Baymaas LakeHouse –Abode in the Tranquility of Vembanad | Property Review

Reading Time: 5 minutes

The moment I checked-in at Baymaas Lakehouse after an arduous journey of 6 hrs from Munnar, I felt as if I have checked into my own home with all assured comforts.

Kochi, as I had previously visited during the Muziris Biennale festival, had a different visual story. I had soaked in the colonial charm of Fort Kochi and then wandered around the Old Portugese town, simply walked around the town houses. But, this time it was different…. Somewhere much peaceful.

I was on a solo trip in Kerala for seven days which ended in Kochi. So after a hectic travelling week, I really wanted to rejuvenate somewhere away from the commercialisation chaos. And, Baymaas Lakehouse was just as I had imagined it to be.  A place, which was oozing with tranquility and was abundantly peaceful.

Situated right on the banks of Lake Vembanad in the neighbourhood of Kochi, it has a picturesque location for a perfect backwaters getaway. The moment my cab crossed the bridge reaching the quite hamlet of Panangad, the blaring sounds of blowing horns and passing cars changed into whistling sound of birds and gushing wave of wind from the dense green foliage.

Infact, the best part is the proximity of this place which is quite close to the main Kochi city, yet so un-spoilt.

-Why Baymaas ?

Baymaas LakeHouse is an ancestral home of the owner of the property which is dedicated to the memories of their loving mother as they affectionately call her “Ammachi”. The beautiful family collage in the dining room reminisce her presence even today.

The moniker ‘Baymaa’ has an interesting anecdote behind it. Christened Annie at birth she was considered the baby of the house. Soon, a derivative of ‘baby’ and ‘Amma’ started to emerge, thanks to her siblings. And thus the name ‘Baymaa’ was born.

Baymaa had an intense connection with the house. She was also admired for her larger than life personality and exuberance. Most days the fisher folk would pass by and share their fresh catch with her, which she would cook with passion and love.

So, it is not only about the experiential stay that one gets to enjoy, the entire aura around the house premises makes you feel like home away from home.

It’s architectural elegance coupled with simplicity yet luxurious will give you ultimate feeling of comfort.

-What it boasts ?

The main block features two incredible private pool villas, each facing the backwaters and swimming pool. The alluring pool in-front of the villas makes it tempting enough to soak into the nature’s bounty. It also has a twin sharing cozy room called Baymaas Muri Room which faces the lake and the dining room .

The Pool Villas that I stayed at, had a spacious living room with all state of art entertainment system and has been designed in a way to give a very earthy look yet elegant. As you walk further you check into the cozy warm bedroom which has a glass facade overlooking the lake . It gives a panoramic view of the entire expanse.

Let the pictures speak out here :-

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

-Experiences

So, the personalisation as per guest-needs, is what makes this place truly experiential enough to stay. The moment I settled in to my luxurious abode, I was greeted by fragrant cold wet towel and a thick tender coconut smoothie to start with. Once, got freshened up, I had a hearty surprise. There was a sumptuous luncheon which was waiting for me at their private boat, it took me in the middle of the backwater lake. Out there as per my request, I was made to savour traditional Kerala Sadya meal coupled with some fresh toddy . Oh, definitely the killer views were the perfect add-ons to fill the heart and the mind.

As the dusk set in, I had a perfect evening over conversation with the General Manager who was kind enough to spend sometime with me to familiarise with the place and his staff. The Chef, who is more like a family member takes care of each guest food preference and can make homely meals accordingly. I was also treated with some authentic sea food which included some fresh catch from the lake to be served in my dinner.

Next day early morning, we decided to go cycling along the paddy fields and the lush expanse of Kochi landscape. This was the first time I was witnessing the rural landscape of Kochi. We reached at Olam Sailing Club, which was a few yards distance from Baymaas . I was quite excited to go for a quick kayaking in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake, before I could catch my flight back home.  In fact, as a part of recreational activity, Baymaas do arrange some  of the in-door and as well as outdoor activities such as cooking class with in-house chefs, village exploration by cycling , sailing and kayaking , slow fishing in the ponds or simply taking a dip in the alluring pool.

You May Also Read : Nature Resort – Kurumba Village Resort reviews

-My Take on this place

An incredibly relaxing and calming place amidst the laid-back charms of the backwaters in Kochi. Definitely my high point about this place was the immaculate hospitality and the warmth that I received within my short period of stay. I would rather call it a feeling that will linger on in my fond memories..

-How to reach

Address :

Cheppanam road, Chathamma,

Panangad, Ernakulam,

Kerala – 682506

for reservation :

+91 – 80888 55855

+91 – 7710029815 /16 /17

+91 – 22-23514592 / 93

Nearest Airport- Kochi Airport

Railway Station – Ernakulam station which connects all major station.

How to Book :

One can directly log in to Nature Resort website and can do the booking. Or, else the same can also be booked through booking.com

So, I hope I give you reasons strong enough to visit this place , the next time you visit Kochi. For a detailed itinerary of Kochi City.

 

You can read : Things to do in Kochi.

Disclaimer : No compensation was received for this article, however Baymaas LakeHouse  offered my stay complimentary. As always, all the opinions are my own .