Escape to Paradise: Westwood Riverside Garden Resort, Munnar's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Westwood Riverside Garden Resort - My Munnar Musings (A Review, Sort Of)
Okay, so Munnar. Everyone raves about Munnar. And Escape to Paradise: Westwood Riverside Garden Resort? Well, they call it a "Hidden Gem." (Spoiler alert: they're not lying entirely.) This ain't your slick, PR-approved review, folks. This is me, spilling the tea (or, you know, the chai) after a whirlwind stay. Buckle up.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Or, How I Almost Missed Paradise
Getting to Westwood? Whew. Munnar's roads are… an experience. Let's just say my driver, bless his heart, earned his paycheck. Thankfully, the resort itself is relatively accessible once you’re there. They’ve got an elevator – huge plus. And while I didn’t specifically test every corner for wheelchair maneuverability, the main areas seemed pretty good. (See, I'm trying to be thorough, because I know you – the discerning traveler – are thinking about that.) Accessibility Score: 7/10 (Room for improvement on the road, but good on-site!)
On-Site Feastivities (And Maybe Some Regrets About My Waistline)
Right, food. Because let's be honest, that's a major factor in the happiness-o-meter. Westwood hits you with a buffet, a la carte options, and even room service (24 freakin' hours! Yes!). I sampled everything. Okay, maybe not everything, but I gave it a good go.
- The Buffet: Pretty solid. Asian grub was on point, especially the breakfast. Western options? Slightly less impressive, but hey, you're in India! Embrace the spice!
- A La Carte: The restaurant is amazing. Especially when you're feeling like you aren't going to be able to leave your room due to the relaxation of a spa day.
- The Poolside Bar: Honestly, the perfect spot. Order a drink, get a snack, and stare at the mountains while considering how much longer you can reasonably disappear from the real world.
My Verdict: Food Score 8/10 (Buffet could be a tad more diverse, but overall, delicious and convenient!)
Ways to Relax (Because Let's Face It, You Need It)
This is where Westwood really shines.
- The Spa: Yes! Spa! The spa's treatments are divine. A body scrub + a massage? My skin felt like silk, but my mind? Pure, unadulterated bliss. I would give the spa the same score the food got, 8/10.
- The Pool with a View: Oh. My. God. I spent an embarrassing amount of time in that pool. The view is spectacular, the water is refreshing.
- Steamroom/Sauna/Gym: They've got all the usual suspects. The gym is decent, if you’re into that sort of torture on vacation. I opted for more lounging. You could say. Ways to Relax Score: 9/10 (Spa is a highlight, views are stunning!)
Cleanliness & Safety (Because Nobody Wants a Run-In with a Mystery Bug)
Okay, the important bit. Westwood seems to take hygiene seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks, and all the usual protocols. Felt safe. The rooms were spotless. Cleanliness & Safety Score: 9/10 (Made me feel at ease.)
Room Sweet Room (Or, My Temporary Palace)
Comfy beds, big windows, and a view that made me want to chuck my phone out the window and just be. Air conditioning, a mini-bar, and the all-important coffee/tea maker were all there, ready to make me happy. Internet? Free Wi-Fi in the rooms! And LAN access. Because some of us are still attached to wired connections for work, you know? The bathroom was nice, with big fluffy towels and the usual toiletries. Room Score: 9/10 (Would happily live there forever, if they'd let me.)
Things to Do (Beyond Simply Being Blissful)
The resort itself is a destination, but there are a few activities for those who can't just sit still. They have a helpful concierge.
The "Hidden Gem" Factor (Is It Really Hidden?)
Yes, the resort's located in a bit of off-the-beaten-path, but the view made it a well-trodden path.
The Quirks, The Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect, And Neither Is This Review)
- The Internet Hiccups: The Wi-Fi was not always lightning fast. Sometimes, I just gave up and stared at the view, which, let's face it, is not a bad thing.
- The Occasional Noise: Okay, the walls aren’t exactly soundproof. You might hear your neighbors. Pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
- The Long Walk: It's a walk from the rooms to the restaurant and the pool. Not a dealbreaker, but be prepared.
Overall Impression (My Honest Heart-to-Heart)
Westwood Riverside Garden Resort is a winner. The service is phenomenal. The food is good. The spa is amazing. The views are breathtaking. And the overall vibe? Relaxed. Peaceful. Blissful.
My Offer (Because Everyone Needs a Deal!)
Escape to Paradise: Westwood Riverside Garden Resort!
- Book your stay now and get a complimentary body scrub at the luxurious spa!
- Enjoy free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Indulge in our delicious breakfast with a variety of Asian and Western options!
- Unwind in our stunning outdoor pool with a breathtaking view!
- Experience the ultimate relaxation with our spa, sauna, and steam room!
- Take advantage of our convenient amenities, including 24-hour room service, on-site restaurant, and free parking!
- Book directly through our website and receive a special discount!
