Escape to Paradise: Raarees Mist Resort, Munnar's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Raarees Mist Resort, Munnar's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Raarees Mist Resort - Munnar's Hidden Gem (and My Honest Take)
Okay, so you're looking up Raarees Mist Resort in Munnar? Smart move. Trust me, I just escaped (emphasis on escaped) from there, and the memories – a swirling mist of stunning views, slightly wonky service, and the lingering scent of cardamom (a good thing, mostly) – are still fresh. This review? It's not going to be all sunshine and rainbows, but hopefully, it'll be a hell of a lot more real than those glossy travel articles.
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Keywords: Raarees Mist Resort Munnar Review, Munnar Hotels, Kerala Resorts, Luxury Munnar, Accessible Hotels India, Spa Resort Munnar, Best Views Munnar, Family-friendly Munnar, Romantic Getaway, Raarees Mist Resort accessibility, Munnar Food, Raarees Mist Resort WiFi, Munnar Activities.
Metadata Description: A brutally honest review of Raarees Mist Resort in Munnar, India. Get the REAL lowdown on accessibility, food, amenities, and the overall experience – from a traveler who's been there, done that, and still has the cardamom-infused memories. Expect quirky observations, emotional reactions, and the occasional rant.
Getting There & Getting Around (Accessibility - The Not-So-Easy Part):
First things first: Accessibility. This is where things get a little… well, let's call it "aspirational." The resort claims to have facilities for disabled guests. Now, I'm not using a wheelchair, but I did observe a few things. There's an elevator, which is a HUGE plus in a hilly resort. But navigating the grounds? Expect some steep-ish slopes. Lovely views, sure, but not exactly ideal for everyone. Think of it as a workout – for your patience, if nothing else. Car park [free of charge] is available, which is cool. Airport transfer is offered, which is vital as getting to Munnar is an adventure, especially if you have travel sickness. I'd recommend contacting them before booking to clarify exactly what "facilities for disabled guests" entails. Otherwise, prepare for a bit of a trek.
Rooms - The Sanctuary (Mostly):
My room? Absolutely gorgeous. Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. It was spacious, with a killer view of the mist rolling through the hills. The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver. No morning, until I'd have that cup of black tea. The bed was comfy (thank God for the Extra long bed!), and the Blackout curtains were PERFECT for sleeping off the inevitable jet lag after a long trip. The Wi-Fi [free] was, well, it worked! But don't expect lightning speed. I'll admit, the Mini bar was tempting, but those prices! Yikes. The Non-smoking rooms were a Godsend. They also have Interconnecting room(s) available, for families.
Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Safe (Mostly):
Okay, major props here. Throughout the pandemic, they've obviously been on top of cleaning. Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Feeling safe was a huge deal for me. The staff were wearing masks, and everywhere was genuinely spotless. They also offered the Room sanitization opt-out available, if you're feeling particularly eco-conscious, which is thoughtful. The Doctor/nurse on call is another big plus.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food… and Some Quirks:
This is where things got interesting. The dining experience was a mixed bag.
Restaurants: Yes, plural! A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Breakfast [buffet] was the highlight. A decent choice of the usual suspects - eggs, pancakes (always a win in my book), and the South Indian classics like idli and dosa (Asian breakfast done right). The Buffet in restaurant was also really good. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was pretty good too, and even offered Vegetarian restaurant options. My recommendation? Go for the Kerala dishes, which.were.amazing.
The Coffee shop was a lifesaver in the afternoons. I'm a coffee addict, and the fact that I could waltz down there for Coffee/tea in restaurant - to get my fix was priceless.
The Poolside bar – dreamy! Sipping a cocktail while the sun sets over the hills? Pure bliss. Their Happy hour was a definite bonus.
However… the service could be a bit slow. I’m talking… “Is my meal EVER going to arrive?” slow. But the waiters were always friendly, trying their best.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Anyone? (Yes, Please!)
