Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall…all you have to do is the heed the call of the forested hilly enclaves of captivating Coorg. It’s the perfect excuse to quit work, pack your bags, rally around friends and family and head to one of the loveliest South India’s most gorgeous landscapes.
Life’s too short to be hardbacked by schedules and calendars. You don’t need work desks and a grouchy boss—give yourself a break and abandon yourself to the comforting arms of Mother Nature. Return home and to work, rejuvenated, energised and full of the joy of life, to life with a whole new mindset.
Slip into the rhymes and rhythms of the culturally rich Kodava region at a beautiful sanctuary, embedded in the rich and verdant trails of this coffee and spice plantation landscape in the Western Ghats.
Your destination is set to be the spanking new The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, which embraces slow travel in the most meaningful way. Opening later this year, tempered by the loveliness and tranquillity of these misty highlands the beautiful retreat near Madikeri sits amidst 75 acres of coffee plantations. Curving languidly into the verdant expanses, the ultra-luxurious The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary invites you to be at peace with the world and centre into your inner being as you reconnect with Nature in the most rewarding way.
Steep yourself in the mosaic of forest greens and unpolluted air, as you sink into the lap of untrammelled luxury and warm hospitality. Each of the 71 secluded villas are designed to bring comfort and ease and a sense of belonging to this world. The choice of sunny villas creating split level family spaces to intimate sanctuaries for twosomes for quiet togetherness, reflect the careful crafting that has gone into creating this indulgent escape into Nature. The private helipad offers seamless access to this sequestered haven.
Culinary journeys are intrinsic to the experience this IGBC Platinum-certified resort. Rare indulgences of pan-to-plate await at the Bamboo Buzz, an architectural marvel inspired by bees and bamboo, embracing stellar lake views. Twisted Basil invites you to an over water sanctuary surrounded by tropical beauty and dancing fountains. Linger over an extended cocktail hour at The Cellar, the warm Winchester inspired lounge.
Viyoma, the dedicated wellness sanctuary, spread across 27,000 sq. ft. of serene spaces encourages you to indulge in a spirited experience of luxuriant relaxation and rejuvenation. You can start your day with a calming yoga session by the lake. Then take your pick from a range of Ayurvedic and global therapies, from Swedish and Balinese massages to aromatherapy. Take this rare opportunity to enjoy an authentic Turkish Hammam experience.
If you can bestir yourself from this lotus-eating life there are numerous activities on offer to explore Coorg’s legendary natural vistas. Take a cycling tour of these glorious surrounds of the retreat. Picnics by the 7-acre lake, rowing, kayaking and fishing are gratifying aqua extravagances. A guided walk along the scenic hilly trails rewards you with birdsong, sparkling waterfalls and exotic avian adventures. Learn all about Coorg’s unique Civet Coffee, one of the most expensive in the world. You will love the bean-to-cup coffee experiences on offer which are anchored in the region’s plantation heritage. Visit Modur, one of Coorg’s oldest coffee estates, for a plantation walk followed by a curated tasting on the exclusive Modur Kaapi deck. Embrace the starry nightscape of Coorg through a stargazing adventure with a Finderscope.
As The Leela prepares to open its doors to this new forested property later this year, remember to plan ahead and be amongst the first to abandon yourself to its many indulgences.