Tucked away in the lush hilly lands of coffee and cardamom, the Vivanta by Taj Madikeri-Coorg is set in an undiscovered slice of rainforest in an otherworldly landscape in South India. Opened less than a year ago, the property is already buzzing with a mix of young Indian families, international travelers and those looking for a unique wellness experience at this 180-acre mountain rainforest retreat with a luxurious 30,000-square-foot Jiva Grande Spa.
From the moment you pull up to the open-air lobby and see the stone-studded infinity pool that drops off on a panoramic view of the stunning property, you know this is somewhere unique and special. The air is clean, birds are calling and the gorgeous modern design incorporates bricks made on-site from displaced soil, organic mud paints and handmade tiles from dismantled houses nearby.
The Spa features the signature Gudda Bath, pictured, set in a tiny pavilion with expansive rainforest views—a bathing treatment unique to the Coorgi people of the rainforest, where body and spirit are soothed by water warmed in a huge wood-fired kettle. Other offerings include Panchakarma, personalized wellness journeys and a range of authentic Ayurvedic treatments.
vivantabytaj.com/Madikeri-Coorg —Rona Berg