Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Greenwood Resort Experience in Thekkady
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the lush, emerald embrace of Greenwood Resort in Thekkady. Forget the sterile, bullet-point reviews, I'm talking real talk, the kind that makes you want to actually go, not just click. This is my "Escape to Paradise" review, and it's gonna get messy, opinionated, and probably make you laugh. Let's do this…
First Impressions: Getting There & "Oh Crap, I forgot my…" Moments (Accessibility & Getting Around)
So, Thekkady. Beautiful, right? Jungle, spice plantations, the works. Getting to Greenwood is… well, let’s just say it’s a proper adventure. The roads aren’t exactly smooth sailing, especially if you're coming from, say, Cochin. But, hey, that’s part of the charm, right? It's like the universe testing your dedication to relaxation.
Accessibility: This is where I have to confess, I didn't personally need to test every single accessibility feature. However, the resort does advertise facilities for disabled guests, and mentions an elevator! That's a HUGE plus, especially considering the hilly terrain. I'd definitely recommend contacting Greenwood directly to confirm specific needs are met if you have accessibility requirements. Don't just assume, people.
Getting Around: They offer airport transfer (which, trust me, you'll want – the drive is LONG), and have a car park on-site (which, also a plus). They even have a car power charging station, which is pretty darn forward-thinking! Taxi service is an option, but honestly, I'd recommend sticking with their arrangements for getting around.
The Vibe: Cleanliness, Safety & "Is Everything REALLY Okay?"
Okay, major props to Greenwood on this front. Let's be honest, post-pandemic, cleanliness is paramount. And they've clearly doubled down. They boast about "daily disinfection in common areas," and "professional-grade sanitizing services." I'm a bit of a germaphobe (shhh, don't tell anyone), and I felt genuinely comfortable. Seriously, hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. They clearly take this seriously. And the rooms, between stays, are getting fully sanitized. That's the kind of detail that makes ya breathe a sigh of relief.
The Room (Finally!): My Personal Oasis (Available in All Rooms)
Right, the room. I opted for a… I don't even remember the exact type, but it was amazing. And the included stuff really makes a difference: Air conditioning (essential!), Free Wi-Fi (THANK YOU!), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Bathrobes (luxury alert!), Coffee/tea maker (morning rituals, people!), Hair dryer (the humidity here…trust me, you'll need it), In-room safe box (peace of mind!), Minibar (for those midnight cravings!), Private bathroom (obvious, but gotta mention it!), Seating area (because, duh relax), Oh! And the bathroom amenities, they were spot on, really good. They're not skimping here.
- The Bedding: Super Comfortable, a major plus after a day of adventures.
- The View You could open your window. It was truly unreal watching the sun rise over the Thekkady hills.
- The Blackout Curtains: Perfect for sleeping in and completely blocking light
Food, Glorious Food (Dining, Drinking & Snacking)
Okay, let's get real. This is where Greenwood REALLY shines. The food. Oh. My. Goodness. I'm not even a huge foodie, but I was blown away.
- The Breakfast Buffet: Seriously, the buffet could be a destination in itself. They had everything. Western, Asian, the works. I'm a sucker for an omelette station, and theirs was chef's kiss.
- The Variety of Restaurants: Multiple restaurants, offering everything from international cuisine to authentic Kerala dishes.
- Happy Hour: Enough said.
- The Poolside Bar: You could literally sit by the pool, with a cocktail in hand, and order everything you wanted on the menu. Did I do this? Maybe.
- The "A La Carte" in the Restaurant: Everything on the menu was amazing, they make it so simple to order individual things like a plate of Salad with the rest of your food!
The Foodie Moment (My Personal Experience): Alright, so there's this dish, I can't even remember the name, but it's something like "Prawns in a Coconut Curry." (Okay, maybe it's just called that…but it was amazing!) I am NOT a huge seafood person, but my tastebuds were dancing a jig by the end. It was so flavorful, fresh, and perfectly spiced. I had to order it again the next day. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
Things to Do (And Ways to Relax - Because, Hello, Vacation!)
Okay, listen up, because this is where the "Escape to Paradise" part really kicks in. Greenwood has thought of EVERYTHING.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: The spa is where you want to be. They offer massages, body scrubs, wraps, all the good stuff to make you feel alive again. I booked a full body massage and it was… well, you need to feel this for yourself.
- Swimming Pool: The pool is stunning. And the view? Pool with a view is an accurate description! It's an outdoor pool surrounded by tons of greenery. Just perfect.
- Fitness center: They have a fitness center. I am not sure I could go to the gym when I had just so many adventures around Thekkady to do.
