Hotel Review

Coconut Lagoon – CGH Earth Review: A Serene Backwater Retreat in Kumarakom, India

March 8, 2025

Coconut Lagoon – CGH Earth Resort

Kottayam – Kumarakom Rd, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563

Booked On CGH Earth Direct Sales

LN Rating

Travel Month December, 2024
Season Peak

Stay Duration 3N

Room Lake Front Villa with Private Pool
Package Bed & Breakfast (BB)

Price / N 42,000.00 INR
Final Bill 1,51,138.00 INR

Had taken round-trip transportation from the airport, costing Rs. 5,000 per trip.

84.3054 INR = 1 USD

* All prices are in local currency and inclusive of taxes. The final bill includes any additional charges for incidentals such as food and activities.

Nestled on the tranquil banks of Vembanad Lake, Coconut Lagoon by CGH Earth offers a secluded and immersive retreat into Kerala’s backwaters. Located in Kumarakom, the resort is approximately 80 km from Cochin International Airport, with a travel time of around two hours by road to the private jetty, followed by a short and scenic boat ride. While there is a road access used primarily for logistics and staff movement, guests can only reach the resort by boat, adding to the exclusivity of the experience.

Surrounded by lush greenery and bordering the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, the resort is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The serene landscape, with its network of canals, lagoons, and traditional Kerala-style cottages, perfectly complements the natural beauty of the region. During our stay, we frequently spotted a variety of birds, including kingfishers, herons, and egrets, making it a delightful experience for wildlife enthusiasts. With its harmonious blend of heritage, sustainability, and breathtaking surroundings, Coconut Lagoon offers a truly unique and rejuvenating backwater escape.

Booking & Pre-Arrival Experience

Our booking experience with CGH Earth was exceptionally smooth and well-coordinated. Instead of using standard online booking channels, we reached out through the enquiry link on their website, as we were planning a combined stay at both Coconut Lagoon and Spice Coast Cruises. What truly set this process apart was the personalized attention we received—Mr. Ambarish Varma from CGH Earth handled our booking, queries, and follow-ups from start to finish. Having a single point of contact made communication effortless, eliminating the hassle of repeatedly explaining details, which is often not the case with larger hotel chains where different representatives handle the booking every time you send a mail or call.

Everything was managed entirely through emails, and at no point did we need to make a phone call. Mr. Ambarish Varma was incredibly efficient and prompt in addressing all our queries, making the process seamless despite multiple email exchanges. The only call we received was a day before arrival from the CGH Earth team at Cochin International Airport, who would be arranging our transportation to the resort. Despite the multiple interactions, every detail was well taken care of, ensuring a stress-free booking experience.

Arrival & Check-In Experience

Our journey to Coconut Lagoon commenced the moment we landed at Cochin International Airport, where a CGH Earth executive welcomed us upon arrival. There is a dedicated kiosk in the arrival area. After collecting our luggage, we were promptly escorted to our private car without any delay. Since we had taken an early morning flight, we made a quick stop for breakfast at a restaurant near the airport before continuing our journey. The cab provided was spacious and comfortable.

The two-hour drive to the jetty took us through a mix of highways and narrow, greenery-lined roads, adding to the scenic charm of the journey, though it did extend the travel time slightly. Upon reaching the private jetty, we were swiftly transferred to a boat along with our luggage for the final leg of our journey. Usually, boats take guests directly to the reception. But during our visit, the canal to the reception was closed, so we were dropped off at an alternate jetty within the resort.

As we arrived, the resort staff welcomed us warmly and walked us to the lobby, where we received a traditional Kerala-style welcome along with refreshing tender coconuts. However, our room was not ready upon arrival, leading to a bit of a wait. To pass the time, we took a stroll around the reception area, explored the retail outlet, and soaked in the serene ambiance of the property before being escorted to our villa.

