About this hotel
General information
The resort sits 1,200 m above sea level near the hamlet of Galibeedu outside Madikeri, wrapped in some 73 hectares of evergreen rainforest. Cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations, streams and mountain ridges surround it, the forest doubles as a corridor for wildlife, and falcons often circle above the canopy. An open-air lobby with large picture windows sets the scene from the moment of arrival.
There are 63 keys: 39 cottages and 24 villas. Their architecture borrows from traditional Coorg houses – sloping roofs, pillars, open-to-sky entrances and inner courtyards – while the interiors are muted, with fireplaces and forest views. The resort is EarthCheck certified, and days here revolve around forest trails, coffee tastings, cookery lessons and time at the expansive J Wellness Circle spa.
Location
The resort lies at Galibeedu near Madikeri, in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka, on a forested hilltop at 1,200 m. The nearest airport is Kannur International, about 98 km away; airport transfers can be arranged on request at a charge, and the concierge and travel desk organise local transport.
Spa
J Wellness Circle covers 2,800 m² and draws on Ayurvedic and other Indian wellness traditions, using natural products. Its signature is the Gudda Bath, a traditional Coorg ritual in which a herbal-oil massage is followed by a bath of water heated in a copper vessel over a wood fire. The menu also includes the Nidra and Pehlwan Malish massages, the Champi Indian head massage, the Udhana scrub of coffee beans, avocado and rice powder, facials with the spa's own natural range, and group or private yoga and meditation sessions. Selected therapies begin with a steam ritual and end in the relaxation lounge.
Sports & leisure
Facilities include a temperature-controlled outdoor infinity pool, an indoor pool, a modern fitness centre and a resident yoga instructor. The resort offers guided nature walks, treks and cycling through the forest, coffee tastings and Kodagu cookery sessions at the chef's table, where pandi curry, made with pork, is the classic place to start. The small Taj Conservatory collection introduces the region's history, arts and crafts, and there is a games room and evening entertainment. The concierge arranges half-day and full-day outings, among them Abbey Falls amid coffee and spice estates (about 13 km), the Mandalpatti viewpoint at 1,800 m (20 km) and Nagarhole National Park (76 km).
For children
Children have a play area and the Wonderhive Passport programme, collecting stamps on a resort map and small rewards for the activities they complete. The Paathyā initiative introduces them to nature through outdoor games and hands-on sessions, while the Déjà Tru family experiences revive old-time pastimes such as the bioscope and forgotten toys.
Restaurants & bars
Four restaurants and a bar, most of them looking out over the rainforest.
- Ferntree — all-day restaurant with interactive stations: international dishes, pastas, soups and spicy regional recipes;
- Nellaki — Kodagu cooking with a contemporary touch, in a pared-back room with panoramic forest views;
- Dew — wholesome dining built on organic produce: broths, pastas, sandwiches and steamed dishes, both vegetarian and meat;
- Poolside Grills — open-air dinners by the pool, with marinated vegetables and meats cooked on the grill;
- Hive Bar — dark wood, high ceilings and forest views: drinks and small plates by day, sunset evenings outdoors with inventive cocktails and world music.
For private dining the resort sets up a gazebo under the stars, the amphitheatre or another spot of the guests' choosing.
Swimming
The main outdoor infinity pool is temperature-controlled, and the resort also has an indoor pool. The Luxury Pool Villa has its own heated plunge pool, 1.2 m deep and lit by a skylight, while the Presidential Suite - 3 Bedroom has a heated open-to-sky lap pool and an open-air jacuzzi.
Pets
Pets are welcome in selected room categories only, among them the Premium Villa; details are best confirmed with the hotel in advance.
Rooms
The 63 keys – 39 cottages and 24 standalone villas – take their cue from traditional Coorg homes, with fireplaces in most categories, oil paintings and large windows onto the forest.
Each room has 24-hour in-room dining, a tea and coffee maker, minibar, electronic safe, TV, basic Wi-Fi and Forest Essentials bath products.
Superior Cottage
A cottage with large windows onto the rainforest and mountains, a bathtub and rain shower; it can connect to the neighbouring Deluxe Cottage. A queen bed or twin beds, for up to three guests.
Deluxe Cottage
A cottage with a bedroom, a sitting area with its own fireplace, a bathtub and rain shower; it connects to the adjoining Superior Cottage. A queen bed or twin beds, for up to three guests.
Premium Villa
A standalone villa on a raised platform overlooking the rainforest, with a living area with fireplace and daybed, a queen-bed bedroom and an en-suite bathroom. For up to four guests; pets can stay here.
Luxury Pool Villa
A standalone villa with high ceilings and timber pillars, a living and dining room with fireplace, a butler's pantry and a king-bed bedroom; its heated plunge pool sits beneath a skylight. For up to four guests.
Presidential Suite - 3 Bedroom
A three-bedroom villa set along a nature trail and inspired by local homes, with wooden floors, a pillared hallway, a living and dining room with fireplace, a private courtyard, a heated open-to-sky lap pool and jacuzzi, and butler service. For up to nine guests.
Two-Bedroom Family Suite
Two interconnecting rooms on a hilltop with bay windows onto the forest, a workstation, a fireplace and a daybed. A queen bed and twin beds, for up to six guests.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.