Hello editor Yasmin Menon went to the newest Club Mahindra resort
at Coorg and recommends you do too.
I could hardly believe my luck when I learnt that I was going to Coorg for the
inauguration of the Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley resort. Having been involved with
the resort from its inception, having closely followed every stage of its construction,
this was a very special time for me.
After
a comfortable overnight journey on the Mysore Express from Chennai, we set off
for Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley by road. The city of Mysore is very pretty and
one can feel its rich historical past by just looking at the amazing building
structures along the way. Once out of the city, our eyes were constantly delighted
with shades of green on either side of us-fields, trees, shrubs, a variety of
flora and fauna and fruit trees. We passed scenic coffee plantations and quaint
bungalows. As we got closer to the resort the foliage got thicker and the road
a little steeper.
At
Madikeri town and from there on, we followed the Club Mahindra signages all the
way. Once we reached Madikeri, we were just about 6 km away from the resort-10-15
minutes drive. The total journey took us approximately 2.5 hours from Mysore station.
I was thrilled with the drive, and my eyes felt refreshed with the abundance of
green. As we entered the resort, I felt like I was driving into one of those
colonial bungalows that I had seen along the way. A short, curved, well-paved
driveway led us to the lobby. The lobby has been very tastefully constructed.
The finish is richly wooden, and I could see great attention to detail in construction
as well as décor, which is reflective of typical Kodagu architecture and
culture. The lobby begins with a short, wide corridor, with benches built into
the sides-over the next few days, I found myself sitting here several times, just
catching a few moments with myself and nature. Once inside the lobby, I was made
to feel totally welcome by the bright, smiling faces that make up the front office.
The lobby is a wide square, with comfortable cane sofas to your left. A quick
walk around the lobby made me realize that at every point, there is a different
view. At the centre is the 'pushkarni' or water body, filled with rose petals.
It has been built within an 'aynamane', the traditional Kodava community hall
that is open to the sky. Balconies lead off on either side of the lobby, inviting
you to sit there and do nothing.
From
the lobby, the steps go down a level. On the way down, I was delighted to see
a coffee bush, which has been planted to the left at the bottom of the stairs.
On this level, more smiling faces at the Coffee Blossoms restaurant greeted me.
The conference room (Fern Hall) and rest rooms are also on this level.
The
restaurant has a warm, inviting feel and is done up in bright, earthy colours.
The ceiling of the restaurant is completely bordered with a typical red and gold
Coorg sari border. You can either choose to sit inside or outside on the deck
while you enjoy the variety of food and desserts that the magic kitchen keeps
churning out. I chose the deck which commands a breathtaking view of a forest.
A
walk further down broad steps leads to yet another level, where you will find
the Activity Centre, as well as the massage and beauty salons. The most amazing
experience on this level is that you feel you are standing right in the middle
of a forest. You feel safe, but you feel so much in tune with nature. And in this
setting, a game of table tennis, a facial or a massage is a very unique experience.
The massages are an out-of-this-world experience, not to be missed. As far as
activities go you can enjoy them indoors or outdoors-a host of treks, sightseeing
tours, plantation visits are available for the energetic and young at heart.
A
walkway takes you around the resort. When you visit, do ask for a resort tour.
Don't forget to come with your sneakers or very comfortable shoes with a good
grip. Another piece of clothing that you must bring is your swimwear. The swimming
pool is not very deep and is very artistically designed. Shaped in free flow form,
it is quite enthralling to see water flowing down the sides of the pool when there
is a lot of splashing around. You can either jump in or just sit around the pool
and enjoy the views all around you. As part of Phase I, four blocks with a
total of 62 apartments have been built. The blocks are named after berries which
are widely available and typical to Coorg-Phalsa, Barbadas, Carandas and Masaul.
The studios and one-bedroom apartments are bright and tastefully decorated in
bronze and gold hues, right from the dhurries on the floor to the sofas and cushions.
You will find a small well-equipped kitchenette and a mini fridge tucked away
in the corner of your apartment, very non obtrusive, yet it's right there. If
you are particular about good bathrooms (like I am) then you will be delighted
with the clean, well-equipped ones here-everything in good working order. At the
end of day 1 of my trip, when I had worn myself out with excitement and tried
to do more than a city girl can handle, it felt so good to stand under a warm
shower and then slip into a very comfortable bed (by the way, the pillows are
amazing! I have never felt such soft pillows in my life).
What
also needs very special mention is that all 62 rooms in Phase 1 have balconies,
some of them with grandfather chairs. This is undoubtedly the best part of the
room. Time stands still as you sit here and drink in the breathtaking beauty of
your surroundings, breathe the fresh, crisp air, and listen only to the rustling
of the leaves and the songs of birds. On one of these days, out on the balcony,
I spotted a blue and red bird-just a little one, but such a bright blot of colour
against a green canvas of leaves. I love music, and I could not help thinking
of John Denver's Annie's Song "you fill up my senses, like a night in
the forest …"
Opposite
the blocks is the hillock. The climb is not at all daunting; the steps leading
to the hillock are wide and comfortable. Once up there, you have spectacular views
of the valleys and forests, and the whole resort. There is also a huge chessboard
up there in case the altitude and scenery inspire you to make some master moves.
On this hillock, which also serves as an amphitheatre, you are truly on top of
the world. You can sit there with your own thoughts, or with the family and have
a picnic-there is nothing you can't do when you are flying so high.
I
must also mention that the level of service is truly outstanding. Beginning with
the most gorgeous smiles, the staff does everything to make sure you are well
fed and comfortable. They really make you feel at home. In fact, the service is
a major part of the 'home away from home' experience at this resort.
Mobile
phones work only near the entrance and on the hillock. If you need to get through
to anyone, land line services are available and the Internet connectivity is also
good. It dawned on me that when you are away from your mobile phone, it does you
a world of good and most often nothing earth-shattering happens-it feels so good
to be lost in your own world, totally cut off and far from the maddening crowds.
Though
on 30 acres of land, the actual built-up area of the resort is not much-there
are lots of open spaces and natural foliage. Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley sits
in the lap of nature, its architecture reflective of the richness of Kodava history
and culture, a place where you will feel surrounded by warmth, character, a place
where you will hear the sound of silence, a place which offers you microwave ovens
and hair dryers in the midst of thick foliage and undulating valleys. I know I
will be returning to this place again and again. I don't think I can ever get
enough of Coorg.