Now, this is where Raarees Mist shines. The Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage… Basically, a haven of relaxation. I indulged in a massage, and it was heavenly. Those Kerala massage therapists are magic. The Pool with view is exactly as advertised - stunning. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just lounging in the water, staring at the mist-covered mountains. They also have a Fitness center which I took a peek at, looked decent, but I spent most of my time eating.
Services & Conveniences - The Ups and Downs:
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The Concierge desk was helpful with arranging local tours. The Daily housekeeping was a blessing. The Laundry service was efficient, if a little pricey.
The Wi-Fi for special events may come in handy. But keep in mind the slow internet.
The Doorman, Luggage storage was all great.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly or Not?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
While I didn’t see a lot of kids running around, the resort claims to be family-friendly. They offer a Babysitting service and Kids facilities, so I can't say for sure.
Overall Impression - Worth It?
Look, Raarees Mist is not perfect. The service can be a little laissez-faire, and the access could be better. But the views? The spa? The blissful feeling of being utterly surrounded by nature? Absolutely worth it. I’d go back, despite the minor quibbles. Just… maybe pack extra patience and a good book. And maybe learn a few Malayalam phrases. You’ll get further.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Minus one star for the occasional service hiccup and slightly imperfect accessibility).
Would I recommend it? Yes, with the caveats I've outlined. It's a solid choice for a relaxing getaway in a truly beautiful part of the world. Just go knowing what to expect, don't expect perfection, and embrace the mist!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Munnar mission – Raarees Mist Resort edition. Forget pristine itineraries, this is going to be a glorious, ramshackle adventure, just like me.
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh My God, That View!" Moment (and a Misunderstanding)
- Morning (7:00 AM): My flight from… well, let's just say somewhere… landed. The air already felt different – a thick, fragrant blanket compared to the city smog I'm usually choking on. Ugh, airports. The worst. Except when they lead to places like this.
- Morning (9:00 AM): The drive up to Raarees Mist Resort was a revelation. Seriously, I’m not exaggerating. The tea plantations, the winding roads… I felt like I’d entered a postcard. I’m pretty sure I almost got motion sickness from all the oohing and aahing I was doing.
- Morning (11:00 AM): ARRIVAL! And… whoa. The resort? Stunning. Like, drop-your-jaw-to-the-floor stunning. The Raarees staff were so helpful.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Lunch was a glorious mishmash. I'm talking local cuisine heaven. I over ordered, as always.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): The Big Reveal: My room! And the balcony… Oh. My. God. The view. I'll be honest. I literally just stood there for a solid 20 minutes, gawking. It's a view that makes you want to weep with joy, or maybe just never leave. I did both.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Here’s where my day went slightly… sideways. I thought I’d booked a massage. Turns out, I'd booked for the next day. Me and my terrible organizational skills strike again! Boo. Needed it.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Evening tea at the resort. They have these little samosas, and I'm telling you, I am hooked. Watched the sunset. Actually, I almost missed it because I was too busy devouring the samosas.
- Evening (7:30 PM): Dinner. More delicious food, more overeating. Sat under the stars. The silence, broken only by the chirping of crickets and the distant rumble of… something. Felt utterly and completely peaceful.
Day 2: Tea, Tigers, and Trapped in a Tea-Labyrinth (Spoiler Alert: No Tigers)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up to that view again, which is almost too much beauty to handle so early in the morning – but I handled it. Coffee on the balcony. Bliss. Okay, I'm starting to get used to this whole "nature" thing.
- Morning (9:00 AM): The Tea Museum (not as exciting as you'd think, but still interesting). Learned about the tea-making process. Honestly, it's pretty complicated. I have new respect for a cup of tea.
