Life in the Slow Lane

Spice Tree Munnar: From Fort Kochi we travelled inland through banana country up to tea country. Travelling through some spectacular countryside and passing some full flowing waterfalls that went under the very road we were travelling on and then weaved into the forest below. As we climbed higher, tea plantations came into view taking up the entire mountainsides. It is no wonder that the highest growing tea estates are here.
We stayed at the fabulous and recently voted, Best Small Romantic Hotel in India, Spice Tree Munnar. The rooms are spacious, very comfortable and designed in traditional Kerala style with emphasis on natural materials, health, and well-being. All rooms have a spectacular view of the valley below. Experience yoga, meditation and gentle spa treatments for complete rejuvenation.

Hills and Hues, Thekkady: After Munnar we travelled across the mountains to Thekkady, travelling through wild elephant land into spice country and the Periyar National Park. We stayed in another new property in Thekkady called Hills and Hues. Currently just 6 rooms, but soon to be 16 by the end of the year. The honeymoon suite is going to be absolutely breath-taking once it’s completed with a 360 view over Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This is a resort hidden from the world but where you can watch nature at it’s best. Romance oozes from the cosy and pretty rooms. Hills and Hues are proud of its environmentally friendly approach;  fresh eggs and goat milk, vegetables and even spices all sourced from their on-site garden.

Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere, Alleppy: The next part of our journey was back to the lowlands of Kerala and Alleppy. Home of the backwaters. Here we stayed at the Vasundhara Sarovar Resort. This resort is a little away from the other hotels in the area but has the benefit of being on a  waterway which is far less crowded, so a lot more relaxing.  All the rooms and suites have lovely views over the backwaters. With attentive staff, the service is impeccable.
Whilst staying here you must try the Ayurvedic massage at  The Spa.

Niraamaya Kovalam, Our final part of our tour was for a little bit of beach. As soon as you enter the driveway and pull up to the entrance of Niraamaya Kovalam, life in the slow lane takes on a new meaning.  Accommodation is traditionally styled cottages on the hillside overlooking the sea. The spa is so relaxing and invigorating, it’s easy to see why this has been voted the number one Spa Retreat in India for the past couple of years.
I know it may be hard to venture out of the retreat, with its stunning setting and facilities, but if you can I would recommend visiting Villa Maya in Travancore for a long leisurely lunch. This award-winning restaurant will tantalize your taste buds.
Spa, lunch, slow living…you get the drift. Grab a copy of Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things and a  drink of coconut water and breathe.