Ayisha Manzil

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Independent Rating: Not Rated Self Accredited Rating: Not Rated A sumptuous colonial guesthouse with unbeatable views through swaying coconut palms to the Arabian Sea.Built in 1862 by Murdoch Brown, a tradesman from the East India Company, and bought in 1900 by the Moosas, a local family of Muslim spice traders who still run it today, the place oozes history. Antique furniture and family heirlooms decorate the spacious rooms, and a houseboy can accompany you on trips to a 6km long tropical beach, the fruit markets of Thalacherry, or the cinnamon plantation set up by Murdoch himself. These same local ingredients make Faiza Moosa’s gourmet dinners.

This 2-storey colonial mansion is comfortable hideout from where you can steal a glance of the scenic expanses of Arabian Sea from its palm-shaded terrace. The whole place radiates a historic aura. You can book one room (minimum 2 nights) or the whole house (minimum 7).

The decor in the spacious and airy rooms is an exciting mix of east and west themes specked with exceptional artifacts from the personal collections of the owners that include rare clocks, family heirlooms and musical instruments. Wooden four poster beds, elegant writing desks and divan deck up the bedrooms. Bathrooms are spacious with shower facilities.The wind swept interiors are deliciously cool even in the hot and humid summer months with the thick walls, wooden ceilings and tiled floors oozing with the timeless charm of the by gone. All 6 rooms have one or two double beds and the rooms upstairs offer more privacy.

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