Kerala

Step inside this chunky white 18th-century colonial British bungalow at the edge of the Parade Maidan, and you're immediately cooled by rooms in vibrant colors. — Frommer's

Isolated at the tip of Willingdon Island, this grand hotel offers a heritage sensibility and style, and absolute luxury, including simply excellent dining experiences — Fodor's

Set by the Arabian Sea, on acres of tropical Keralan countryside, beach-break spot Neeleshwar Hermitage is soulful and serene. — Mr & Mrs Smith

Remote, serene and as close to nature as luxury resorts get. — The Telegraph

This high-end lakefront resort invites travelers to leave their cares behind. — Gayot

Charming, intimate hotel in a converted mansion in Kochi built in 1506 as the private residence for the Portuguese governor. — Hideaway Report

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra in Kerala is an escape for all senses. On a cliff above the Arabian Sea, the palm-shaded hotel is made up of a series of historic cottages. — Mr & Mrs Smith

The best feature of this budget "hotel" is undoubtedly its location right on the waterfront -- it even has a private jetty (though no rooms overlook the water as such). — Frommer's

Drive 15 or 20 minutes out of the bustling, less appealing Alleppey and you hit the quiet green backwoods of Punnamada Lake, on the backwaters. — Fodor's

Close to the starting point of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake, the stylish but ageing individual double cottages here are set in a palm-filled garden, all with air-con and some with lake views. — Lonely Planet

A simple, colourful resort made up of thatched cottages looking out onto the famous Kovalam beach. — The Telegraph

Lush retreat between the Kappil River and a private beach, with spacious rooms modeled on traditional houseboats. — Jetsetter

Located on the famous Light House Beach, Hotel Neelakanta boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa and wellness centre. — Frommer's

The Kovalam branch of this swanky Indian hotel chain is set among sprawling green grounds and has direct access to a secluded stretch of Samudra Beach. — Lonely Planet

This dignified business hotel is quiet, tasteful, and replete with modern conveniences plus Kochi's most polished service. — Frommer's

This spotless homestay is wildly popular with budget travelers, in no small part because of the warm, knowledgeable, and extraordinarily helpful hosts. — Fodor's