- Things to do: This is where the fun begins, but, this is for another time,
- The Terrace: Every evening, I would take my coffee out on the terrace, and every sunset was a different work of art.
The "Almost Forgot About This" Section (Services & Conveniences)
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and they can handle anything.
- Daily Housekeeping: Never underestimate the joy of a clean room!
- Laundry Service/Dry Cleaning: Okay, who wants to do laundry on vacation? Not me.
- Gift/Souvenir Shop: To snag those last-minute gifts for the folks back home.
The "For the Kids" Stuff (If You're Bringing the Little Ones)
Okay, I don't have kids, but I saw families there, and Greenwood actually has a decent offering. Babysitting service, Kids facilities, plus family friendly activities, it's a good option if you want to bring the kids.
Internet Access (Because, Let's Be Honest, We Need It)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Yes! Internet access --Wireless is a must, right? The included internet access is great.
More Opinionated Language & Quirky Observations!
- The Staff: Everyone just seemed genuinely happy to be there and were helpful. Big ups to the team!
- The Atmosphere: This isn’t a stuffy, pretentious place. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and you can just… breathe.
- The Imperfection Angle: There were a couple of minor hiccups (like a slightly slow Wi-Fi connection at one point), but honestly, they were easily forgiven. This is a place to unwind, not to stress about the small stuff.
- The "Forgettable" Section is pretty long: I'm not going to try and remember every point of the service and facilities, because that's too much, what I will say is, it was all working fine.
- Pro Tip: Book the spa treatments in advance. You don't want to miss out!
Now For the REAL Hook - The Offer!
Tired of the daily grind? Yearning for an escape? Craving a taste of paradise?
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Greenwood Resort Experience in Thekkady
This isn't just a vacation; it's a chance to truly disconnect and recharge. Imagine:
- Waking up to breathtaking views of the Thekkady hills.
- Indulging in world-class cuisine, from authentic Kerala dishes to international favorites.
- Pampering yourself with a luxurious spa experience, melting away stress and tension.
- Exploring the wonders of Thekkady, from spice plantations to stunning wildlife.
- Pure Relaxation: Get ready to melt into the comfy beds and enjoy what this amazing Resort has to offer. You deserve it.
Here's what you get:
- Luxurious Accommodation: Spacious rooms with all the amenities you could dream of, including included Wi-Fi.
- Daily Breakfast Buffet: Start your day with a culinary adventure!
- Unforgettable Spa Experience: Book a massage, and just relax.
- Plus, a Special Offer Just For You! [Insert a time-sensitive offer, like a discount on spa treatments, dinner, or a free activity. Think discounts on the spa or food based on the length of time there.]
**Don’t just dream about paradise –
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Bungalows in Bariloche, Argentina
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your average, polished travel itinerary. This is the chaotic, glorious, slightly-too-honest account of my supposed "relaxing" trip to Greenwoods Resort in Thekkady. Prepare for… well, let’s just say prepare for something.
The Greenwoods Grumble & Glee: A Thekkady Adventure (with a healthy dose of imperfection)
Day 1: The Arrival… and the Mosquito Meltdown.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Kochi Airport. The humidity hits you like a warm, damp, insistent hug. Already regretting my slightly-too-heavy sweater. Finding a taxi to Thekkady felt like trying to navigate a minefield of competing drivers – all charming, all wanting my money. Eventually, settled on one named "Sunny." Sunny was… well, Sunny. He told me stories about his cow and insisted I try chewing betel nut. I politely declined, fearing I’d turn into some kind of psychedelic Thekkady local.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Greenwoods. Whoa. Lush. Seriously, like, Instagram-worthy lush. Giant trees, little streams babbling… the photos didn't lie. Check-in was smooth, too smooth. Starting to get suspicious. They offered me a welcome drink, some kind of fruity concoction that tasted suspiciously healthy. I drank it anyway.
- 2:00 PM: Settle into my room. Beautiful! But then… the mosquitoes. Sweet baby Jesus, the mosquitoes. They were tiny, persistent, and clearly had a personal vendetta against my exposed ankles. Battled them for a solid hour, spraying every inch of exposed skin with industrial-strength repellent that promised to keep even the fiercest jungle beast at bay. Still got bitten five times. This is the beginning of a beautiful (and itchy) friendship.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch. Fantastic! The food at Greenwoods is… divine. Seriously. Had a Kerala fish curry that made me want to weep with joy. Spicy, flavorful, and absolutely zero regrets (even if I did have to fan my face for a good ten minutes afterwards).
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to relax. Fail. The mosquito situation is still… significant. Swatting and flailing. Contemplating setting the whole resort ablaze.