- Morning (10:30 AM): TEA TASTING! This part? Gold. Pure, liquid gold. I could have stayed all day. Walked through the tea gardens afterward – felt like being in a green, fragrant dreamscape.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a local eatery. The food was incredible, spicy, and left me feeling like I’d run a marathon. Which I hadn't. But my stomach sure felt like it.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Now for the adventure… The Tea Plantation Trek! This one I can truly call an adventure. I got lost. And I mean properly lost. I thought I was going to have to spend the night among the tea bushes. I'd envisioned myself as a tea-plantation princess, queen of the tea leaves. The realization of my predicament? Not fun. I was starting to get a headache. I was thirsty. And, worst of all, I was hungry. (Did I pack snacks? Of course not! That would require planning.) Eventually, after wandering around… and crying a little… I found my way back. The staff was very patient, and very amused, too. I'm starting to think I'm a liability to myself. But hey, the view was great.
- Evening (7:00 PM): The massage!! Finally. It was utterly heaven. I'm pretty sure I snored. They say it's a compliment.
- Evening (8:30 PM): Dinner. Slept soundly.
Day 3: Waterfalls, Whispers, and a (Failed) Attempt at Being Adventurous
- Morning (8:00 AM): No early morning rush, which is a relief. Another coffee on the balcony, another moment of pure contentment. This is becoming a habit.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Visited the waterfalls (not the biggest waterfall ever, but still, cool!) It felt majestic. The sound of the water… calming. Did some (very) light trekking around the falls. Felt like a real explorer! (Until I tripped over a root – but who's counting?)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Trying out a local restaurant. I tried to order in Malayalam, but, let's just say, it didn't go well. The waiter was very polite.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM): Another trek… this time, a guided one. I'd paid for it so I was committed. This trip was supposed to be adventurous. Well, I quickly realized I am not an adventurer. The guide, a lovely man named Ravi, was patient with me (and probably stifled a few laughs).
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): The high point… literally. The view from the top was incredible. I finally got it. The feeling of being in nature instead of just observing it.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Relaxing at the resort. Got another tea.
- Evening (7:30 PM): Farewell dinner. This is already going to be a hard goodbye. Raarees Mist Resort has officially stolen my heart (and my appetite).
Day 4: Departure & a Promise to Return
- Morning (8:00 AM): One last breakfast on the balcony. I savored every bite. I tried to memorize every detail. Because I'll be back.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Packing. The hardest part.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Check out. Hugs all around. Said goodbye to the amazing staff.
- Morning (11:00 AM): The drive back to the airport. The scenery felt different on the way out. The beauty became melancholy.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Back in the city. Back to the chaos, back to real life. But I’m smiling. Because I know, I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
Munnar, and especially Raarees Mist Resort, was an experience. Messy, wonderful, and utterly unforgettable. I came looking for beauty, and I found it – in the views, in the food, in the people. I also found a greater appreciation for my own limits and the beauty of getting lost. Most importantly, I found a piece of myself that was in dire need of some peace and quiet. If this sounds like a good time to you… book that trip! You won’t regret it. And if you need any recommendations on what NOT to do, I'm your girl.
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Escape to Paradise: Raarees Mist Resort - The REALLY Unfiltered FAQs
Okay, spill the beans. Is Raarees Mist Resort *actually* a hidden gem, or just another Instagram trap?
Hah! Okay, *this* is the question everyone’s secretly wondering. Look, it’s not a *complete* Instagram con. The views? They actually DO slap. Especially when the fog rolls in. Seriously, you feel like you're inside a freakin' cloud machine. I swear, I almost threw up from the sheer beauty the first morning. But, and this is a *big but*, Instagram can make anything look perfect.
The truth? The place has character. And by "character," I mean… it's got some quirks. Like, the plumbing? Let's just say I had a *very* intimate relationship with the water pressure. And the Wi-Fi? Don't even THINK about uploading a selfie unless you fancy re-living the dial-up era. So, gem? Partially. Expect a little bit of rough around the edges. Bring your own patience (and maybe a portable charger, for your sanity).
What's with all the mist everyone raves about? Is it *always* there?
The mist IS a big deal. It's in the name! And honestly, it's mostly there. Kinda spooky, kinda romantic, totally mesmerizing. Imagine waking up and literally not being able to see the end of the balcony. Pure magic. One morning, the mist cleared just as the sun hit the mountains, and I swear I felt something *shift* inside. Like, the world was momentarily perfect and I had a sudden, deep, and totally unexpected appreciation for... breakfast tea.
