13th January 2017, Mumbai: Ayana Hospitality - promoted by the ICS Group (India) has launched its flagship property – 'Ayana Fort Kochi', a luxury boutique hotel in Kochi, Kerala. Blending history with modern luxurious comfort, 'Ayana Fort Kochi' is a 200-year old courthouse that has been meticulously restored and then renovated to its rightful glory.
Appropriately named “Ayana”, a resting place in Sanskrit, ‘Ayana Fort Kochi’ with its array of services and amenities is well positioned to provide customized luxury to discerning guests. The hotel is situated on Bazaar Road, the oldest international trading market in India. For centuries this street has been the epicenter of trade for the European, Arabs and Chinese merchants. Today it houses the ruins of British warehouses and interesting graffiti on the walls.
Elated at the launch, Akhil Behl, Chief Executive Officer, Ayana Hospitality said, “We are proud to launch Ayana Fort Kochi. It has been designed and renovated in perfect harmony with the legacy of the property, the environs and culture of the region. Our efforts towards guest’s experiences are not limited to the hotel premises only, but are far more rounded and encompassing. Going forward we will add more unique properties to our portfolio and will strive to raise the bar in personalized tailored luxury.”
The interiors of the property were revamped under the direction of Kavita Premnarayen, Design Director, Ayana Hospitality, who envisioned an “Indian-Art Deco” Concept. She says, “The hotel features classic black and white tiled floors tastefully combined with bold Art Deco interiors. “Most hotels in Fort Kochi have a very rustic Indian feel to them, which I love, but I wanted this hotel to stand out in terms of design, and to feel a little more luxurious while at the same time retaining the “Indian-ness” that a traveler to Fort Kochi would crave.”
The historical court room has been painstakingly preserved, with each wooden plank restored and treated to create a grand lounge and welcome area for our guests. The extremely large sloping roof is supported by an intricate mechanism of iron tubes that is representational of the ingenious architecture during the Portuguese occupation of Fort Kochi.
From attending a rooftop yoga classes to sculpting your body with strenuous work out at the state-of- the-art gymnasium or just cooling off at the roof top pool, Ayana provides for all modern day luxuries in a very historic setting.
The art deco interiors are complemented by one of the largest and finest collection of contemporary art. With large public spaces the property lends itself well to showcase art and the Ayana team endeavors to make the hotel a platform to build awareness towards Indian contemporary artists. Ayana’s commitment towards art was confirmed by it being selected to host the inaugural breakfast talk for the 3rd Edition of the Kochi Muziris Biennale on the 12th of December 2016.
Ayana places a high priority on food and offers fresh local produce and authentic flavours. The all-day dining, The Old Court, overlooks the courtyard garden and offers a sundry menu based on organic vegetables and the freshest local catch. One can also relax and rejuvenate with craft teas and specialty coffee available at The Tea Lounge located in the historic court house.
So what are you waiting for? Ayana Fort Kochi should be your next holiday destination!
About AYANA:
Ayana Fort Kochi, promoted by the ICS Group (India), is in the luxury boutique hospitality segment. The company is committed to establishing a successful model for nature and heritage tourism by providing a unique luxury experience to its guests while promoting the conservation and preservation of natural and heritage resources.