The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa

Pleased to announce that we are recipient of “ Studiosus Quality Award 2012”.

The rating is on the basis of Studiosus clients selecting The Zuri Kumarakom as one of the best hotels worldwide with an outstanding level of Customer satisfaction.

Award given on property by Michaela Tedson – Area Manager ( Asia Pacific)

EAT THE HEAT

The Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala Resort and Spa, offers packages for summer. The package for two nights and three days for two begins at Rs. 19,900 (inclusive of tax). The rates are valid from April 1 to September 30.

ANYBODY who knows me will testify that I am probably the least likely person to visit a health spa.

I like to spend my time drinking beer and watching Everton rather than being manhandled with massage oils.

And I’d prefer to get a season ticket at Anfield than wake up at 6.30am for a yoga session.

But presented with the opportunity to experience a traditional Indian spa, I decided to take the plunge.

And so it was that I found myself lying face down on a massage table with only a paper nappy to protect my modesty.

Before you all reach for the sick bag at that thought, bear with me... because the experience was amazing. India’s Kerala region is the home of Ayurveda – traditional plant-based holistic treatments and medicines. And when it comes to Ayurvedic spas, the Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort is a world leader.

This luxurious property, nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, is rightfully proud of its relaxing setting.

But it’s inside the Maya Spa where the relaxation begins – and where I swap booze and footie for the good life.

I opted for a full body and head massage – expertly carried out by my local masseuse. Having not experienced a massage before, I’m probably not best qualified to say if it was any good or not.

But the fact that my masseuse had to wake me up once it was all over speaks volumes. Remember me saying that I’d rather watch Liverpool week in, week out, than try yoga? Well guess what I did the following day?

Yoga sessions at the Zuri Kumarakom take place on a specially-built platform over the resort’s stunning private lagoon.

The teachers cater for beginners – just as well, really – and offer a range of classes for those with more experience.

And for the more adventurous traveller, the resort has a full-day schedule of activities.

Guests can stay in a variety of rooms either looking out over landscaped gardens or, for a few FROM PAGE 47

rupees more, the lagoon. But for the ultimate in luxury, head to the private one-bed villas overlooking the lake – complete with infinity pools just steps from the bedroom.

Zuri Kumarakom’s website describes them as “plunge pools”, but I’ve seen smaller pools in hotels on the Costa del Sol.

With luxury all around, you could be forgiven for forgetting where in the world you are.

And it is for exactly that reason that guests are encouraged to experience life outside the resort.

The most popular tour is to Aymanam – “the village of small things” – just 20 minutes away in Kerala’s famous backwaters.

First stop was the home of Mathoor Govindan Kutty – a leading actor in the performance art of Kathakali, a classical Indian dance-drama that originated during the 17th century.

It’s famous for its attractive make-up, some extremely elaborate costumes and detailed facial gestures.

From there we headed for the backwaters proper and a tour of the waterways in a traditional canoe.

Ours worked its way through water-side villages at a snail’s pace, allowing us to chat to local schoolchildren, watch fishermen laying their nets or take snaps of the famous Kerala kingfishers.

The Zuri Kumarakom seemed a million miles away – yet the people of Aymanam were far from poverty-stricken.

They enjoy some of the best living conditions and life-expectancy rates in India, and thanks to extra money from tourism, things are still improving.

After spending two days looking across Vembanad Lake, it was time to explore it on a traditional houseboat.

These giant floating homes are made from bamboo and steel and can have up to three bedrooms. They come equipped with a crew and personal chef and are popular with families and honeymooning couples.

Zuri offers a variety of cruises, from three-hour tours of the lake to romantic overnight packages.

Delightful as it is, the steamy atmosphere and humid conditions of Kerala’s backwaters can leave you longing for the cool coast.

Thankfully Goa is a one-hour flight away. Cynics say the region – famous as a 1960s hippy hangout – has been ruined by package tours.

But pick your destination wisely and you can find paradises such as the White Sands Resort on the spectacular Colva Beach.

Just like its sister resort in Kerala, White Sands serves up some great local tours.

The former capital Old Goa, which in the 16th century was bigger than London, is a popular destination.

Its magnificent Christian churches, nestled among lush forests, lift the lid on a part of Goa that is rarely seen.

The pick of these is the impressive Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the richest and oldest in Goa, festooned with marble and inlaid with precious stones.

