Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach

Any trip to India feels special. Our fascination with the continent goes back a long way and there's certainly plenty of space to lose oneself utterly and be at one with the beauty of nature on a holiday to Kerala. The Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach hotel is a majestic 5 star facility. It's not just a wonderfully luxurious hotel; it's a thoroughly uplifting place to stay. Described as a 'one-of-a-kind' boutique hotel, it has all the charm that suggests, along with all the facilities and amenities you'd expect of a five star hotel in one of India's pre-eminent holiday destinations.

A beautifully designed, five star boutique hotel in glorious surroundings:

There is a sense of art and architecture coming together at the Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach Hotel. But that beautiful design aesthetic isn't an affectation. It absolutely informs the feel of the hotel. Wall hangings, carvings, sculpture, and of course the turtles. You'll feel that close relationship with nature very strongly. It informs the art and design, making this hotel very much in accord with its surroundings.

And what fine surroundings they are! The Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach is situated in the Kovalam resort – just five minutes' walk from Eves Beach, and close to the Lighthouse and Hawa beaches. Don't let that word 'resort' fool you. Like the Turtle on the Beach Hotel, this whole area has been built in accord with nature. So there are coconut trees everywhere. Their long feathery leaves give lots of dappled shade and give this area its wonderfully verdant look.

Facilities at the Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach are uniformly excellent. Rooms are modern and, as you'd expect, beautifully furnished. They are all air conditioned and come with a private balcony, offering lovely views over the gardens. (Arabian Seaview rooms are also available at a supplement.) Rooms also include a flat screen TV and DVD player (on request), tea/coffee maker, mini bar, safe and hairdryer.

The hotel swimming pool is partly surrounded by more of those wonderful coconut trees, and there's plenty of space to recline and soak up the sun, pre or post swim.

There is also a spa and Ayurveda centre on site offering reviving and relaxing treatments.

The Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach is a truly unique hotel. With its boutique charms, artistic inspiration and respect for nature, it feels like the perfect place to stay when exploring Kerala.

The full board option at the Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach offers excellent value. Getting your holiday off to the best possible start, you'll be welcomed with a traditional style reception and complimentary drink. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included – and so are two bottles of beer and two bottles of soft drinks per day, per room.