Arriving in Kozhikode, you feel Kerala’s famed hospitality wrapped in understated luxury. Base yourself at The Gateway Hotel Beach Road or the plush beachfront Kpm Tripenta to wake up to the Arabian Sea, spa aromas and curated coastal cuisine. Begin at Kozhikode Beach, where sunset paints the old lighthouse and historic piers gold; reserve a rooftop table at a boutique hotel nearby for champagne, seafood grills and sweeping views of the city’s travel and attractions. By day, wander the lanes of Sweet Meat Street (SM Street), where silk, spices and handcrafted jewelry recall Kozhikode’s role in the spice trade. Step into restored heritage mansions that now host designer studios and intimate tea rooms. For culture, visit the Pazhassi Raja Museum and the Krishna Menon Museum, both housed in elegant Kerala-style buildings set amid gardens, then tour Mishkal Mosque in Kuttichira, its timber pillars and sloping roof a quiet masterpiece. Escape to the velvety backwaters of Elathur on a private houseboat with gourmet Malabari tasting menus and classical music at dusk. Drive up to Thusharagiri Waterfalls in a chauffeured SUV for short treks, misty pools and picnic hampers prepared by your hotel chef. Evenings belong to Malabar cuisine: book chef’s-table experiences to sample Kozhikode biryani, kallummakkaya (mussels) and decadent banana halwa plated like contemporary art. Leave with bespoke spice blends, handwoven textiles and memories of a coastal city that fuses discreet opulence with soulful tradition.