Munnar Beauty without, Resort beauty within

How many times, if we’re seasoned travellers, do we ask ourselves: what’s the next destination to travel? One stay at a resort in Munnar gave me the answer to that persistent question.

Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, India, and it’s one of the best among many hill stations. Resorts here are built at the base and some are located about twenty kilometers uphill where you can see clouds like you’re viewing them from an airplane at high altitude. I love staying in resorts like these. During one of my stays in Munnar, I thought the resort would only have a few villas. But wow, it had a stunning facade! Along with one- and two-bedroom villas, there was a main multistory building with a grand lobby and lifts taking you to valley-facing rooms. This 5-star resort gave me one of the best views of the valley – what a stay! I was tempted to chill at the resort all the time, but Munnar’s beauty meant I could leisurely explore places daily and look forward to heading back to this gorgeous resort.

The restaurant boasts a stunning view of mountains with clouds drifting around them. Having breakfast amidst this serene setting is an experience that creates lifetime memories. I’ve included a glimpse of that stunning view in this post. Each room is tastefully appointed with a private balcony, where time seems to stand still. The plush bed cradles you into a deep sleep, dissolving any fatigue from a long journey – often beginning from your hotel in Kochi – mere moments after you settle in.

Munnar is a hill station you can visit any time of year. Even when it’s scorching hot in summer, Munnar stays cool. During the rainy season, mornings bring bright sunshine – you’d wish time could freeze in those morning hours.

Lots of travellers tell me the resort doesn’t matter much – they just need it for an overnight stay. But there are a few travellers who want to make the resort their destination. These travellers are happy to spend big bucks, and they get what they’re looking for – worth every penny. Catering to these clients is super exciting! As a travel agent and tour operator, I often stay at resorts like these to get firsthand experience. That way, I can confidently suggest them to clients who are looking for that kind of experience.” Running a travel business comes with its challenges, but my clients get to see the value in it. I often negotiate contract rates with top resorts that I pass on to my clients – rates they might not get if they booked directly. Sometimes the rates might be comparable or slightly higher, but my discerning clients understand the value of working with a travel agent. They appreciate the expertise I bring and the overheads involved in running a travel business.

After my stay, I felt compelled to write a review on TripAdvisor. Some resorts make big claims about their service, but we don’t just rely on TripAdvisor to research a property – we do our own checks. The website described their services, and they delivered exactly what they claimed. According to the website: “You’ll be treated with the highest level of respect, like royalty, aiming to make your hill station visit a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests often find joy in simple pleasures like sipping coffee, reading on their balcony, taking in the breathtaking views, or indulging in spa treatments for some self-care. We’re thrilled to see such responses. We do encourage you to explore the surrounding hills – they’re a stunning sight with lots to offer.” So in their own words that is Munnar beauty without and the resort beauty within.