35 Retreat to the Hills Discover the magical, healing powers of nature! South India has the most incredible experiences in and around the biodiverse Western Ghats. Partner Spotlight: Spice Tree Munnar SPICE GETAWAY Munnar is where the British would retreat during the Indian summer. An undulating land of verdant tea plantations, Spice Tree Munnar provides the perfect private getaway for you to put your feet up, complete with a steaming teapot, mountains, brooks, waterfalls, chirping birds and a cool breeze. Each heavenly room comes with its own balcony where you can embrace the panoramic views. Venture to Bliss, the hotel’s own mountain spa for indulgent relaxation and herbal, natural toiletries, or to Kerala’s only solar heated outdoor pool, filled with local spring water. The meditation hall provides you with a daily introduction to yoga basics. The cuisine at Spice Tree is exquisite, with an array of international and local cuisines, as well as an exclusive barbecue grill service. Experience a tea tasting session or a local cookery class. Close to the resort lie rare high-altitude paddy fields, architectural remnants of an ancient people, and family-run spice farms waiting for you to explore. WILD ESCAPE Reconnect with the wild in endless grasslands and dense forests. Chinnar Eco-living is the ultimate destination for experiencing the healing properties of nature. Constructed by local people using the traditional method of rammed earth and thatched roofing, the architecture harmoniously blends with its surroundings. Rest your head in one of six garden pool villas. The surroundings around the retreat provide natural entertainment, from visiting a coconut farm to learn the process of coconut oil extraction, a visit to the local village and temple, birdwatching and cycling to trekking and nature walks through plantations and a nearby wildlife sanctuary. You can learn from Chinnar Eco-living’s master chef on how to prepare fresh local cuisines using ingredients from the retreat’s own kitchen plantation. Unwind with an authentic Ayurveda massage in the comfort of your own cottage! HOLISTIC HAVEN Would you like to go on a journey of wellbeing? Where design, music, food and art collide together to create an incredible holistic experience in India? Then it’s time to head to Sugati Retreat. Sugati literally translates as happy course of existence, and you will find it at this specialist Ayurveda retreat, which aims to put your mind, body and spirit back in balance. With a delicious, nutritious vegetarian diet, and an expert staff supporting you with detoxification and yoga spread across a ten-acre organic spice and vegetable garden, you might not want to go home!