Tucked away on the secluded shores of Kakkathuruthu, the Island of Crows, Kayal mirrors the undiscovered, unspoiled natural beauty of Kerala. The only way to get here is by traditional rowboats. And when you’re here, all you’ve got to do is give in to the moment. With only four cottages, Kayal is as exclusive as it gets. Each cottage is inspired by the local architecture and curated with reclaimed and recycled material. The air-conditioned waterfront cottages have been furnished with old teak cupboards, a reading area and desk for quiet contemplation and an ensuite bath garden for some serious rejuvenation. The walls are adorned with narratives of local history in art. When you visit Kayal, make sure you bring along your favourite paperback. Head over to the reading space – an open area covered by a traditional tiled roof. Set close to the backwaters, the dining area encourages the guests to eat together.