Windermere Estate
Munnar, Kerala Hill Country
Charming cardamom plantation retreat for walkers and nature-lovers, high on the emerald slopes of the Western Ghats
Perched at 1,600m among vivid green tea plantations and misty blue
mountains, Windermere Estate is a nature retreat with a Scottish
Highlands feel. Wooden beams and floorboards, terracotta tiles,
cheerfully-checked linen and lace curtains all add a warm, homely
feel. Ophthalmic surgeon Dr Simon bought this 60-acre cardamom
plantation estate in the 1990s and, when he opened the first 4
rooms,
deliberately went for a farmhouse-cum-chalet feel rather than that
of a hotel. Since then he’s built 12 more cottages and
planter's villas, a wooden barn housing a bistro-style dining room,
a bright, airy library and yoga space, an open-sided thatched tea
hut and an Alpine Restaurant for private dining in small groups of
8-10.
This is a low-key, tranquil place where you can fill your lungs
with mountain air through nature walks and barbecues beneath the
massive garden boulder, with its 360-degree viewing platform, or
unwind with occasional yoga classes in the library. Dr
Simon’s own planter’s bungalow sits at the centre of
the estate, which can be booked as a whole, and he and his wife
oversee hospitality and chat charmingly to guests.
Reviewed by Cathy Teesdale
Last updated 06 April 2012
Highs
- The glorious, uplifting scenery provides satisfyingly long walks
- The views are a great fix if you miss the green, green grass of home – they must qualify as some of the most verdant in India
- The homely, chalet feel is enhanced by the charming presence of your host and his wife
- Those dreaming of a good British fry-up can feast on eggs, crispy bacon and sausages
- All the rooms are spacious and the cottages and planter's villas are blessed with fabulous mountain views
Lows
- There is no swimming pool
- The Estate has no alcohol licence, though you can bring your own drinks to enjoy in your room
- The scenery is lush for a reason – clouds and rain are more common than in the rest of India, even outside monsoon season.
- The power supply can be erratic, but there is a back-up generator
The views from the hotel - 5,000ft above sea level - are many-layered and spectacular, encompassing miles of lush, hilly countryside and rolling tea plantations...
The TelegraphWindermere Estate: Read more press reviews
