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Evolve Back, Coorg
- Where:
- Why:For a little full circle moment
- When:February 2023
- Who:My parents and me
"A little slice of Kodava living with exceptional hospitality"
AT A GLANCE: A drive through winding roads, covered on either side by coffee and spice plantations and forests, brings you to Evolve Back’s Coorg outpost in southern Karnataka, India. From innumerable activities to do to multiple pools to jump in and three incredible restaurants, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly resort. It is perfectly geared for a relaxing trip amidst nature with an Ayurvedic spa, a reading lounge, and your own private pool in each room. We especially love their commitment to the planet and flawless service. Swipe the images below to discover.
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Evolve Back, Coorg channeling that charming old-world lodge coziness
Hi! It's me from 2003...
... Here to review the place twenty years later for A Hotel Life. Talk about coming full circle
Our abode for the three days — their classic Heritage Pool Villa
With its own — you guessed it — private pool. All rooms here come with one!
The pool is impressive and all, but you really had me at this in-room coffee bar set-up
A four-poster bed of dreams
The bathroom might just have been my favorite place with its private garden, an oversized shower, a bathtub overlooking the pool, double vanity, and not to mention the lighting options to set the mood
All natural, including the loofah, and no single-use plastic minis in sight. The shower amenities were also in refillable pump bottles
I designated this mirror for 'fit checks as we headed out the main door
Chefs having fun preparing lunch at Granary, Evolve Back's main restaurant
Postcard-perfect corners around every turn
The sun-lit reading lounge where I snuck off for a few hours to get some work done
Appa and I proudly repping our matching Evolve Back T-shirts acquired at Haystack, the gift shop
We went on a 4x4 drive with naturalist Mr. Rahul. He took us deep into the estate's 300 acres and showed us how coffee is grown and processed, along with bits of history and anecdotes
Drinking lemonade with the family on a deck that offers 360º views of the estate
Golden hour is beautiful at Evolve Back, Coorg
At Plantain Leaf restaurant, where my vegetarian dad happily lived on all three days
The slightly hidden infinity pool overlooking the lake
The sunsets were liquid gold and absolutely stunning
Highs & Lows
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The service by the hotel staff here is unparalleled. They unfailingly greet you with a smile and a "namaskara" as you pass them by. They all go above and beyond to ensure you have the best possible time — and honestly, with such a treatment, how can you not?
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The sustainability efforts are in a league of their own. From using cooking oil waste to light candles and bonfires to setting up a solar farm to generate electricity, Evolve Back is genuinely kinder to the planet
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The food was truly some of the best, and there was not one bad dish. I especially loved that the restaurants were happy to customize the plates to our appetites to not waste anything
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The housekeeping staff was truly magic. Every time we stepped out and got back in, the room was perfected without a crease. This is a perk that usually gets overlooked
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The cultural programming highlights the local Kodava lifestyle, and there is something on every evening, be it a traditional dance or a storytelling session
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The absolutely surreal dinner buffet they organized in the coffee estate under stars and candlelight. It was like walking into a magical wonderland filled with phenomenal food and music — and we didn't want to leave
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My only regret is that even after spending three nights, I couldn't do all the activities because there were so many. Well, it's a reason to revisit!
Important Bits
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Type
Luxury Resort
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Vibe
An earthy, immersive celebration of eco-living
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Location
Hidden in a very green dream in southern Coorg where the river meets the forest
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Rooms
57
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
Warm and proactive communication via email and WhatsApp. The hotel reached out the day before our arrival for efficient check-in. We were welcomed with coconut water by Ms. Priyanka Rai, who drove us around in a buggy, giving us a tour of the place. She was our point of contact during the stay and planned out our activities, checking in on us regularly
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Future Forward
Evolve Back, Coorg ensures they are kinder towards the earth in every step. As their name suggests, they intend to circle back to the roots and practice hospitality crafted to reflect responsible tourism. Plastic-free throughout, with systems to recycle, manage waste, harvest rainwater, and a biogas plant. The hotel is also committed to giving back to the community — from training and employing villagers to adopting schools for free and subsidized education. Go on an Eco Walk to learn more
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Music
Bird song and ambient Indian classical instrumentals in common areas
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Year Opened
Launched in 1995 as Orange County, Coorg and rebranded as Evolve Back, Coorg in 2016
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Designed By
George T Ramapuram, Managing Director and Head – Architecture & Design, Evolve Back Resorts
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Health & Wellness
Apart from a private pool in each room, the resort has two swimming pools. You wouldn't need it with all the walking around, but there is a gym with basic equipment. Vaidyashala spa, is immaculate. Highly recommend the Abhiyanga, which is a synchronized, full-body massage by two masseuses — divine in every sense
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Food
There are three restaurants, each with its own personality, but boy, do they outdo each other with their food and service. Granary is their main restaurant and serves a multi-cuisine affair, with breakfast and dinner buffets. Peppercorn leans towards Indian tandoor and continental barbecue, while Plantain Leaf is a pure vegetarian restaurant specializing in traditional South Indian cooking. Twice a week, an outdoor dinner buffet takes place in a breathtaking setting for all guests
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
Hunter's Bar sits in the Granary, but alcohol is served beyond in the restaurants. Their specialty is homemade wine made from coffee berries and other fruits by the owner's wife
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Minibar & Retail
All the usual suspects are in the room, with a special focus on coffee. The hotel also has a gift shop where you can find local delights, coffee beans and souvenirs
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Accessibility
Care has been taken to make the resort as accessible as possible for the specially-abled
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Pet Friendly
Unfortunately, your floofs have to stay back at home — understandable as you're on the fringes of a forest
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Children
Yes
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Price
Reassuringly expensive
- Tel.
- Website
Evolve Back, Coorg
Evolve Back, Karadigodu Rd, Post, Siddapura, Karnataka, India
Trace the journey of coffee
Evolve Back, Karadigodu Rd, Post, Siddapura, Karnataka, India
Relax at the spa
Evolve Back, Karadigodu Rd, Post, Siddapura, Karnataka, India
Visit the Tibetan Settlement
Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple, Arlikumari, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India
In the Area
Hotel Location Evolve Back, Karadigodu Rd, Post, Siddapura, Karnataka, India
Evolve Back is located in Coorg, one of India's biggest coffee-growing areas. The resort sits on over 300 acres of coffee and spice plantation, bordered by the Nagarhole forest on one side and river Cauvery on the other. While there are various places of interest in the surrounding areas, the resort is a destination in itself, with numerous activities to keep you busy and curious.