Spice Coast Cruises – CGH Earth
Puthenangadi, Muhamma PO, Alleppey, Kerala 688525
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Travel Month December, 2024
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Season Peak
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Stay Duration 1N
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Boat Type double-cabin Glass Window
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Package Full Board (FB)
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Price / N 28,300.00 INR
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Final Bill 28,300.00 INR
– Upgraded from single-cabin houseboat to double-cabin houseboat glass windows
84.3054 INR = 1 USD
* All prices are inclusive of taxes. The final bill includes any additional charges for incidentals such as food and activities.
Spice Coast Cruises by CGH Earth offers an enchanting and authentic way to experience the timeless beauty of Kerala’s famed backwaters. Part of CGH Earth’s commitment to responsible and immersive travel, Spice Coast Cruises was conceptualized to preserve the rich maritime heritage of the region while providing guests with a serene, slow-paced escape on the tranquil waters of Vembanad Lake.
The fleet consists of beautifully restored kettuvallams — traditional wooden houseboats once used to transport rice, spices, and other goods through Kerala’s intricate network of canals. Meticulously handcrafted using time-honored techniques maintaining their authentic character while being thoughtfully adapted for comfortable stays. The interiors feature rustic wooden finishes, understated décor, and open decks, perfectly blending tradition with simple, eco-friendly luxury.
For our visit, we opted for a one-night stay on board, traveling with our 14-month-old baby. While our experience was delightful, it’s worth noting that the recommended stay is ideally at least two nights to truly unwind and make the most of the backwater experience. The boats are permitted to cruise only during daylight hours, typically starting after breakfast and anchoring by sunset.
Booking & Pre-Arrival Experience
Our booking with CGH Earth was smooth, efficient, and personal. As we were planning a combined stay at Coconut Lagoon and Spice Coast Cruises, we reached out through their website enquiry form. Interestingly, the website only showed an option for a two-bedroom houseboat — we weren’t even aware that one-bedroom boats existed until we contacted them directly. The information available online is quite limited in this regard.
Mr. Ambarish Varma from CGH Earth personally handled our reservation and follow-ups, making the entire process seamless with a single point of contact. Everything was coordinated over email, with every query addressed promptly and clearly. Apart from a confirmation call from their Cochin Airport team a day before arrival, no calls were needed. It was a hassle-free, well-organized experience that made planning this trip effortless.
You can also check out our Coconut Lagoon – CGH Earth Review here for a detailed look at our stay before boarding the houseboat.
Arrival & Check-In Experience
As mentioned earlier, we had been staying at Coconut Lagoon – CGH Earth for three nights before our houseboat journey with Spice Coast Cruises. While guests typically check in to the houseboats from the Spice Coast jetty in Alleppey, located across the Vembanad Lake, arrangements were made for us to board directly from the Coconut Lagoon jetty, making the transition smooth and convenient.
The check-in time for the houseboat was 1:00 PM, while Coconut Lagoon’s checkout is scheduled for 11:00 AM. We were granted a late checkout, allowing us to stay in our room until the houseboat arrived. However, considering CGH Earth’s luxury positioning, it would have been a gracious gesture for this to be offered by default for guests transitioning to their houseboats, rather than leaving it as a request-based accommodation. During booking, we were told it couldn’t be guaranteed — something that adds unnecessary anxiety for travelers, especially families.
After settling our final bill at Coconut Lagoon, we were escorted to the jetty, where our houseboat awaited us. During the booking process, I had inquired about the glass-enclosed houseboat, known for its enclosed air-conditioned dining and lounge area — a major advantage when traveling with a toddler. At the time, we were informed this option was only available in a two-bedroom configuration, and the one-bedroom houseboat was the traditional open-deck kettuvallam.
To our pleasant surprise, they had sent the two-bedroom, glass-enclosed houseboat for us. This was an unexpected yet deeply appreciated gesture, as it made a world of difference to our stay. The glass-enclosed space offered a secure, shaded, and insect-free environment, allowing our 14-month-old baby to move around freely without constant worry. It also allowed us to enjoy the beautiful views of the backwaters in greater comfort.
