Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa, Coorg

Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa, Coorg, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised as a luxurious and serene retreat nestled in the heart of Coorg's rainforests. Guests frequently highlight its stunning natural setting, exceptional service, and well-appointed accommodations.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa, Coorg receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with high ratings across various platforms. It boasts an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating from 147 reviews on Goibibo, where 80% of guests rated their stay as excellent. On Booking.com, it scores a "Wonderful" 9.4 out of 10 based on 174 reviews, with staff rated 9.5 and comfort 9.4. Agoda also shows an impressive overall rating of 9.2. Guests frequently describe their experience as "magical" and consider it one of the "best resort[s] in South India". The general sentiment is one of awe for its beauty, tranquility, and the luxury it offers.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the resort for its stunning location amidst 180 acres of lush rainforest and coffee plantations, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The impeccable service and courteous staff are frequently cited as a major highlight. The resort's design, blending traditional Kodagu architecture with subtle luxury, also receives commendation.

Key amenities and experiences that guests adore include:

• The large Jiva Grande Spa, which spans three floors and offers Ayurvedic treatments with rainforest views from each room.
• The infinity pool and plunge pool, which provide spectacular views.
• Unique activities such as nature walks, off-roading, coffee tastings, cultural tours, and cookery lessons.
• The overall feeling of being immersed in nature, with birds chirping and a misty, cloud-like atmosphere.

Room Quality

The rooms and villas at Taj Madikeri are designed for comfort and luxury, offering panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and valleys. They are spacious, elegantly furnished, and often feature traditional architectural elements like gently sloping roofs, ornate wooden screens, and large windows.

Highlights of the room quality include:

• Warm, muted tones, hardwood floors, and rich furnishings.
• Private fireplaces in Deluxe Cottages and Premium Villas, adding a cozy touch.
• Stone-clad bathrooms equipped with premium Forest Essentials amenities, some with a bath or shower.
• Modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
• Upper-tier rooms, like the Luxury Pool Villas, offer substantial upgrades such as personal plunge pools with retractable roofs and separate living/dining areas.
• Guests frequently praise the comfort and design, stating that rooms are "well designed" and provide a "haven of comfort and elegance".

Dining Experience

The resort offers a diverse and highly praised dining experience with four to five on-site restaurants and a bar. Guests consistently commend the "great food" and "awesome breakfast spread".

Dining options include:

• Ferntree: The all-day dining restaurant offering an international menu, often with outdoor seating and breathtaking views.
• Nellaki: Specializes in authentic Coorg (Kodava) delicacies, providing a taste of local culture.
• Dew: A wellness cafe offering lighter, farm-fresh, healthy fare.
• Hive Bar: Serves a range of alcoholic beverages, often with chili-infused vodka.
• A poolside grill (seasonal).

Breakfast is typically served buffet style, featuring a vast selection of local, pan-Indian, and global cuisines, including live counters for eggs and dosas, as well as local delicacies that change daily. Guests appreciate the authentic taste and the variety of vegetarian options. Private and al fresco dining arrangements are also available.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa are consistently lauded as exceptional and a key reason for guests' memorable stays. Feedback highlights staff as "courteous," "friendly and helpful," and "incredible in their delivery of service and hospitality". Many guests report that staff go "out of their way to make our stay memorable," often providing personalized service like room decorations for special occasions. The "Taj touch" of hospitality is frequently mentioned.

Location & Accessibility

The resort's location is a significant draw, perched 4000 feet above sea level amidst 180 acres of pristine rainforest, hills, and coffee plantations. This creates a "peaceful location" that is "in perfect harmony with nature" and offers a serene escape away from city noise and pollution.

• Proximity: It is located approximately 4.3 miles (7 km) from Madikeri town (or 10 km).
• Connectivity: Mangalore Airport is about 99 miles (159 km) away. Mysore domestic airport is 135 km (3 hours) away.
• Transport: Airport transfer services are available (chargeable), as are local transportation arrangements through the concierge. Valet parking and a spacious car park are also provided. Within the expansive property, buggies are the primary mode of transport to rooms and amenities, especially for those at a distance from the reception.

Value & Pricing

As a 5-star luxury property, Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa, Coorg, is priced at a premium, reflecting its opulent offerings and exclusive location. With an average price of around $470 per room, it is significantly higher than the average hotel room in Coorg ($110), but guests generally consider it "well worth the investment" and that it "definitely live[s] up to their price evaluation". Rates for a Deluxe room can start from approximately $175. Many consider it to offer "exceptional value for money" for the unparalleled luxury and memorable experience it provides.

Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Buggy Service: Some guests reported that the buggy transport within the sprawling property can be slow, potentially impacting the overall experience.
• Billing Confusion: A few guests mentioned issues with billing or payment, sometimes involving travel partners.
• Child Safety: One guest suggested that rooms might be "a bit unsafe for kids who are yet to walk or learning walk," recommending temporary grills.
• Property Maintenance/Age: A few reviews mentioned the property feeling "old" and requiring "proper maintenance" in certain areas, particularly concerning the rooms, and that restaurant staff hospitality needed improvement.
• Language Barrier: Some guests noted that while staff are friendly, some lacked strong English language skills, leading to occasional communication challenges.
• WiFi Connectivity: While free WiFi is available throughout the property, some guests have found it to be "a bit dodgy at times".

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