So there you have it: massage, yoga and church in the space of six days. I truly am a changed man... just don’t tell my mates.

KUONI has 7nts B&B in India with 3nts at The Zuri White Sands in a superior room, 3nts at The Zuri Kumarakom in a superior lagoon view and 1nt at the Zuri Bangalore. Inc British Airways flights, transfers in resort. From £1,565pp based on two sharing www.kuoni.co.uk , 01306 747008. BA flights to Bangalore from Heathrow start from £529.60 return inc taxes www.ba.com , 0844 4930787. Tourism: www.incredibleindia.org

t’s very exciting... It’s international... It’s very prestigious! Well known for its world class luxurious services and amenities, Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort and Spa has been awarded the coveted “WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS” for being “INDIA’S LEADING RESORT” 2010. After being awarded ‘Best Spa Hotel and Resort’ by Today’s Traveller earlier this year, the luxury spa resort is on a winning spree. World Travel Awards is the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards program in the global travel and tourism industry and is regarded as the highest accolade a company can receive.

Fighting tough competition amongst other hospitality giants like Kumarakom Lake Resort, The Oberoi Rajvillas, The Oberoi Udaivillas, The Taj Mahal Palace and Kumarakom Lake Resort, Zuri Kumarakom took away the award. At a Gala Ceremony for Asia and Australasia held in New Delhi, The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa was voted by a process involving 183,000 travel, tourism and hospitality professionals across the globe and won this prestigious title amongst several strong contenders. Mr. Chris Frost, Group Commercial Director- World Travel Awards handed over the awards to the winners.

On accepting the award Ms. Priti Chand, AVP Communications, Zuri Group Global said, “This has been an exciting year for a young brand like Zuri, with several awards and accolades. This prestigious title by the World Travel Awards only reinstates our commitment to take you back to hospitality just the way it’s meant to be! We are honored to receive this award and that we have lived up to the expectations and are at par with international hospitality standards.”

The Zuri Kumarakom, Resort & Spa is a five-star deluxe property set at the heart of the beautiful Southern state of Kerala situated on the banks of the Vembenad Lake, Kumarakom, Kerala. The resort promises an experience unlike any other for all its guests, starting from, the charming and eager staff, uniquely personalized service, uncompromising luxury amenities, great food and all the trappings of a five star deluxe resort that one can think of.

The Zuri Kumarakom is also home to the Maya Spa, the largest spa in South India and a multiple winner of the Asia Spa Best Resort Spa award. The word 'Maya' means a magical ability to transform fantasies into reality. This interpretation coupled with a belief in the time-tested holistic therapies having the potential to transform anyone to a more vitalised self, has led to the christening of Zuri’s signature spa brand to Maya.

Zuri Group Global has announced restructuring of its hospitality business into three luxury collections - The Platinum, Lifestyle and Comfort. The Platinum Collection will now incorporate The Zuri Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala. The Lifestyle Collection will have The Zuri Whitefield Bengaluru, The Zuri Whitesands Resort & Casino, Varca, Goa. The Comfort Collection will offer comfortable rooms and amenities, at more affordable tariffs. The Retreat by Zuri, in Benaulim, Goa is a part of this collection.

The search is on for the Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2011! And what’s more??? The much popular reality show is happening right here at The Zuri Kumarakom.

The biggest USP of a luxury hotel or resort is a water body along with a huge expanse of greenery. The Zuri Resort and Spa in Kumarakom, Kerala, has both. Situated along the breathtaking Vembanad lake — the second largest lake in India after Chilka in Orissa — and in the midst of a verdant landscape by virtue of being in God's own country, Kerala — the Zuri Resort and Spa is an attractive destination to soak in the magic of the Indian monsoon, which makes Kumarakom such an enchanting tourist destination. The resort has not only made the most of the natural beauty around it but has gone the extra mile and created a 5-acre lagoon adjacent to the huge lake. This special effort by the management allows guests of all 72 rooms, cottages and pool villas (which already have a private swimming pool), a view of at least one beautiful water body around them. The man-made lagoon also houses a charming houseboat, and the resort offers a couple of packages including a one-night stay. “But not in the monsoon season as the water tends to get rough and the houseboat can give you a rocky experience,” says Priti Chand, Assistant Vice-President, PR and Corporate Communications, Zuri group.