- 6:00 PM: Ayurvedic Massage. This was supposed to be the zen part. It started well. The masseuse, a woman with hands that could melt glaciers, worked her magic. Then… the sand. The… freaking… sand. Apparently, they use sand in the massage. Somehow, it ended up everywhere. In my hair, in my ears, down my back, up my nose. A tiny bit in my eye made me squint uncontrollably for the next hour. It felt a little like being buried alive.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. More deliciousness! Managed to avoid the sand this time, but the mosquitoes still haunted me, making me want to have an outdoor dinner.
Day 2: Spice Routes and Unexpected Encounters.
- 9:00 AM: Morning walk. The air is crisp and clean! The trees sway, with the light filtering through their leaves, I started to think, "This is what I needed." and that's when I turned a corner and saw a herd of elephants. Just… casually grazing. Jaw. On. Floor. They looked huge and majestic and I felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to adopt one. Didn't. But the moment. The moment!
- 10:00 AM: Spice Plantation Tour. Honestly? Better than I expected. Learned about different spices, smelled things I didn't even know existed (nutmeg! Cardamom! I'm basically a walking spice rack now). Tasted some freshly brewed tea - spicy, fragrant, delicious. Also, met a local farmer who told me the secrets of growing vanilla and then offered me his own brand of vanilla beans. It was a bit awkward when he didn't know what to do next.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Back to the deliciousness. Chicken Curry this time. I'm starting to think I could live on Kerala food and that would be my heaven.
- 2:00 PM: Boating on Periyar Lake. Amazing! The views were stunning. Saw elephants, again! And a whole bunch of exotic birds. Feeling smug about my wildlife spotting skills. The boat almost capsized (minor drama, probably my imagination) and everyone laughed at me when I got seasick.
- 4:00 PM: The "Cultural Show." Honestly? A little… touristy. But the dancers were talented and the music was hypnotic. Even found myself tapping my feet, despite my initial skepticism. Thought I was going to pass out at one point though.
- 7:00 PM: Another Amazing Dinner. More fish! More curry! More happiness! Mosquitos, however, were still my constant companions.
Day 3: The Grand Escape and a Touch of Regret
- 9:00 AM: Yoga Class. Decided, after multiple nights of bad sleep that I needed to get some zen in my life. This was a terrible idea. I'm apparently less flexible than a rusty gate. The instructor, a woman who could probably bend into a pretzel, kept telling me to "breathe." I tried. Failed. Ended up giggling uncontrollably. Was told to go back to my room.
- 10:00 AM: Free Time/Packed bags. Realized I should have booked a treehouse in the resort.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. The dreaded reality returns.
- 12:00 PM: The Drive to Kochi. A long, hot, and bumpy ride back to Kochi, reflecting on my experiences. I'm not sure what's worse. The mosquito situation or the feeling of being away.
Reflections:
- The Good: The food. The views. The elephants. The overall beauty of Thekkady. The staff at Greenwoods, who were unfailingly polite and helpful, even when I was undoubtedly being a grumpy tourist.
- The Bad: The mosquitoes. The sand in the massage (that's still bugging me). My yoga skills (nonexistent).
- The Ugly: My attempts at haggling with the spice vendors (I'm terrible at it). My sunburn (oops). The fact that I didn't stay longer. I'd already started to think that I would always have this mosquito situation in a beautiful environment.
- Would I Go Back? Absolutely. Despite the sand and the mosquitoes, I'm already dreaming of the Kerala fish curry and another glimpse of those majestic elephants. Next time, though, I'm bringing industrial-strength bug spray, a good pair of earplugs, and a yoga mat that actually works.
- Final Thoughts: This trip was a perfect mix of beauty, chaos, and delicious food. It was a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. I'm not sure what the next steps are, but I'm glad of this experience, and the memories I have.
Escape to Paradise: Greenwood Resort - The Unvarnished Truth
Okay, so is Greenwood Resort actually *paradise*, or just... a nice hotel? Because the photos are always so... idealized.
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? Maybe *near* paradise. Think slightly chipped paint on some of the balconies (I'm not judging, I'm a messy person myself!), a few rogue insects who *clearly* didn't get the memo about the "relaxation retreat" vibe, and the occasional questionable buffet decision (trust me, I learned the hard way about that "mystery meat" curry).
But... and this is a big but... the *feeling*? That's the thing. It *feels* pretty damn close. Waking up to that mist hanging over the hills, the chirping of birds, the smell of cardamom... it's magical. Especially after the stress of actually *getting* to Thekkady. Seriously, the roads are a trip! But once you're there, it's like BAM – instant chill override.
So, not perfection. Real life? Absolutely. And that, in its own imperfect way, *is* paradise.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they as amazing as they look in the pictures? And seriously, how's the Wi-Fi?