We were warmly welcomed aboard by the three-member crew, who would be looking after us during our stay. Soon after boarding, they offered us a quick tour of the houseboat, walking us through the bedrooms, dining area, and deck, while explaining the safety features and amenities available onboard. Once the boat set sail through the tranquil backwaters, we were served some refreshing welcome drinks, a thoughtful touch that allowed us to settle in, relax, and soak up the serene surroundings as our houseboat gently cruised along.
Accommodation
The boat we were assigned was a beautifully crafted glass-enclosed houseboat, seamlessly blending traditional kettuvallam aesthetics with thoughtful modern comforts. The glass-fronted dining and lounge area offered uninterrupted views of the serene backwaters while providing a secure, enclosed space — a feature we especially appreciated while traveling with our little one. The design ensured we could enjoy the beauty of the Vembanad Lake without worrying about the elements or insects in the late evening, making it both practical and luxurious.
Spice Coast Cruises – CGH Earth: House Boat tour and experience
Bedroom
The bedroom was spacious and traditionally designed, retaining the charm of Kerala’s kettuvallams while offering essential comforts. However, the mattress and pillows were a noticeable letdown for a luxury brand. Instead of a proper king-size mattress, there were two single mattresses joined together, which was uncomfortable — it might have been difficult to get a king-sized mattress through the narrow doors and passages of the houseboat. That said, a thick mattress topper could have easily resolved this issue, making the bed far more comfortable, especially as we were traveling with our little one. The blankets too felt quite basic and didn’t match the luxury positioning of the brand.
Another significant issue we faced was the unpleasant diesel smell that seeped into the bedroom during the night. It made the sleeping experience uncomfortable and was quite disappointing considering the serene surroundings and otherwise peaceful setting. This is something that definitely needs to be addressed for a truly premium houseboat experience.
Bathroom
The bathroom on the houseboat was very basic, resembling what you might find in a budget hotel rather than a luxury property. It wasn’t particularly well-maintained, and most standard bathroom amenities were missing that one would typically expect from a premium hospitality brand. The fittings and cleanliness left much to be desired.
While we felt the bathroom experience at Coconut Lagoon could have been better, in comparison, it was still far superior to what was offered on the houseboat. Given CGH Earth’s luxury positioning, the bathroom setup here was quite underwhelming and a noticeable mismatch with the rest of the serene and well-curated houseboat experience.
One thing to note is that the air conditioning in the bedroom is switched on only after the boat is docked at the jetty in the evening, once it’s connected to shore power. Thankfully, this wasn’t an issue for us as the cool breeze while cruising kept the interiors pleasant and comfortable through the day.
Overall, there was a noticeable mismatch between the accommodation experience on the houseboat and at Coconut Lagoon. Despite being part of the same brand, the quality and attention to detail weren’t consistent, with the houseboat falling short on comfort, upkeep, and amenities for a luxury offering.
Cruise Experience
Cruising through the serene backwaters and the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake was truly a wonderful experience. The calm waters, lush green banks, and occasional glimpses of local village life created a setting that was both peaceful and immersive — a side of Kerala best experienced from the water.
What truly elevated our experience were the three-member crew onboard. Warm, attentive, and exceptionally hospitable, they ensured every moment on the boat was comfortable and memorable. Their genuine care and service masked many of the shortcomings we encountered with the accommodation and left us feeling well looked after throughout our journey.
The cruise began at 1:00 PM soon after we boarded, with a gentle sail through the backwaters. Around lunchtime, the boat docked briefly while a freshly prepared meal was served, after which we continued cruising before anchoring for the night at Spice Coast’s dedicated jetty — a remote, peaceful location where all of their one-night houseboats are stationed overnight.
Dinner was served onboard and, while our sleep wasn’t the most restful, the sunrise the next morning made up for it. The view across the misty backwaters was stunning, and the quiet location, though not particularly well maintained, offered a charming early morning walk through the adjacent paddy fields.
Post breakfast, we resumed cruising around 8:30 AM and reached the Spice Coast Cruises’ main jetty by 10:00 AM, marking the end of our backwater journey.