Don't just take my word for it. Book your escape today at Westwood Riverside Garden Resort and discover your own slice of paradise in Munnar!
Escape to Paradise: Bhagawathi Nature Camp's Untouched Beauty (Eedu, India)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, clinically-sterile travel itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-over-caffeinated account of my stay at Westwood Riverside Garden Resort in Munnar, India. Consider this less "organized plan" and more "chaotic dreamscape."
DAY 1: ARRIVAL & THE GREAT TEA-LEAF-CHASING-ADVENTURE (or, the one where I nearly lost a shoe to a rogue elephant)
- Morning (ish): Arrive in Kochi. The travel gods, bless them, were kind. I met a lovely elderly couple on the flight, Mrs. Krishnan and her husband. They were so sweet, kept offering me homemade jackfruit chips and telling me about the "magic" of Kerala. (Spoiler alert: I think the magic is the spices, because I had to stop myself from eating the whole bag)
- Afternoon: The drive to Munnar! Now, normally, I'm all about looking out the window and soaking up the scenery. But the driver? Let's just say he drove like he was trying to win a race. The views? Breathtaking… mostly the urge to breathe, gasp, and clutch my pearls. It was a roller-coaster ride of hairpin turns and breathtaking vistas.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrived at Westwood. Okay, whoa. The pictures? Did not do it justice. Lush, green, the river whispering its secrets… seriously, it's like living in a postcard. Check-in was smooth, a necessary relief after that drive. Now the best part - the room! It was a spacious, cozy room, with a lovely view of the river. I had a huge balcony from which I started the first evening with tea.
- Evening/Dinner: I had a truly amazing experience. The resort has a beautiful open-air restaurant, and their chef prepared a traditional Kerala feast. From spicy curries to sweet desserts, it was a culinary explosion! I may or may not have eaten three servings of the fish curry. Don't judge me, it was divine. After dinner, i have a stroll through the gardens, which was illuminated by soft lights, and it felt like a proper fairy tale.
- Rambling Observation: I'm pretty terrible at taking decent photos. Like, atrocious. My phone is currently a graveyard of blurry landscapes and selfies that look like I've been ambushed by camera-shy wildlife.
DAY 2: TEA PLANTATION CHAOS & THE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT CUP (featuring a near-fatal encounter with a butterfly)
- Morning: This is where the adventure really started. I went on a guided tour of a tea plantation. The guide explained the whole process, from plucking to processing, and my brain was brimming with facts. I also took a lot of photos. This is the adventure part because I nearly got squashed by a tractor, and I swear a butterfly came within an inch of becoming my new face mask.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Tea tasting! Oh, the tea! I drank about five different types and then was left in a blissful caffeine haze. And the views! Rolling hills covered in emerald-green tea bushes… I felt like I'd wandered into a movie set.
- Afternoon: Back to the hotel, I had a relaxing afternoon at the resort. The pool! Perfect temperature, not too crowded. I spent the rest of the afternoon there, feeling like a queen. I had a massage that made me feel like a pile of melted butter. I felt so relaxed, I felt like melting into the fluffy hotel bed.
- Evening: Dinner. Tried the local restaurant instead of the resort restaurant, and it was a bit hit and miss, but the spice level was off the charts. My taste buds were doing the tango! I ended up ordering a bottle of water and, the next hour or so, I spent my time sipping water.
DAY 3: THE RIVER, RIVERSIDE, AND THE QUEST FOR INNER PEACE (or, the one where I almost joined the fish)
- Morning: Started the day with the most incredible breakfast at the resort. Then went by the river for some quiet time. The view was unreal. I found a quiet spot by the river and just sat there, breathing, which was surprisingly difficult with all the beauty!
- Late Morning: I decided to go for a dip! The river water was surprisingly brisk! I got in, it was like a shock to the system, but then I felt invigorated. I paddled around, listening to the sounds of the jungle. It was pure bliss. I can safely say that this was my favorite day.
- Afternoon: Relaxed at the resort. I indulged in the spa again for an Ayurvedic treatment called "Shirodhara", which involved warm oil poured on my forehead. It was the most relaxing experience of my life. If I could spend all day, every day like this, I would.
- Evening: Packed, feeling a profound sadness at the prospect of leaving. I had a final dinner at the resort. It was delicious, of course, but I couldn't quite enjoy it. I have a feeling I'll be back to Westwood.
DAY 4: GOODBYE, MUNNAR (and a promise to return, eventually)
- Morning: Checked out of the resort. The people there were so kind, the staff were brilliant. I can honestly say, I've felt like I was at home.
- Afternoon: Began the long journey back to Kochi for my flight home.
- Evening: Said my goodbyes to the city.
