Design
Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa: Come for the coffee, stay for food
APR 17, 2024 | By Yashika Punjabee
As the longish road trip from Bengaluru begins to end, all I desire is an intense shot of espresso. I am of course, in the heart of India’s finest coffee plantations. Where 40 percent of India’s coffee grows!
The Coorg Marriott has read my mind. In the middle of the lobby, stands Coco Lab, proudly showcasing all the coffee brewing equipment you’ve ever heard of. A Japanese cold brew drip tower included. Master Barista Mahesha promptly makes me a Robusta Peaberry pour-over. Sipped looking into the dense forest surroundings—contentment max.
Settled in my plush villa, toes soaking in the plunge pool surrounded by 8 acres of green, it feels like an insta-moment. I resist. I am here to stay offline. Food beckons and I am casually asked to proceed to their restaurant.
To be honest, I hadn’t given the food a thought at all, especially as a vegetarian with a gluten intolerance. But hello, Kodava cuisine! Think Baimbale (bamboo shoot) and Kaad Mange (raw mango) curries, Akki rotis made with rice flour.
Executive Chef, Amit Kumar runs an inspired team in the kitchen, one that does not hesitate to experiment with unique specials for a 5-course menu. Kodava Pad Thai? Bring it on. A personalised (vegan and vegetarian) barbecue set up just outside the villa, oh yes! It’s got to be a family favourite. Personally, I am going back for the 6-course Kodava picnic by the pond with a butler to boot.
Naturally, long walks became a part of the routine, not least because of the chef’s generosity, but also to experience that morning mist settled into the plantation valley. Fun fact, Coorg is a little, isolated, mountainous region flanked on the east by the high Mysore Plateau, and on the west by a mountainous frontier 30-50 kilometres from the western coast, creating a perfect right of passage for clouds with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Something Arabica and Robusta Beans both clearly love, much like me!
Continuing my stay-offline mantra, checking into the Quan Spa on the property seemed like an obvious choice. My masseuse, empowered by exceptional coffee I am sure, helped me leave my urban worries behind.
On trend with by-passing the niggles, a reassuring chat with Mr. Randal Whelpdale, General Manager, Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa, had me thinking differently about sustainability at scale. My curiosity about an option for the plastic mineral bottles at use was laid to rest knowing that a custom glass-bottling plant for drinking water is already in the works on the property. Phew. Plastic anxiety be gone!
One last sigh, with a final pour-over sipped while gazing at the sunset, and I was off.
Moral of the story: Come for the coffee, stay for the food. Bring the fam!
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