Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise

Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise

I was in Coorg on Christmas day last year; my staycation at Welcome Heritage Ayatana, Coorg was my Christmas gift. My daughter planned this safe, picturesque and exotic holiday for the two of us. The resort nestles in the heart of the luxuriant Western Ghats. After months of being confined to the four walls of my home, it was liberating to be in the lap of verdant open spaces and to reconnect with nature. As they say at Ayatana, Coorg – Where the Greenest Greens and the Bluest Blues Come Alive. It was almost three days of rejuvenating in the magic of Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise. This luxury resort is tucked away in acres of forest area, coffee estate and a gushing waterfall thrown in as God’s gift.

We drove down from Bengaluru and it took us 5 hours to get there. The journey was as therapeutic as the destination. I could not have enough of the clear, sublime air and would have loved to stay on for more. Many families had driven down from Bengaluru with their pets.

Sharing a travelogue after such a long time. Do check in on The Ultimate Tourist Guide to Bhutan, Tips for visiting Egypt or the ever-fresh Kashmir Travelogues – Srinagar, The Kashmir I knew, Srinagar Part 2, Doodhpathri, Kashmir-Heaven on Earth,

Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise

The drive-in is a good kilometre to the lobby and it’s through a resplendent, lush green canopy that opens up into a wide open space. I knew from that moment that our stay at Ayatana was going to be an awakening of the mind, body and soul.

Smart Cottages

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Ayatana has just 53 rooms, nay smart cottages. Each room has a spectacular view of dreamy tranquillity and abundant greenery. The birdsongs awakened me in the morning and as I stepped put to the balcony, I almost broke into lyrical poetry. You feel as if you are the only human in the world surrounded by the untainted wilderness and the sound of the gushing waterfall.

The Glass House

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The Glass House is an open multi-cuisine restaurant with a mesmerizing view of the infinity pool and the waterfall in the background. The private waterfall is the cherry on the cake. The ambience is a feast for the eyes while the food satiates the belly. I would recommend the local cuisine, Kodava for sure. Every meal was food for the soul, except the High Tea. The Forest Tavern is for the guzzlers.

Omniscient Waterfall

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Being early risers, Esha and I would gingerly step on the rocks and get our feet in the clear, fresh water at the waterfall. In close proximity to Mother Nature with not a soul in sight is extremely therapeutic. It seems like a personal waterfall without any peering onlookers.

The Infinity Pool

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The infinity pool looked so inviting but it was off-limits due to pandemic restrictions. It is right below the restaurant and opposite the waterfall. The deck chairs were so inviting and we languished on them just soaking in the spellbinding atmosphere.

Wilderness Spa @ Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise

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Actually tucked away in the wilderness, the spa was something that I was looking forward to. Months of stress and lethargy were eased away by the Swedish massage that I took. I didn’t want the hour-long massage to end. It was deeply relaxing, woke up my tired feet and gave me the boost I needed to rejoice in my wellness. I really felt rejuvenated and felt all the stress drain away. They have diverse massages and therapies to choose from.

Ziplining

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If you love adventure then get your adrenaline pumping and take an exciting swing on the ziplining course. With the waterfall as a backdrop and the canopy of the trees, the zip lining seems ensconced in nature.

Nature Walks

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Nature walks are conducted on request. There are garden spaces that revolve around the coffee plantation, fruit and flower gardens. An early morning guided walk is what can be arranged. The flora and fauna are exotic and spectacular. A flock of ducks always followed me around and it was so amusing to watch them waddle in a row.

Off-road Safari

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I am very cautious of my delicate back but I couldn’t resist the off-road safari which took us deep into the realm of the Western Ghats.  It was literally, the road less travelled.  In fact, it was just a rough track that leads us to the top of the green hills and midst of the azure blue skies. The bumpy ride was worth the sights it offered. I couldn’t help but burst into song…” Aaj mai upar aasmaan neeche”

I am a born romantic and find romance in every little thing of beauty. Ayatana is a never-ending elixir of romance. The serenity, the Christmassy ambience, the bonfire lit evenings; all exuded romance. It was a cherished and remarkable experience that I would love to relive again.

Off-roading and Spa is charged extra. The other activities are all-inclusive @ Ayatana, Coorg | Natural Paradise

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and generously SPONSORED BY Bugshield Clothing – Don’t be Bugged!