Spice Tree at Munnar

A refreshing and semi-bumpy drive up the winding roads 23 kms from the town of Munnar brings you to a hidden gem that oozes peace and privacy. Yes, Spice Tree is a fresh perspective on the frequently trodden scenic town of Munnar. Nestled between the evergreen Kannan Devan hills and Bison valley Hills, it is perched lithely like an eagle reveling in the view of the serene surroundings through the swirling clouds and mist that comes and goes.

The stunning views are not limited to a select few rooms but instead extended to the 12 Classic Suites, 2 Spa suites and 2 pool villas, though each with its own vantage point, carefully scattered across the resort to provide the solitude one seeks. All the living spaces are spacious yet cozy with luxurious bathrooms with a private sit out.

While the highlight of the classic suites is the Jacuzzi with an unrestricted view of the valley, the spa suites are special with a private spa room for two on one side and a Jacuzzi on the other, again with an unrestricted view of the valley. The spa suite also has a sit out which is completely private with a swing to rekindle the romance when watching the sunset in the evenings. And then there is the pool villa. With a private pool set at the edge, a living room, a dining area and a copper bathtub in the enormous bathroom (all of which have a splendid view of the valley), I don’t think there is a better place to cozy up to your significant other in all of Munnar.

A tea tasting session at Spice Tree is highly recommended. On prior request they can organise a cooking class too. The resort has a library bar with an adjoining infinity pool where one can laze the entire day or if you’re craving for a steaming cup of coffee (after the tea overload) head to the 300 BC coffee shop where you can also taste some delicious pizzas made in a country oven!! For those not staying in the spa suite rooms, not to worry, make your way to the aptly named “The Bliss – Mountain spa” for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage and then head straight to the common pool to take a dip in the only solar heated swimming pool in all of Munnar or ask for a yoga session in the tranquil settings by the common pool. For those who like to take in a lot more of nature than at the resort, trek down to the mysterious Dolmen houses and return only after the crimson red sun slowly disappears behind the foot hills of Chockanmudi Peak for the dinner spread.

Served in a common dining area, the food at Spice Tree is a good mix of local and continental dishes. Though not much in terms of variety, it is delicious. For those who would like to dine privately there is the option of dining in the open air balcony adjacent to the dining area overlooking the common pool.

I have to admit that sometimes the service does tend to be a little slow in the dining area. But the staff’s attentiveness to detail, warmth and the spirit of going that extra mile without even having to spell it out, more than make up for it. There are a few things that still need to be addressed though, like the lighting of the pathways, as it is a little dim and in some places inadequate; the signage to the rooms and various recreational facilities also can be made better. It is also very important to know that the dining area, the library and the coffee shop are all right at the top and if one is staying at the pool villas or the spa suites, it’s a bit of a steep climb to the common areas. Spice Tree at Munnar for me is the ultimate stay to experience the beauty of nature in the lap of luxury.

Amenities and Facilities: (yes/no)

• Foreign exchange - NO
• Accepts Credit Card (Masters and Visa) – YES (Only Indian Rupees accepted)
• WiFi - YES
• Air-conditioning - YES
• Spa - YES
• Complimentary water bottles in the room - YES
• Tea Coffee Maker in room - YES
• Towels and Toiletries in bathroom- YES
• Electronic Safe in room - YES
• In house phone in room and Room Service - YES
• Mini Bar in rooms - YES
• TV in the rooms - YES
• 24 hr power back-up - YES
• Alcohol - NO
• Pool - YES
• Doctor on call: YES
• In house activities (if any): YES
• Tipping – YES (They have a common tipping box)

Website: www.spicetreemunnar.com