This New Lakefront Resort in India Is Absolutely Breathtaking

After the debut of its first resort in India's Kerala province, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts just opened a second hotel in the area. The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, welcomed its first guests this summer, with 93 elegant accommodations, a floating restaurant, and an Ayurvedic spa. "The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, perfectly complements The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, and builds on the brand's presence in the coastal state — with the two resorts offering very distinctive and unique backwater and beach experiences," Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, told Travel + Leisure. Sitting on the banks of the serene Ashtamudi Lake, the 60-acre resort has beautifully designed guest rooms with custom-made toiletries that use natural essential oils and spacious balconies with lake views. On property, there's also two 200-year-old cottages, set among lush greenery and swaying palms, with wrap-around porches and private pools; and a one-bedroom houseboat with an open-air lounge, viewing deck, personal chef, and captain. A floating restaurant, serving fresh seafood and stunning sunset views, is just one of four restaurants at the resort; the other three serve local Kerala cuisine. Like its sibling property, which is about 50 miles south, The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, treats guests to Ayurvedic treatments with natural ingredients and herbs to detoxify and improve well-being. And of course, those who'd like to soak up the sun can do so by the spectacular outdoor pool enveloped in greenery.