Scenic Boat Arrival & Reception Tour

Accommodation

Our stay at Coconut Lagoon was in the Lake Front Villa with Private Pool, the most premium accommodation option at the resort. Nestled along the banks of Vembanad Lake, the villa offered breathtaking, unobstructed views of the water and created a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The villa’s architecture reflected traditional Kerala design, featuring intricately carved wooden doors, wooden ceilings, and tiled roofs, giving it a heritage feel while incorporating modern comforts. The front sit-out area with two chairs overlooking the lake was a perfect spot to unwind, especially during sunset, offering an incredible view of the changing sky over the water. Additionally, at the back of the villa, next to the private pool, a balcony overlooked the paddy fields, which was mostly like a rainwater harvest pond, providing another serene space to relax. From this spot, you can also spot birds and monitor lizards, adding to the immersive natural experience.

The private pool was one of the highlights of our stay, and we thoroughly enjoyed it, especially as we were traveling with our 14-month-old baby, who had a fantastic time splashing around. However, housekeeping did not maintain the pool area well—towels left on the loungers remained there, and dried leaves often accumulated in the pool, requiring us to clean them before using it. The villa featured a spacious bedroom and bathroom.

Lake Front Villa with Private Pool – Villa Tour

Bedroom

The spacious bedroom maintained the resort’s traditional Kerala aesthetic with wooden furnishings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. However, one major drawback was the absence of proper curtains throughout the villa. Only sheer, white translucent curtains were provided, including in the bedroom, allowing too much light to filter in. This was particularly inconvenient for us as we were traveling with our 14-month-old baby, making it difficult for him to take naps during the day. Since the resort did not have blackout curtains, the staff eventually improvised by fitting plastic sheets on the bedroom windows to block the light. While this was somewhat helpful, it wasn’t an ideal solution, as there was no way to remove them when not sleeping.

The bed and pillows were not the best but were reasonably comfortable. Another issue we faced was with the air conditioning—while the unit in the living area functioned smoothly, the AC in the bedroom was noticeably noisy, which was a slight disturbance at night. Additionally, the villa did not have a television, which is a common practice across all CGH Earth properties to encourage guests to disconnect from technology and embrace nature.

Bathroom

The bathroom, though spacious and functional, had a few shortcomings. It was conveniently connected to both the bedroom and the pool area, making movement between spaces seamless. However, the door leading to the pool was not in great shape and could use better maintenance.

In keeping with CGH Earth’s eco-friendly philosophy, a chart was placed in the bathroom emphasizing water conservation, detailing how much water gets wasted in various activities and urging guests to “Conserve Water for Tomorrow.” Ironically, despite this awareness initiative, the bathroom fittings were subpar for a luxury resort—both the hand shower and rain shower leaked even after turning off the valves, and hot water took a considerable amount of time to flow, leading to unnecessary water wastage.

The Venetian blinds in the bathroom were broken and difficult to push up or down, adding to the maintenance concerns. Additionally, while the bath essentials—including shampoo, body wash, conditioner, and moisturizer—were provided in sustainable containers, their quality was just decent, not quite up to the standards expected of a luxury resort. Another disappointing aspect was the absence of toothpaste, which was replaced with toothpaste tablets in the name of eco-friendliness. These tablets were highly inconvenient and ineffective.

Housekeeping could have been better in maintaining the bathroom. At times, the towels provided were not the cleanest, and there was no designated basket to place used towels, which would have been a practical addition. However, other amenities like the shaving kit and dental kit were uniquely designed and quite impressive.

Beyond the Lake Front Villa with Private Pool, Coconut Lagoon offers other accommodations that maintain a strong heritage connection. The Heritage Bungalows and Heritage Mansions, built from restored traditional Kerala homes, provide an authentic stay with wooden detailing and open courtyards. For those seeking exclusivity, the Pool Villas offer an added sense of privacy and indulgence.

Resort Experience

Coconut Lagoon, nestled in a secluded cove in Kumarakom, beautifully showcases the charm of Vembanad Lake. Blending nature, heritage, and sustainability, the resort features restored traditional Keralan homes amid coconut groves and serene backwater canals. With its lush greenery, tranquil lagoons, and rustic elegance, it offers an authentic and eco-conscious retreat, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Walking through the resort’s winding pathways in the early morning is a calming experience, with fresh air, gentle bird calls, and scenic backwater views setting the perfect tone for the day. A paradise for birdwatchers, the resort attracts both native and migratory birds, offering ample opportunities for sightings. A dedicated butterfly garden adds to the charm, creating a picturesque setting to relax and reconnect with nature. Hammocks under coconut trees provide the perfect spot to unwind while gazing at Vembanad Lake, and the numerous sit-outs across the property offer stunning views of the water and lush greenery.

