times. It was a touch of serendipity that brought us here – to this little secret island on India's largest lagoon, Lake Vembanad.

Photo: Kayal Island Retreat

KAYAL ISLAND RETREAT

INDIA, KERALA, COCHIN

Abode inspired by the village

For centuries the people of Kakkathuruthu lived in harmony with nature and with each other. This perhaps is their secret to looking younger and living fuller, happier lives.

Photo: Kayal Island Retreat

KAYAL ISLAND RETREAT

INDIA, KERALA, COCHIN

Abode inspired by the village

When we created Kayal, we chose to embrace this life of the island folk. To have minimal impact on nature, we used reclaimed and recycled material to recreate our cottages. To promote sustainable living, we strive for greater local participation.

Photo: Kayal Island Retreat

KAYAL ISLAND RETREAT

INDIA, KERALA, COCHIN

Abode inspired by the village

At Kayal, we truly believe we owe our existence to nature and the community we live in. We believe in growing together with the local community and we hope our guests can support us in our endeavors.

Photo: Kayal Island Retreat

Come away with us to explore a life charmed.

Kayal is our ode to slow living and simpler times. Tucked away on the secluded shores of Kakkathuruthu, the Island of Crows, Kayal mirrors the undiscovered, unspoiled natural beauty of Kerala. The only way to get here is by traditional rowboats. And when you're here, all you've got to do is give in to the moment. Take a pause. Put your dizzying routine on hold. And experience life as it were a hundred years ago.

Harmonious living

For centuries the people of Kakkathuruthu lived in harmony with nature and with each other. This perhaps is their secret to looking younger and living fuller, happier lives.

When we created Kayal, we chose to embrace this life of the island folk. To have minimal impact on nature, we used reclaimed and recycled material to recreate our cottages. To promote sustainable living, we strive for greater local participation. We involve and engage the islanders in every way we can – from employing them and making them a part of the everyday functioning of Kayal, to encouraging them to share their stories with our guests. For our authentic recipes, we source our produce from local farmers and fishermen.

To garner greater awareness and respect for these local communities, we encourage our guests to partake in the island's traditions and culture. Our interactive theatre and art shows with the locals are not just expressions of creativity, but also identity. At Kayal, we truly believe we owe our existence to nature and the community we live in. We believe in growing together with the local community and we hope our guests can support us in our endeavors.

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