Eighth Bastion Fort Kochi

When the Portuguese built Fort Immanuel in the early 16th century in Fort Kochi, it featured seven bastions. Later the fort was taken over by the Dutch settlers and although reduced in size they fortified it. In present-day Fort Kochi, CGH Earth has added an eighth bastion, a boutique hotel blending contemporary and colonial styles. Although it is not a heritage property, the contemporary building with traditional Mangalore-tiled roof borders two hallmarks of the heritage trail in Fort Kochi the Dutch Cemetery on one side, and the glorious David Hall, a former Dutch bungalow turned into a cultural centre, on the other. Quite like its sister property, the Brunton Boatyard (a heritage hotel located in the vicinity), the Eighth Bastion’s interiors has Dutch and Portuguese influences with a strong aura of Colonial Kochi. It adopts a nautical theme with layers of Dutch themes and is adorned with motifs like nautical-themed paintings, period navigational charts, enamel work, and Delft China which convey its Dutch soul.

The interiors are minimalist and simple décor with an abundance of natural light in the rooms extending to the restaurant as well, where an eclectic fusion of local spices and Dutch-inspired cuisine is served. The sights of Fort Kochi are only a stone’s throw away – the famed Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry market, Jew Town, and the Synagogue. After a long day of exploring the historic streets of Fort Kochi on foot or bicycle (available at the hotel), guests can relax in the inviting pool or tuck into fresh meals at the courtyard.

Location

The Eighth Bastion is located on Napier Street in Fort Kochi. It is an hour and a half drive from Cochin International Airport. Fort Kochi can be also accessed from Ernakulam, the hectic transport and cosmopolitan hub of Kochi through roadways and waterways.

Things to know

The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport.
Don’t miss out on the quaint cafes and amazing art and graffiti on the walls of the narrow by-lanes of Fort Kochi.
An evening stroll on the Fort Kochi beach is great to soak in the sounds and sights of this unique melting pot of cultures.
Fort Kochi is also a thriving art hub and buzzes with events during the popular Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Rooms & Suites

A contemporary take on Kochi’s Dutch and Colonial history, Eighth Bastion is an amalgam of the old and the new. The Arabian Sea forms the backdrop to this place that’s steeped in history. The hotel’s19 well-appointed contemporary rooms feature large bathrooms, garden verandahs, or balconies that look out into the streets of Fort Kochi. There are Bastion rooms that come with a private terrace with partial sea views, then there are those that feature verandahs with a view of the private garden and some of them that come with twin beds with a view of the pool.

Restaurants & Bars

The restaurant, East Indies, stays true to the Dutch naval theme, with fusion dishes inspired by Dutch trading routes to Indonesia, Ceylon, Surat, and the Malabar coast. The menus change every day ensuring local ingredients, fresh catch-of-the-day, and plenty of Kerala spices. The Eighth Bastion’s courtyard overlooking the pool is the perfect place to relax while sipping your morning coffee.

Spa & Wellness

There is no spa or fitness center at the hotel. The outdoor swimming pool is a great spot to unwind.

Experiences

One must explore Fort Kochi at their own pace. You can rent a bicycle or take a tuk-tuk ride around the city to visit the historic places of Fort Kochi and experience the city’s unique vibrant culture. There’s just so much to explore, local markets where the spice trade still thrives, antique shopping in hidden corners on quiet streets, art gallery hopping, and sights of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry area: the Chinese fishing nets, Jew town, Mattacherry Palace and market, and the St. Francis Church.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

At the Eighth Bastion, care is taken not just to reduce plastic waste by offering glass bottles filled with RO-treated drinking water in both restaurants and rooms but the hotel is also at the forefront of community drives that aim to clean plastic waste from beaches and by lanes. Use of traditional ceramic ware for in-room toiletries helps in waste and plastic reduction. The emphasis is definitely on waste reduction as they strongly believe that waste reduction is more effective than waste management. Responsible tourism shines through their commitment to the local community by way of local employment and partnerships with local vendors, guides and drivers.