Adding to the unique experiences at Coconut Lagoon is the charming Floating Tea Shop, a delightful representation of life on the backwaters. Since daily life here is deeply intertwined with the waterways, this floating tea shop reflects the traditional way of living, where people rely on boats to move from place to place. In the evening, the resort’s very own Tea Lady arrives in a canoe from a nearby village, serving tea along with light snacks. While the taste of the tea wasn’t particularly remarkable, the experience itself was truly unique. Whether it’s watching the sun dip below the horizon, indulging in quiet moments by the lake, or simply soaking in the serene ambiance, every corner of Coconut Lagoon is designed to inspire tranquility and appreciation for nature’s beauty.

Dining Experience

Dining at Coconut Lagoon was a bit of a letdown, especially given the overall luxury of the resort. One of the biggest disappointments was the lack of in-room dining service. With a villa that offered multiple beautiful spots to enjoy a meal, the absence of this service felt inconvenient—especially when it came to feeding our baby. While the staff mentioned that they could send light snacks and drinks to the room upon request, it wasn’t a practical solution since there was no menu to order from. The à la carte menus at both restaurants were quite limited, making dining options feel restricted. That said, we had a memorable moment when my wife requested Ulli Theeyal, which wasn’t on the menu. The chef graciously prepared it specially for her, and the taste was absolutely lip-smacking—we truly enjoyed it.

Ettukettu the signature restaurant at Coconut Lagoon, offers an authentic culinary experience in a stunning heritage setting. Housed in a restored 18th-century Kerala mansion, the restaurant serves a delectable spread of traditional Kerala cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors. From aromatic seafood to vegetarian delicacies, Ettukettu provides a true taste of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage in an ambiance steeped in history and charm.

The buffet experience at Ettukettu was underwhelming. The breakfast spread was decent but felt limited for the price charged. The dinner buffet was even more disappointing—the selection was unimpressive, and while grilled fish was served, it didn’t seem fresh. Given the resort’s focus on authenticity and quality, this was unexpected and quite a letdown.

Aymanam at Coconut Lagoon is a specialty seafood restaurant serving the freshest catch, expertly prepared with authentic Kerala flavors in a scenic lakeside setting.

This restaurant, had no vegetarian options at all. While I enjoy trying new dishes and am a non-vegetarian, my wife is vegetarian, making it an unsuitable choice for both of us to dine together. I tried the grilled lobster, which was decent but not the best I’ve had. Despite requiring prior reservations, the restaurant was completely empty the night we dined there, even though the resort was fully booked. Upon enquiring, we learned that this was the case every night during our stay.

Herons Pond Bar Heron’s Pond Bar at Coconut Lagoon features both an open-air bar next to the swimming pool and a closed bar on the first floor of the building above the changing rooms. Offering a selection of refreshing cocktails and premium spirits. Surprisingly, there is no mention of this bar on the Coconut Lagoon or CGH Earth’s official website.

While all the restaurant staff were friendly and attentive, some of them lacked familiarity with certain menu items, often having to check with others before providing answers. As there were very limited dining options, all our meals were at Ettukettu, except for one meal that I had at Aymanam. The staff were genuinely warm and accommodating, making the dining experience pleasant despite its limitations. Restaurant Manager Mr. Dinesh was particularly approachable and ensured that our little boy was well-fed, taking care to accommodate all dietary requirements.

There is a noticeable mismatch between the dining options listed on the Coconut Lagoon website and what is actually available at the resort. The website mentions a restaurant called Vembanad Grill, but no such restaurant exists. Additionally, it describes Aymanam as a specialty dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; however, in reality, Aymanam is open only for dinner and operates as a seafood grill. When we inquired with the staff, they clarified that Aymanam is the dedicated seafood specialty restaurant and that light snacks are available at Heron’s Pond Bar next to the swimming pool. Such inconsistencies can be misleading for guests planning their dining experiences in advance.