Breathtaking greenery

As far as greenery and landscaping is concerned, the 18-acre property takes your breath away with its lush surroundings. The most striking is the splendour of the palms; 20 varieties in all. These include striking red palms which can be kept indoors and which adorn the spacious reception area that is built in typical Kerala style with high, sloping roofs supported by wooden beams, rafters and wood pillars. You'll also spot oil palms, triangular palms, fish-tail palms and Champagnepalms, named thus because they are smaller and resemble a just-opened bottle of the bubbly!

Horticulturist G.M. Gopukumar explains that they have chosen from among the varied concepts involved in landscaping ; “some like flowering plants, some rocky gardens and others waterfalls or tropical gardens. We have chosen the tropical concept with green grass called Mexican carpet.” Palms and bamboos evidently enjoy special preference at this property which also has several medicinal plants potted.

A flash bandh

During my stay came the announcement of the hike in petroleum product prices and the calling of a snap bandh by the LDF government. General Manager Dilawar Singh Nindra and his team sprung into action immediately; this not only means that several guests' departure the next morning would be delayed — the resort was surprisingly packed for an “off-season” period — but the arrival schedules for the next day would have to be rejigged. “We like to get fresh products every day, so I had to rush out in the evening and shop for milk, vegetables, fruits and other products,” said Nindra.

Indian holidaymakers

June might be an off-season for tourists, particularly foreigners, who head for India in cooler times, but destinations such as Goa and Kerala are now becoming popular with Indians during monsoons. Unlike the monsoon in Mumbai which paralyses life and forces visitors to remain confined to their hotel rooms, Kerala rains weren't incessant. So one could take in the exhilarating sight of sharp showers coming down in sheets on the Vembanad lake, or, the unforgettable experience of cold raindrops almost massaging your back as you swim in the pool. The best part was not even having to leave the pool, as the rainclouds would disappear within minutes and a gentle morning sun would be out again!

As it is possible to enjoy both the monsoon experience as well as spells of good weather, Indians are coming out in droves to enjoy a Kerala holiday. Gujaratis, in particular, who not only have deeper pockets but also a lust for travel and can appreciate and grab a bargain when they see one, were present at the Zuri in abundance.

“We hadn't even planned for this holiday and couldn't get train reservations but when we saw the attractive rates – an ordinary room could be had for Rs 5,500 in the “floating” rate — we decided to fly down and are enjoying the experience here,” said a Gujarati tax consultant from Kutch, whose entire family was out in the pool.

Spacious steam, Jacuzzi area

Taking a dip in the pool, or a reinvigorating session at the steam-sauna or a massage at the spa at Zuri resorts was an experience to cherish. With 1,500 sq m dedicated to the plush spa services area Priti says the facility is the second largest of its kind in the country and a major attraction for tourists who head here. While from September to March there are about 40 per cent foreigners at the resort, at present at least 95 per cent of the guests are Indians, says one of the managers. The resort is also becoming a hotspot for corporate conferences. A group of 70, including delegates from the Philippines, the US and the UK, are here to participate in a three-day event organised by Hinduja Global Solutions.

Most of them head for a dip in the swimming pool or to the spa during their free hours. The spacious, well-equipped gym and steam-sauna facilities too see a constant stream of visitors. There are separate and huge facilities for men and women. The spa décor is tastefully done in creams, beige, muted browns and greens. Palms, vases and urns add to the ambience. The three elephant trunks spouting mini-waterfalls at the swimming pool are a favourite with children and one is grateful to have dashed to the pool and completed a couple of laps in the morning before the rest of the resort woke up to these attractions.

As on a Mediterranean cruise where half the ship's guests are in one of the several pools all the time, the Zuri pool is crowded most of the time. After all it is Kerala, known for its backwaters and the people's love for water.

The property has a cigar bar and a regular bar, which come to life in the evenings what with the World Cup football fever at a frenzied high. The big screen has been set up and that was the day when the Brazil-Portugal match went on at a dull pace , with neither team managing a single goal. John, an Englishman enjoying his gin and tonic in a corner, was totally disinterested in the game, saving his cheering for England that was to take on Germany two days later. Much more interesting than the match was the Mojito that the barman fixes for me…. the Bacardi, lime juice, mint, sweetener and crushed ice are mixed in absolutely perfect proportions.

