Windermere Estate

“Kissed by a Sea of Clouds - Serenity at Windermere Estate, Munnar”

For my birthday this year, my partner surprised me with a stay at the wonderful Windermere Estate in Munnar, Kerala. Firstly, this is a stunning and very well-kept boutique heritage hotel that exceeded our expectations on all fronts - property location and ambience, property facilities and ameniti… more

For my birthday this year, my partner surprised me with a stay at the wonderful Windermere Estate in Munnar, Kerala. Firstly, this is a stunning and very well-kept boutique heritage hotel that exceeded our expectations on all fronts - property location and ambience, property facilities and amenities, room and bathroom layout and design, and service and staff attentiveness. Property Location and Ambience The hotel sits on the escarpment of a hill overlooking parts of Munnar town and is surrounded by a still-working cardamom plantation dating back to the early to mid-1900s; the bungalows and cottages of a bygone era are dotted amidst lush undulating grounds and rugged natural rock formations. From my understanding, the property was purchased by a private owner in the 1980's and at that time was in much need of some 'tender loving care'. Considerately restored and nestling harmoniously within the landscape, the hotel exudes a charming old-worldliness and calm which immediately makes one feel at ease. Winding our way along the meandering sand-swept paths and cobbled walkways of the property, we observed trees, plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowers of many kinds; for those with a keen interest in numerous and varied species of flora, a stroll in the meticulously manicured gardens of Windermere Estate is a most pleasurable sensory experience and one that is accompanied by a symphony of melodious birdsong. Property Facilities and Amenities The hotel's restaurant sits on the lower floor of a double-storied building; the entire upper floor is open-plan and walled by generous glass windows all around, giving it an indoor-outdoor feel. This inviting Reading Room serves as a place of quiet contemplation where in-house guests can pause for a moment and allow themselves to be absorbed by a book, or, if they so choose, while away their time daydreaming and pondering the perfectly framed glimpses of nature all around them; the interiors are decorated with plush sofas, coffee tables and low lighting, which set the mood as it is intended. We chose to eat all our meals at the garden-view poolside restaurant located on the property; the menu celebrated local Kerala food traditions containing many familiar favourites; the dishes were plentiful and delicious, made fresh to order, and I believe some of the ingredients are sourced directly from the estate gardens, making every meal a unique farm-to-table experience. As my partner and I do not consume alcohol, we were thoroughly satisfied to end our meals by sharing a freshly brewed pot of black tea, steeped from leaves grown locally in the rich lateritic soils of the Western Ghats; it doesn't get any better than this! Just as it is culturally appropriate for one to indulge in a glass of wine when visiting the vineyards of Europe, when visiting the splendid tea estates of India, one should make it a point to enjoy the bountiful harvests of this fertile land. Room and Bathroom Layout/Design Exquisitely appointed rooms with attached private balconies yielded expansive bird's-eye views across the breathtaking Western Ghats of Southern India, indeed a sight to behold; being at one with the area renowned for the world's highest elevation tea plantations struck us as a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The room itself was large; it felt fresh and clean, was tastefully decorated and comfortable, containing everything we required for a pleasant overnight stay. The in-room daybed was the perfect nook to curl up on a misty afternoon with a good book, a comforting cup of warm, sweet, milky chai, and one, or perhaps two or three (if you are feeling a bit naughty), complimentary homemade melt-in-your-mouth velvety salted butter biscuits. The luxurious king-size bed and plump, oversized pillows lulled us into a peaceful and restful night's sleep. The private adjoining ensuite bathroom was spacious and spotlessly clean, with an ample-sized curtained window that provided privacy whilst allowing ambient natural light to filter into the washroom from the garden beyond. Service and Staff Attentiveness Munnar is a very popular world-famous destination on the well-worn tourist path; amongst an ocean of cookie-cutter hotels, Windermere Estate stands out, and when it comes to service, this family-owned boutique hotel shines bright. From the moment we arrived to the moment we departed the property, the staff in all departments were engaged, courteous and hospitable; professional to a tee. Every staff member, whether in reception, the restaurant, or elsewhere around the property, was well-trained, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic; it was obvious that they cared and enjoyed what they do. All the staff displayed a genuine willingness to make time to provide us with information about the estate and surrounding area. The check-in and check-out processes were swift and seamless, resulting in a very pleasant guest-focused experience; just as one would expect from a boutique hotel. A point of difference that deserves mentioning is that Windermere Estate employs an in-house naturalist who leads guests on morning and evening walks of the estate and surrounding area; this is not your average guided walk, it's something very special. Windermere Estate defines 'slow travel' at its finest.

less