But, it's Munnar! The weather can be dramatic. One day it's cloud city, the next it's blazing sunshine. This lack of any real consistency is the absolute charm of this place! Don't bank on the mist being there 24/7. If you crave certainty, you'll be disappointed. If you go with the flow, you're in for a treat. Maybe bring a good book, just in case the sun decides to show its face. I brought a boring book, and regretting it with my life.
The rooms... what are they *really* like? Are they as luxurious as they look in the photos?
Okay, so here's the deal. The photos? They're pretty. The reality? Well, it's a bit more… 'rustic charm.' My room (and I think this is standard), had a decent view. And the bed *was* comfortable. But it was *small*. Like, I'm not a big person, and I still felt like I was sleeping diagonally. The bathroom? Functional, but… well, remember that water pressure issue I mentioned? Yeah. It extends to everything.
I spent an hour in the shower, unable to actually wash the shampoo out. The shower head, I swear to god, was a garden hose. The decor is simple, clean, and a bit outdated. I felt bad for the cleaning guy. It's not a palace, but it's clean, and the views… the views make you forget about minor plumbing failures. If you're expecting a five-star experience, you might be disappointed. If you embrace the imperfections, you'll have a wonderful time.
What about the food? Is it any good? And are there any restaurants nearby?
Okay, the food. This is where things get… complicated. The restaurant at Raarees Mist is convenient, but it's not exactly a culinary explosion. The food is decent, but not mind-blowing. I ate a lot of rice and curry, which is never a bad thing, but like, I'm not a foodie, either. The breakfast buffet is limited but sufficient.
There aren’t really any other options *nearby*. You're kind of stuck. So, eat at the resort, or be prepared for a drive. I did see one tiny shack down the road, but I wasn’t brave enough to try it. If you're a food snob, pack snacks. Or learn to love rice and curry. Either way, you'll survive.
How's the service? Are the staff friendly?
The staff are lovely. Seriously, absolutely lovely. They were always smiling, always helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. I felt bad, because I'm terrible at speaking the local language, but they were patient with my pidgin English and always tried their best.
They're eager to help, which is amazing. It's a family-run place, and you can feel it. Sure, sometimes there was a slight wait for things (the water pressure again! ), but it's all part of the charm, right? You're in the mountains, not a perfectly oiled machine. Just be nice, be patient, and you'll have a great experience.
What is there to *do* at Raarees Mist? Besides, you know, staring into the mist?
Um… well, staring into the mist is a big one. It's surprisingly therapeutic. But beyond that? There are some walks, some hikes. I tried one, but I got lost (directions aren't the strongest suit of the staff, apparently). But, you can also visit the tea plantations, which are breathtaking. I spent a whole afternoon wandering around one, and just... breathed.
The resort itself has a little game room. I spent a rainy afternoon there playing table tennis, and almost injured myself in the process. (I'm not coordinated, I own it). They have a little bonfire area, which is fun if the weather cooperates. But the real activity? Relaxation. Unplug. Read a book. Chill. That's what you *do* at Raarees Mist.
Okay, okay, fine. But, the most important question: would you go back?
Ugh. That’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, I'm torn. On one hand, the plumbing situation still haunts my dreams. On the other hand… the mist. The views. The sense of escape. I spent almost a week there and, honestly, I felt a little bit… cleansed. Like, all the noise of the world just faded away. (Except for the occasional, relentless, drip, drip, drip of the leaky faucet, but yeah, whatever.)
So yeah, I'd go back. With a better portable charger. And maybe some industrial-strength earplugs, just in case. And a serious conversation with the water pressure guy, that place's water pressure is beyond crazy! I definitely go back.
Is it worth it? The price compared to the experience
That's tricky because price is relative, isn't it? It’s not the cheapest place in Munnar. It's fair but it'Escape to Paradise: Eagles Falls Villa, Kandy's Luxury Golf Getaway
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