Coorg, India
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg
Hilltop rainforest estate
Hilltop rainforest estate
The estate sits 4,000 feet up in the Western Ghats, where open-air pavilions look out over untamed mountain canopy.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Villas built with sun-dried earth blocks drawn directly from the surrounding rainforest.
Remarkable
Ayurvedic doctor consultations and traditional outdoor wood-fired copper Gudda baths.
Remarkable
Kodava cultural heritage interpreted through an on-site conservatory and Nellaki's pandi curry.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Massive picture windows frame the scene throughout, keeping the impossibly lush flora and cerulean skies in sight at all times.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Working coffee and cardamom plantations surround the grounds, with forest trails branching out toward regional nature reserves.
The rooms
Stand-alone cottages have glass walls facing the forest, finished with dark timber floors and carved wooden screens.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A temperature-controlled outdoor infinity pool joins an indoor pool, both looking straight out across the valley canopy.
The spa
The 30,000-square-foot spa holds eight private treatment suites, each with its own steam room and open relaxation deck.
Gym and treatments
Treadmills look directly into the mist-shrouded canopy, and private glass-walled suites host warm-water pouring rituals.
Restaurant
Poolside Grills
Tables sit beside the illuminated pool for open-air dinners of grilled meats and cocktails set around evening bonfires.
Upon pulling up to the lobby, the open-air cliffside structure pulls you in with a 180-degree vista of rolling forest—no railings, no windows, just a shallow stream-like edging of water.
At the table
Ferntree serves regional specialties under high timber ceilings. Hive Bar pours evening cocktails across a rustic stone counter.
How it began
Builders spent seven years constructing the property without cutting down a single tree, leaving 150 acres completely undeveloped.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.