Final Thoughts:
Westwood Riverside Garden Resort? Absolutely magical. Did I have moments of frustration? Yes. Did I get lost once or twice? Absolutely. Did I almost lose my shoe to a rogue elephant? Okay, maybe that part is a slight exaggeration. But the overall experience? Unforgettable. It was a messy, imperfect, and utterly wonderful journey. I'd go back in a heartbeat, even with the potential for tractor-related incidents and the constant threat of over-spicing. My time at Munnar - and at this resort, specifically - will forever hold a special place in my heart. Now, where's that jackfruit chip bag?
Cariad Begelly: The UK's Biggest Secret? (You NEED to Know This!)
So, Escape to Paradise... Is It *Really* Paradise? And What's with the "Hidden Gem" Thing?
Okay, right off the bat, let's address the elephant in the room: "Paradise." Look, I've been to places that were, you know, *paradise-adjacent*. This? Escape to Paradise is more like... well, a really *nice* escape. The views from Westwood riverside are actually pretty darn stunning. Think rolling hills covered in tea plantations, the air crisp and smelling of... well, tea, mostly. The "hidden gem" thing? Yeah, it's tucked away a bit, which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because it’s quiet and you're far from the tourist hordes. Curse because getting there from Munnar town can take a while (and it's a bit of a bumpy ride, let's be honest). I'd say it's a "hidden respite," not a literal promised land. Still, the view from my balcony at sunrise? Worth every single bumpy kilometer.
Speaking of the Room, What's the Deal? Cozy? Modern? Did I mention the Bumpy Ride?
Right, the rooms. Don't go expecting a Ritz-Carlton, okay? They're comfortable, they're clean, but they're not *luxurious*. Think charmingly rustic, in a good way. My room had a balcony that practically *screamed* for a cup of tea (which, thank God, they provide). I will never forget the view from it. The bathroom was perfectly functional, and honestly, after the aforementioned bumpy drive, a hot shower was nothing short of heavenly. The bed? Comfortable enough to make me forget about the aforementioned bumpy ride, again. They could maybe upgrade the towels – they're perfectly usable, just... not the *fluffiest*. And seriously, pack something for that drive. Dramamine? Perhaps.
The Food! Tell me everything! Were you, like, eternally eating?
Okay, FOOD. I'm a food person. Food is important. The restaurant at Escape to Paradise is... well, it's good. Don't expect Michelin-star dining, but they do a decent job, especially with local dishes. I went for the Kerala-style fish curry at least twice. *Twice!* That should tell you something. It was flavorful, spicy (but not burn-your-face-off spicy), and utterly satisfying. The breakfast buffet was decent - you could definitely fill up (and you *should*). The coffee? Good. Not life-changing, but good. I did have a minor incident... or maybe it wasn't minor, where I *really* wanted some more eggs... and the waiter seemed to have disappeared through a wormhole. Eventually, eggs arrived, but yeah.
Activities? Besides, you know, gazing at the view? (Because, honestly, that sounds good)
Okay, yeah, gazing at the view is a completely valid activity and you should totally do it. I spent a good hour or two just on my balcony, staring at the tea gardens. But beyond that… there are treks you can do; they can organize hikes through the tea estates. I didn't do one, because, you know, motivation. You can visit a nearby tea factory (mandatory, really), and learn how the magic happens (it’s actually pretty fascinating). There are also the usual things - nearby waterfalls, the lake... Look around! They have contacts for everything and that part is amazing. But honestly, I think the best activity is just... chilling. Doing absolutely nothing, just *being* in a beautiful place. That's the true escape, right? And maybe... maybe, just maybe... order another round of that fish curry.
Staff! Were they helpful? Overbearing? Did they at least speak English?
The staff were genuinely lovely. Seriously. They were helpful, friendly, and spoke English well enough to communicate. They were also *incredibly* patient with my terrible attempt at ordering food in Malayalam. There was one particular waiter who kept my tea cup filled… that man deserves some kind of medal, honestly. They’re attentive without being intrusive, which is the perfect balance. It felt like a family-run place, in the best possible way. They genuinely seemed to care about making sure you had a good time. And trust me, after that bumpy ride, you appreciate a friendly face!
Anything REALLY bugged you? Anything that you'd improve? Come on, be honest!
Okay, fine, I'll be honest. Besides the aforementioned towel fluffiness, and the minor egg incident... The Wi-Fi. It was... spotty. Let's just say that. If you *absolutely* need to be connected, and check emails on a regular basis, pack a mobile data plan. I'm not saying it's *terrible*, but don't expect lightning-fast speeds. You're in the mountains, and they're probably fighting to keep up with Netflix. And... and this is me nitpicking, but they could have provided a few more power outlets in the rooms. Modern devices are a power-hungry bunch, you know? But honestly, these are minor quibbles. Overall, it's a great experience, and I'd go back in a heartbeat.
So, Should I Go? Give me a Yes or No!
YES. Go. Seriously. If you're looking for a quiet escape, some mind-blowing views, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere, then YES. Just pack some Dramamine, and maybe… a new power adapter. You won't regret it.
