I've been to heaven!

The lobby
see all photos »

This was my favorite part of the trip.  Of course this was the most expensive as we were staying in a resort, but it was only expensive by India's terms and it was worth every penny.  Driving into the hills of Kumily is beautiful.  As you wind your way up the hillside you watch the landscape change.  Fewer houses are visible from the roadside, there are small Homestays and businesses on the side roads, but for the most part all you see are tea and spice plantations.  When we arrived at Spice Village we quickly understood where it's name came from.  I have never smelled anything so wonderful.  The weather is cooler up there but still warm enough for the sun to ignite the amazing aromas of all of the vegetation.  The grounds contained every imaginable Indian spice: pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, curry, tumeric, lemon grass all swirling through the air.  It was magnificent!

The tea plantations as you drive up
see all photos »

The staff was incredibly accommodating.  They were helpful and attentive.  Aside from activities offered at the hotel such as sari wrapping, a cooking class and live music and dance performances each night, they also provide knowledgable guides who can take you into Periyar park or direct you to a place to ride an elephant or visit a tea plantation.  I could have spent a week here easily!

This was my favorite part of the trip!

How cute is this place?!
see all photos »

Each room is it's own adorable thatch-roofed cottage and the grounds are constantly being maintained.  We were greeted by the hotel's guinea hens who were also the morning wake-up crew.  What a nice way to start the day.

The food was fresh and excellent.  There is a small outdoor cafe that serves light meals and a buffet is offered for Breakfast and dinner.

One thing I really appreciated was that they offered to put any outside activities that we wanted to do (such as visiting Periyar) on our hotel bill so that we didn't need to have cash as the city is small and money machines are not readily available.  They also would not accept tips individually but had a box at the front where you put combined tip money for the staff share.  I thought this was a nice touch as there was always someone around doing something great for you.