Spice Village

Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats near Thekkady, Spice Village is an award-winning rustic and eco-friendly resort that enjoys a tranquil setting among 15 acres of lush spice. Inspired by the jungle huts of the local tribes, each of the 54 spacious, simple, thatched cottages is elegantly decorated and tastefully furnished with natural materials and is set overlooking the garden and the mountains beyond. The private veranda around each cottage is ideal for relaxing and reading a book during the day.

Spice Village’s restaurant serves enticing local and international cuisine using fresh ingredients sourced locally, including seasonal organic vegetables and spices from the in-house garden. The bar, originally the home of the forest ranger during the Raj period, serves beer and Indian wines and is equipped with billiards and a snooker table. Leisure facilities at Spice Village include an outdoor pool, badminton court, indoor board games and a spa offering a range of traditional Ayurvedic massages and treatments.

Activities on offer include nature walks accompanied by a naturalist, visits to spice plantations, and a bullock cart ride through surrounding villages. There is also a kids’ club and a library with a splendid collection of books on regional flora and fauna. Guests staying at Spice Village should be aware that the cottages are not equipped with televisions or air-conditioning – although the resort’s location at the foothills of the Western Ghats – means that the latter’s absence is unlikely to be noticed even during the summer months.