FAVOURITE HOTEL IN THE WORLD?
I’ve averaged at least 20 hotels a year for nearly 30 years. I look for a comfortable bed, enough space so I’m not tripping over my suitcases, an iron to straighten out my crumpled clothes and a kettle to make my own tea in the morning. You’ll be surprised at how few top-class hotels fulfill this list. European ‘grand hotels’ are the worst—none of these is available, you can’t borrow an iron because of the fear of fire, room service won’t give you tea before 7am, and so hopelessly on. And the more modern the hotel the less comfortable it is! It’s in India mainly that we find hotels that offer comfort, luxury, good service and convenience all at once. And I’d vote unhesitatingly for the Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach Resort.

LAST VISITED?
I’ve been three times in the last six months— the last occasion in early December—and am due back in early February.

THE EXPERIENCE?
It’s an extraordinary combination of business hotel and holiday retreat. The setting, on cliffs overlooking the ocean, is spectacular; the rooms are spacious and comfortable; and everything works with remarkable efficiency. I’ve been travelling quite often to Trivandrum to develop new ventures in Kerala, and I’ve found it a practical, comfortable base.

THE FOOD?
The Leela manages a varied menu, but as a South Indian vegetarian myself I enjoy tucking into such local favourites as idli, dosa, appam and parotta. There’s a great dinner buffet as well with a sumptuous selection of Indian and Continental dishes, allied to a highly original Kerala spread that changes every day. Everything is excellent, so it’s a real challenge not to eat too much.

THE HOTEL’S USP?
The fact that it can be all things to all people! If you want to laze about, enjoying the views, the beach or the pool, have yourself a great massage, enjoy a leisurely breakfast while watching boats bob about, you can’t imagine a more pleasant setting. If you want to bustle about, there’s an excellent gym with an attentive personal trainer, meeting rooms, an efficient business centre, Internet connections, and the airport’s only 25 minutes away. The décor, particularly of the Clubhouse where I always insist on staying, is out of this world. And the staff is terrific—attentive without being obtrusive, thoughtful as well as efficient.

By Mayank Austen Soofi