Spice Village Thekkady - a CGH Earth Experience

Pros: * the bar is very smart. * comfortable rooms. * well positioned to visit the likes of the Mullaperiyar Reservoir and Kalaripayattu show. * it’s well worth taking a stroll down the nearby high street. * the restaurants are reasonable though we have had better food and service elsewhere on our tour round Kerala. Cons: * no air conditioning. You can live with the fan in the room but only just. * we asked reception to arrange a trip to be close to local elephants. Despite being reminded twice, they didn’t book us any transport and we were told to buy our own tickets when we got there. Downright disgraces: * we have been on several ethical nature/animal tours over the years, including in Kerala and expected similar given the reputation that CGH Earth are trying to cultivate. However, this hotel directing us to Kalpavanam Elephant Park to witness how the animals are treated there is about as close to the opposite of responsible travel experiences that you can have. I’ve knocked one star off this review based solely on their association with this park.

Thekkady, is a lush plantation town and is the perfect getaway if you are looking for dense evergreen forest & grasslands, and *CGH Spice Village* fits right in. The property garners appreciation for its immaculate landscaping and beautifully curated rooms, set amidst nature. It boasts home to a large variety of trees, herbs, spices and fresh organic garden. And for all the bird watchers/ bird lovers, it ll be a treat to our eyes and ears to wake upto the birds chirping. A walk around the property calms your whole system. Added on, they have an amazing pool, recreation room, adventure club to keep us completely engaged during our stay. Spice Village also has 2 restaurants that offer Excellent food and a great ambiance with live music and traditional dance performance. The food is a broad curated spread, much to anyone’s liking! The staff were extremely friendly and attended to all our needs. We would like to express our gratitude to *Ms. Devika (Regional head) & Mr. Dinesh (sales head)* for making our stay a truly memorable one & to have suggested us this spectacular property. Also, Special mention abt *Mr. Deepu Sasi, GM*,who made us feel ourselves in his naturalist journey & loving hospitality by his team and *Ms. Alka*, who inspired not just our children but the whole bunch of kids staying at that time.. She kindled a sense of interest towards the insects, birds, animals and our Mother Nature.

We had one of the most amazing Christmas holiday at Spice Village in Dec 24 for four nights and five days. Undoubtedly one of the best resorts of the CGH group. The whole set up amongst the woods and nature, with a variety birds chirping around, some friend visitors like Giant Malabar squirrel, Black langoors, common monkeys etc. the experience is truly magical and very relaxing. Almost each of the tree/plant at the property is name tagged with their common and botanical names. Some even have the names of their planters, which is very unique. Infact they have a fun activity for children and adults alike to trace the various trees and note down their common, family and botanical names. The food is excellent with a huge buffet spread at breakfast and dinner and a host of other items to choose from if you wish to A` la carte. They have a lovely set up for evening tea with light snacks, open to all guests. There are various activities to keep you busy throughout your stay, indoors at the resort itself, and many outdoors, many in collaboration with Forest department. Their group of Naturalists are very knowledgeable and keep you engaged with information. They help you to get your bookings for the various activities with the Forest department as well. Maneesh, their head naturalist, is a young energetic guy who goes out of the way to ensure you get to do the activities that you want. He particularly helped us by arranging jungle trek and bamboo rafting for us. All the staff at the resort, right from their GM to the cleaning staff are all very very polite and courteous. You would find them ever smiling and greeting you and checking about your experience and well being during your stay. That makes the stay even more enjoyable and memorable. I hope that just one suggestion I had given to them would be adhered to by them about ensuring the breakfast/brunch is kept either in the rooms or at their restaurants for guests who choose to go for early morning activities because they do not have a system of sending packed breakfast with guests inside the jungle like most of the other game parks in India have. Rest everything during our stay was perfect and we would surely return some time in future. And yes.. thank you team Spice Village for making our Marriage Anniversary special by placing a greetings in our room and arranging for delicious cake by the restaurant staff.

Truly living up to its mission of CGH - Clean Green Healthy and The Village Resort !! Very green and sprawling property with individual cottages well laid and spread. The property has more than 1000 varieties of trees providing a nice natural cover ! The resort has different activities planned for residents for each day! The resort’s two restaurants cater very unique local cuisine besides normal items. I did not feel satiated spending only one night. The travel agent should have suggested two nights at the least.

There was no chance of complaining so perfect in all regards. Absolute place for unwinding.right from receptionist to housekeeping security guards restaurants staff specifically mr.Amal so polite and helpful and eveready to serve us better.amazing people and resort.

One of my favourite hotels in India. This place was beautiful and calming. Felt earthy. No TV in the room. Everything is aimed as sustainable. Food was really good. There was a pool, but we didn’t use it, Staff were friendly. Would have liked to stay longer here.