Dining Experience
All meals were freshly prepared on board by the onboard chef, using local ingredients. The cuisine was traditional Kerala fare, featuring delicious vegetarian dishes, freshly caught fish, and homemade accompaniments.
Lunch, evening tea with local snacks, and dinner were served on the dining area at the front of the boat, offering beautiful lake views as we dined. The flavors were authentic, and the service was warm and personalized. Breakfast the next morning was simple but satisfying.
The chef prepared every meal thoughtfully based on our preferences, and each dish was absolutely lip-smacking, authentic, and bursting with local flavors. What made the experience even more special was the personal attention to our 14-month-old’s requirements — from mild, baby-friendly dishes to ensuring the textures and flavors suited him. It truly elevated our onboard dining experience and reflected the crew’s genuine warmth and hospitality.
Check-Out Experience
Check-out was smooth and well-coordinated. After breakfast, the boat cruised to the Spice Coast Cruises jetty by around 10:00 AM. There was no extra payment to be made as everything was included in the booking price. The airport drop vehicle, which we had pre-booked through CGH Earth, was ready and waiting for us. Since our check-out was early and the available flights were later in the evening, we decided — for the convenience of our little one — to stay overnight at a hotel near Cochin Airport and take our flight the following morning. The staff assisted us with our luggage and bid us farewell with genuine warmth, marking the end of our houseboat journey.
Areas for Improvement
While the overall experience aboard Spice Coast Cruises was memorable, there are a few areas where enhancements would greatly elevate the guest experience, especially for a luxury brand like CGH Earth:
Inconsistent Experience Compared to Coconut Lagoon: Despite both being part of the CGH Earth portfolio, the accommodation experience on the houseboat didn’t match the standards of Coconut Lagoon. A more consistent brand experience would be appreciated.
Mattress and Bedding Quality: The use of two single mattresses pushed together, with noticeable gaps, impacted sleep comfort — especially when traveling with a toddler. A better bedding solution like a high-quality mattress topper could easily resolve this.
Bathroom Standards: The bathroom felt quite basic, like one in a budget hotel, and wasn’t well maintained. Several amenities were missing, which should be standard for a luxury offering.
Unpleasant Diesel Smell: There was a noticeable diesel odor inside the bedroom at night, which was unpleasant and should be addressed for guest comfort.
Late Checkout Policy Communication: It would be better if late checkout at Coconut Lagoon was proactively offered to guests transitioning to the houseboat, ensuring a seamless experience without the need for repeated requests or uncertainty during booking.
Website Information Clarity: The website lacked clear details about the availability of 1-bedroom houseboats, with only 2-bedroom options visible during booking. Transparent and updated online information would improve the booking experience.
Overnight Jetty Maintenance: While the anchoring location was scenic, the Spice Coast dedicated jetty area could be better maintained to enhance the overnight experience.
Addressing these areas would align the houseboat offering more closely with CGH Earth’s otherwise excellent hospitality standards.
Overall Experience
Our stay aboard Spice Coast Cruises by CGH Earth was a unique and memorable way to experience Kerala’s serene backwaters. Cruising through the tranquil stretches of Vembanad Lake and narrow canals was truly enchanting. The highlight of our journey was undoubtedly the exceptional warmth, professionalism, and hospitality of the crew — their genuine care and attentiveness made a huge difference, especially with a 14-month-old in tow.
One of the most delightful surprises was that CGH Earth had sent the glass-enclosed two-bedroom houseboat we had inquired about, even though we had booked a one-bedroom one. This thoughtful gesture completely made our day and significantly added to our comfort, giving our little one ample space to move around safely while keeping insects at bay.
While the accommodation and amenities didn’t quite match the standards we experienced at Coconut Lagoon, the stunning natural setting, personalised dining, and those serene cruise moments more than made up for it. The authentic Kerala cuisine tailored to our preferences, special care for our baby’s meals, and the beautiful sunrise over the backwaters created memories we’ll truly cherish.
Despite a few areas for improvement in comfort and consistency, the overall journey was peaceful, memorable, and absolutely worth experiencing once — especially for those seeking an authentic and charming houseboat escape, enhanced by heartfelt service.