Amenities & Activities

Coconut Lagoon offers a range of amenities and activities that enhance the overall experience, blending relaxation with cultural and nature-based explorations. The resort features a beautiful common swimming pool, an Ayurvedic spa for rejuvenation, and opportunities for adventure such as kayaking and canoe rides through the tranquil backwaters. Nature lovers can enjoy early morning birdwatching with a naturalist, spotting both native and migratory species, or take a stroll through the charming butterfly garden. An eco-tour provides insights into the resort’s sustainability efforts and the local ecosystem.

Daily yoga sessions in a peaceful setting allow guests to unwind and connect with nature, adding to the holistic wellness experience. One of the highlights of our stay was the Sunset Cruise, where we sailed across Vembanad Lake accompanied by live traditional music, creating a truly magical experience. We also took part in the Butterfly Garden tour, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant insect life of the region. These activities, along with the resort’s serene surroundings, made our stay truly immersive and memorable.

Check-Out Experience

The standard checkout time at Coconut Lagoon is 11:00 AM. Since we had booked a night on the Spice Coast Cruises houseboat, another CGH Earth experience, we were scheduled to be picked up directly from the Coconut Lagoon jetty for our cruise on Vembanad Lake. With the houseboat check-in set for 1:00 PM, the resort graciously allowed us a late checkout, ensuring a seamless transition. We were called to the reception once our boat had arrived, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

The checkout itself was quick and efficient, and we appreciated that the final bills were printed on recycled paper, aligning with the resort’s eco-conscious philosophy. However, the envelope provided was made from old newspapers, which, rather than appearing sustainable, felt somewhat cheap. While we fully support eco-friendly initiatives, there are certainly better alternatives that could maintain both sustainability and premium aesthetics. That being said, the paper craft installations made from recycled materials in the reception area were truly impressive, showcasing creative upcycling in a much more refined manner. We were then escorted to our houseboat, marking the beginning of the next leg of our journey on the serene waters of Vembanad Lake.

Areas for Improvement

Sheer Curtains in Bedroom: The villa had only sheer curtains, including in the bedroom, allowing excessive light in. This was particularly inconvenient for putting our baby down for naps. The resort attempted to remedy this by placing plastic sheets over the windows, but this was not an ideal solution.
Bathroom Maintenance Issues: The bathroom fittings were subpar, with leaking hand and rain showers even after closing the valves. It also took a considerable amount of time for hot water to flow, ironically leading to unnecessary water wastage.
In-Room Dining Service: The absence of in-room dining was inconvenient, especially with a baby. Though staff mentioned they could send light snacks and drinks, there was no menu to order from, making it difficult to plan meals.
Limited Dining Options: The à la carte menus at both restaurants were very limited. Some staff also lacked familiarity with menu items, requiring them to check with others frequently.
Inconsistent Website Information: The dining options listed on the Coconut Lagoon website did not match what was available at the resort. There was no “Vembanad Grill” restaurant, and Aymanam, which was stated to serve all meals, was actually only open for dinner.
Bathroom Amenities: While eco-friendly, the provided shampoo, body wash, conditioner, and moisturizer were not up to luxury standards. Toothpaste was replaced with toothpaste tablets, which were highly inconvenient and ineffective.
Final Bill Presentation: While the resort prints bills on recycled paper, the envelope provided was made from old newspapers. This felt cheap rather than eco-friendly, especially for a luxury property. Better alternatives could be used that align with sustainability while maintaining a premium feel.

Overall Experience

Our stay at Coconut Lagoon was a unique and tranquil escape, offering a perfect blend of nature, heritage, and sustainability. The stunning lakefront location, traditional Kerala architecture, and serene ambiance made for a truly immersive experience. It was a great vacation with our baby, and we thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and warm hospitality. While the resort’s commitment to eco-friendliness was commendable, certain aspects—like room maintenance, dining options, and in-room amenities—left room for improvement. Despite these minor shortcomings, the picturesque setting and relaxing atmosphere made our stay truly memorable. For those looking to disconnect and embrace the charm of Kerala’s backwaters, Coconut Lagoon remains a wonderful choice.