FROM the moment guests arrive at the Orange County in Coorg, surrounded by a 300-acre coffee and pepper plantation and enclosed by the River Cauvery and Dubare Reserve Forest, they are in for a treat of the senses. One of the many eco-resorts in India, the resort is situated between 900 and 1,525 m above sea level in the state of Karnataka, India, and is 235 km from Bangalore International Airport or 195 km from Mangalore airport.
A natural paradise, the resort is surrounded by rosewood, sandalwood, fig, and jack fruit trees.
The resort offers four types of accommodation. The Private Pool Villas with its huge bedrooms and seating areas that lead out to a private pool in the middle of a garden; the Presidential Villa, a plantation style luxury suite with en suite bedroom, separate living room and a private sit-out; the Kings Court villas also with private sit-out; and the County Cottage with its living cum sleeping area and an attached bathroom.
Dining options include the all-day Granary which serves traditional and organic dishes, the Peppercorn restaurant which serves up kebabs and grills, and the Plantain Leaf which serves both North and South Indian vegetarian thalis (meal plates). Caffeine addicts will love the coffee lounge, where locally brewed filter coffee is served free.
The resort hosts a range of activities that allow guests to explore Coorg, from trekking at the nearby elephant camp at the Dubare Wildlife Reserve, walking across the coffee and spice plantation to discover the difference between an Arabica and Robusta coffee or learn about the 300 species of birds found in Coorg. Another popular activity is the Coracles ride across the Cauvery where guests are taken in a local circular fishing boat.
The resort also has a Vaidyasala Ayurveda spa offering traditional treatments. There is also a common swimming pool for the whole family or the child-free Infinity pool exclusively for adults.
Sustainability plays an important role in the resort with its non-heated pools, man-made lake, solid waste management and water conservation as well as organic farming.
Orange County Luxury Resorts also operates the Orange County, Kabini in Karnataka, also designed with the aim of responsible tourism while allowing guests a luxury game camp experience at the neighbouring Nagarhole National Park. Both properties are part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. For details visit slh.com or +44 (0) 203 285 8911.