This Zuri property is owned by the Kenya-based Kamani family, originally from Gujarat. They have businesses across sectors such as floriculture, hospitality, realty and wind energy. They started with floriculture and have 2,500 acres in Mombasa under cultivation; the annual production from the land is 15 billion roses of 52 varieties which are exported mainly to the UK. Apart from Liverpool and Mombasa, they have two properties in Goa, one in Bangalore and a new one is coming up in Sikkim.

The main takeaway from Zuri Kumarakom is the spa experience – to be discussed in a later article – and Chef Chandrasekhar Pandey's Prawn Ullarthu cooked in onions, coconut slivers, and freshly ground spices.

An experience to cherish at the Zuri Resort and Spa at Kumarakom is an hour-long motorised boat ride to a place called R-Block — nobody could tell me why it is called so. I join a group of Hinduja delegates; our destination is a garish green building, where the locals enjoy glasses of toddy with freshly prepared fish and prawns. Some years ago the MRF CMD K.M.(Vinoo) Mammen had told me about one such favourite haunt that he accessed through his private boat from his Kumarakom house. “You get the most amazing seafood; we go there, place our orders, take a ride over the Vembanad waters, and return to demolish the food,” he had grinned.

Well, these days you don't even have to wait that long thanks to the cell phone. Senthil Kari, Zuri's affable front office manager, had placed our order and within minutes of our landing at the R-Block, plastic tables and chairs had been laid out under the cool shade of a large tree. Luckily the monsoon clouds had taken a break and within minutes fried jumbo prawns, mussels and the most delicious curry-meen (a Kerala fish speciality) were served.

Steaming hot Kerala rice – for a palate used to Basmati rice one had never thought this could be so delicious – was then served on a banana leaf, followed by tapioca, avial and other vegetables, and piping hot sambar. Blame it on the ambience or the aroma … one bravely ventured to wash down the delicious spread with a sip or two of the free-flowing toddy. The extremely sour and spicy buttermilk seasoned with tons of curry leaf and green chillies, very typical ofKerala cuisine, completed the meal, which cost around Rs 650 per person. This meal is a must-have for anyone who visits Kumarakom.

A word of warning though: keep your hand above the table, or else the chicken running around the place will take snipes at bits of food sticking to your fingers. So aggressive were these that Adrian D'Souza, Zuri's Corporate Director-HR, told Kari in exasperation: “Ask them how long it will take to serve these chicken!”

The next day Chef Chandra pulled an ace. The Hinduja delegates wished a typical Kerala experience and the Chef's answer was a Sadhya (a festival treat)… a traditional Kerala meal served on banana leaf. There was piping hot pepper rasam, Pineapple kalan (plantains and yam made in butter milk), Kerala dal cooked in ghee, Kerala mezhukupuratti (blanched vegetables cooked in mild spices), Paal Kootu curry, avial, sambar and ada pradaman (ripe rice flakes cooked in jaggery and coconut milk). All of it had a generous dose of finely grated coconut. One didn't even feel the need to look at the chicken and fish curry he had thrown in for the hardcore non-vegetarians.

“In a typical sadhya, there is no non-veg, but as they say, in Kerala anything that flies, swims, crawls, creeps or jumps is eaten,” said Chef Chandra, as I complimented him on the

The Zuri Kumarakom looked more radiant than usual when it played host to the beautiful award winning actress Ms. Vidya Balan on 25th March, ‘10. The gorgeous actress was at the Zuri Kumarakom for a photo shoot for the April issue of Hi! Living. Keralite by birth Ms. Balan was excited to revisit nature at its pristine best, as can be experienced at Kumarakom. The photo shoot captured Ms. Balan at many stunning locations around the Zuri to bring out a breathtaking composition of Kerala’s resplendent charm. Ever the perfect host, The Zuri Kumarakom had special Kerala delicacies, including delicious appams, prepared just the way the star loves. In the evening Ms. Balan was treated to a special performance of Kalarippayatu and instrumental music at the amphitheatre, ending a perfect day of celebrating all things beautiful. From some gorgeous locations to great hospitality and a lovely lady!

A media FAM was organized at The Zuri – Kumarakom between January 28 – January 30, 2010. The journalists from Dubai were invited for this mega event. The trip not only gave them a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Kumarakom property, but also gave them a well deserved break from their otherwise hectic work schedule. During their stay the journalists were introduced to the Indian Culture, its heritage and the traditions of India. They also got to know more about Zuri Group Global. Here are few glimpses of their trip.