Okay, the rooms. The pictures... they’re good. They're very, very well done. Mine… was pretty awesome. But you know, those curated photos always show the best angle, don’t they? Like, my room had a balcony overlooking the… basically the jungle. And that was amazing. But getting to the balcony was, at first, a bit of a challenge. It was a bit like navigating an obstacle course of strategically placed furniture and enthusiastic mosquitoes (I swear, they had a thing for me!).
And the Wi-Fi... Ah, the bane of modern existence! It's... present. Let's put it that way. Don't expect to live-stream your entire vacation. Think more “check emails at a snail’s pace” kind of Wi-Fi. Honestly? Embrace the digital detox. The real magic is outside, anyway.
Also, a word to the wise: check for geckos. They're cute, but they can startle you when you're half-asleep and reaching for a glass of water. Just speaking from experience, okay?
I'm a foodie. The food... is it worth the hype? And what about options? I'm vegetarian, and my boyfriend's a carnivore. Will we both be happy?
Okay, food! This is where things get... interesting. The breakfast buffet is a definite highlight. Dosas, idlis, something vaguely resembling sausage (see "mystery meat" curry above - proceed with caution!), fresh fruit... you’ll be waddling out of there, I guarantee it. The coffee is a good strong blend that'll get you fired up for your day.
Lunch and dinner… it's a mixed bag. The a la carte is better than the buffet. There were some INCREDIBLE vegetarian options available, and the staff were genuinely helpful with explaining the dishes and adapting them, adding little extra chillis for my meat eating boyfriend. Now, the caveat: during the busy season, service can be a little… slow. But hey, you're on vacation! You've got time. Order another Kingfisher and chill.
Here's a little secret: if you’re feeling adventurous, ask the staff about outside restaurants. There are little gems nearby, serving unbelievably delicious, authentic Kerala cuisine. Don't forget to try the fish fry! Actually, maybe skip the fish... the spice levels are not for the faint of heart. Which brings me to my next point: BRING PEPTO-BISMOL.
What's the best thing to *do* at Greenwood? Beyond the obvious "relaxing." Spas? Treks? Elephant rides (are those a good idea?!)
Okay, the best things to do... beyond all the relaxing (which you WILL do, because it's practically mandatory!) are the activities around. The spa is truly amazing – I mean, that’s what they say, anyway. I missed my appointment after a massive nap after lunch (I feel so guilty!), but my friend raved about it. Apparently, getting covered in exotic oils is a really great way to melt away those city stresses. The masseuse, she said, was phenomenal.
And the treks! Definitely sign up for a trek. I did the short one, and I’m SO GLAD. I got properly lost in the forest, and I was convinced I was going to be eaten by wild animals. It was also terrifying and beautiful so I just ran back to the resort. Not sure what, if anything, I saw beyond a couple of scuttling lizards, but the experience was memorable. Plus the guides are amazing. Be prepared to sweat (a lot). And wear good shoes.
As for elephant rides… well, let's say I'm conflicted. You know, they're majestic creatures, and there's something undeniably cool about riding an elephant. However… and this is a big “however” … I've heard some things about the treatment of these animals. I didn't do one. Do your research. Make your own informed decision. And be prepared for guilt.
Okay, so you mentioned downsides. What's the one thing that *really* needs improvement at Greenwood? What's the biggest flaw?
Alright, time for the brutal honesty. What needs improvement? For me? The *noise* levels. Now, this isn't entirely Greenwood’s fault. You get the constant drone of motorbikes, the occasional loud group on the balcony next door, and the (admittedly charming) monkeys who love to play on the roof. I could deal with the other points, but after a long day of trekking, all I wanted was silence. And I just… didn’t get it. Which, frankly, was a massive letdown.
They're *trying* to be peaceful. They're doing a good job. But some things are outside their control. So, if you're a light sleeper like me, bring earplugs. Seriously. Your sanity will thank you. And maybe book a room as far from the road as possible. That's my advice.
So, overall, would you go back? Would you *recommend* it? And would you take your mother?!
Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the minor hiccups, the almost-constant mosquito bites, and the questionable curry, the good outweighed the bad. The location is stunning, the staff are genuinely lovely (even when they're slightly overwhelmed), and that feeling of peace... it’s worth its weight in gold.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with the caveats mentioned above. If you're expecting absolute perfection, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for an authentic, relatively comfortable experience with a touch of adventure and stunning views… then absolutely go. It's more than just a stay, it's a genuine experience, and one I wish I could have had more of.
And my mother? Hmm… tough one. She's a bit… particular. She'd probably complain about the Wi-Fi, the noise, and the lack of gluten-free options. BUT… she also loves a good view, and you canScenic Stays
