The boat was super luxurious. We had an en suite bathroom. In our case we had the boat to ourselves and 3 staff to look after us. They were very friendly and helpful. There was a surprise canoe tour of the small waterways. The food was outstanding and the chef very responsive to our preferences. We were offered a stop to buy alcohol which they did for us - that was very welcome too. The scenery was adorable and whole experience really relaxing.

Slight experience of being sold to when we set ashore for a tour of the cathedral - but is a very minor criticism. Also we wanted only bottled water and there was some confusion over whether we'd need our own. In the event they provided it with no hassle.

An exceptional experience! This was an trip to remember for many years. A wonderful landscape and environment in the Kerala Backwaters and the trip on the boat captured all of the beauty and majesty of the area - both the wildlife and the villages, churches and of course the people. The boat was beautifully furnished, with very comfortable bedrooms and an area at the front of the boat to relax and lounge and watch the scenery go by. The food was outstanding prepared by a sympathetic and knowledgeable chef, who was always at hand to discuss the menu for the next meal and to tell us about the cuisine. The crew were unfailingly helpful and courteous. All of this contributed to one of the best holiday trips that we have ever had.

Nothing could have been bettered!

One night on a lovely two bedroom riverboat. Food was excellent, rooms comfortable (if smallish - it’s a boat!) and well air conditioned. Lovely open sitting area at the front of the boat. Staff helpful and easy to communicate with. We fancied trying a bigger sample of fish and so they sailed us to a fish shop and cooked the jumbo shrimp we selected; delicious! No alcohol available on boat, so you’d need to bring your own if you want some.

Xandari has nine boats, so there’s a bit of a sense of being part bit of a flotilla, so you end up cruising in convoy and then mooring up tied up alongside other boats at some land the company owns remote from the starting point. The trip on a smaller canoe is with people from other boats. Hardly a remote, isolated spot overnight. But our neighbours were quiet and slept early so not a problem - but a neighbouring party boat would gave been a pain.

Fantastic authentic looking boat (some you see are a glorified static caravan on a boat with a bit of yellow rope wrapped around it!!) Great staff Hotel quality food and quarters Hot water for showers Chef accommodated dairy & GF diet Stopping to buy Jumbo king tiger prawns from local fisherman was a fun extra

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A whole boat is at your disposal and the staff is treating you like the royal family. The surroundings are dreamy, a perfect place to totally relax.

Food could have been somewhat more exciting for the price.

Absolutely amazing houseboat, just pure luxury! We loved every second of our cruise. The interior was just beautiful, we particularly loved the upper deck with rattan deck chairs, a little coffee table as well as a day bed -cum- sun lounge. It is a one bedroom houseboat staffed with a captain, a chef and someone to attend to your needs. We could have lemon soda or water whenever we wanted, where asked several times if we wanted tea or coffee and in the evening they went to get some beers for us. The little separate cruise through a village with a smaller vessel (canals are narrower there, so not passable otherwise) was very nice, and so was the fact that we moored at the resort of Xandari overnight and could also use the squeaky clean pool, and there was only one other boat moored about 20 away from us. Pure, tranquil heaven.

The food as ok, but sadly really not according to the five star price tag attached. The best of it was the Masala Dosa for breakfast, accompanied by a big fruit platter. Although a nice, once in a lifetime experience, the price is exaggerated.

The staff was excellent and very discret. The food was excellent

the room and bathroom have to be refresh

We loved everything! This was probably the highlight of our entire trip to India. The boat exceeded expectations in terms of comfort, the crew were delightful, the food delicious and the scenery fascinating as well as beautiful and serene. We were also treated to an unexpected canoe trip into the tiny channels our house boat couldn't reach and enjoyed a wonderful window into life on the backwaters. We saw many house boats during our 6 days in the Alleppey area and the Xandari boats are up there at the very top in terms of quality. We discovered the service they provide is second to none too!

Nothing!

Our two night stay was perfect. The crew are fantastic and everything went smoothly. I take my hat off to Mahesh who cooked up amazing food for us from his tiny kitchen. Every single item was delicious! Our two captains, Raju and Sijo were also wonderful. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better team. The check in was straight forward at the office which is located right next to the boats. We had no problem getting an Uber from Kochi and back again (we were a bit nervous as we couldn’t prebook it), but it was fine. Glad we booked two nights as the first day is quite busy with checking in, lunch and going on the canoe trip. The second day gives you time to really relax on the boat. Highly recommend!

The bathroom wasn’t the greatest - but that’s a minor thing really. It was adequate for a couple of nights. Also where you spend the first night is odd - it’s like a deserted run down resort?! This also didn’t bother us, we just found it a bit strange!

The experience far exceed our expectations. The boat house we stayed at was a beautiful blend of tradition and comfort, the rooms had a massive window so you can see the water and views while resting, and the deck with the lovely seating on the second floor became our favorite spot to hang out and take in the beautiful scenery. The staff were also exceptional and went out of their way to ensure we had the best time. Mahesh, the chef made the best food we’ve had on the whole trip. Venu, the crew was so kind and of course the captain, Pradeep! We did a two night stay and I can’t recommend that enough. As part of the stay, they also offered canoe rides through the village, a stop at one of the oldest churches, seeing a woodcarving workshop and doing a little shopping and daily stops at areas where you can walk around.

Nothing, everything was genuinely perfect.