Abad Brookside Lakkidi: Unbelievable Wayanad Luxury Awaits!
Abad Brookside Lakkidi: Wayanad's Emerald Embrace & My Rollercoaster of Feels
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this is not your cookie-cutter review. This is a real account of my experience at Abad Brookside in Lakkidi, Wayanad, Kerala. We're talking honest-to-goodness, heart-on-my-sleeve, warts-and-all truth. Prepare for some rambles, some gushing, some… well, let's just say I'm not afraid to admit when I was slightly hangry.
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- Keywords: Abad Brookside, Lakkidi, Wayanad, Kerala, Luxury Resort, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessible, Family-Friendly, Reviews, India, Nature, Relaxation, Fitness, Dining, Accommodation, Travel
- Description: A candid review of Abad Brookside Lakkidi, a luxury resort in Wayanad, Kerala. Explore its accessibility, amenities (spa, pool, restaurants), services, and my personal (and hilarious) take on the experience. Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.
- Tags: Adventure, Relaxation, Family, Luxury, India, Wayanad, Abad, Resort, Spa, Pool, Reviews, Travel, Kerala
Accessibility: The Climb (Literally, and Figuratively)
Right, so, I have to be upfront. I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I did notice the resort tries. The elevator (yes, a working elevator!) was a godsend, especially with my suitcase that felt suspiciously heavy after the post-flight samosa binge. While they list "Facilities for disabled guests," I'd recommend absolutely contacting the resort beforehand to confirm specifics. Wayanad is… hilly. Let's just say a leisurely stroll to the spa might resemble a Himalayan trek in certain areas. But hey, if you love a challenge (and a stunning view), you're in luck! (Accessibility Rating: 3.5/5 - room for improvement, but a strong effort.)
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Fueling the Adventure (and My Hangryness)
Okay, so the food. This is where things get REAL. Let's just say I developed a very intimate relationship with the restaurants.
- Restaurants: Plural! Success!
- A la carte, Asian, International, Vegetarian…: Choices! Blessedly, many choices. I'm a sucker for a good buffet, and the Breakfast [buffet] was a solid win. The Asian breakfast setup was amazing, seriously, the dosas and sambar were the actual real deal.
- The Coffee Shop: Needed more than one… Just saying.
- The Poolside Bar: I visited this one more. Often. Especially during Happy hour. Pure bliss, sipping a cocktail with the view of the pool, it’s got you feeling fancy!
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: This made me feel good to know it was cleaned
- Breakfast Takeaway Service: I used this more than once, especially when I was late.
- Room Service [24-hour]: This is a life-saver when you have a hankering at midnight.
- Sanitized Kitchen and Tableware Items: A must.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Epicurean Journey
I started my day with the Breakfast [buffet] - Dosa heaven and the freshest idlis I've ever tasted. I may or may not have gone back for thirds. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a constant companion. The Poolside bar was where the magic happened. Sipping a cocktail while overlooking the lush green landscape? Pure Wayanad therapy. Snack bar was my guilty pleasure. A la carte in restaurant wasn't my go-to so much but certainly, gave several options in the menu.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Nature Trails (with Occasional Whining)
Alright, time for the good stuff! The whole point, right? To unwind? To relax?
- Spa/Sauna, Body Scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Steamroom: This is where I practically lived. The spa… oh, the spa! I had a Massage that was so good I almost fell asleep mid-massage. Pure zen. The Pool with a view was where I spent most of my free time.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Speaking of pools… glorious, shimmering, perfect pools. There's something special about an outdoor pool surrounded by nature.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Okay, I intended to use the Fitness center, I really did. But the lure of the pool and the spa.. well, let's just say my workout routine was a bit… light.
- Poolside bliss.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize!
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was paramount.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Feel safe, I got.
- Room sanitization opt-out available Not for me, thank you.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter (and the Ones That Don't)
- Concierge: They were super helpful with arranging day trips and making recommendations.
- Air conditioning in public area & rooms: A must in the Kerala heat.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was spotless! (And they handled my mess expertly.)
- Elevator: Phew, glad for this!
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Doorman: Made me feel fancy.
- Laundry service & Ironing service: Lifesavers!
- Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Nice that they have this for special occasions.
- Family/child-friendly/ Babysitting service & Kids facilities: Great for families!
- Doctor/nurse on call Thank goodness, it's there but I didn't have to use it thankfully.
Available in All Rooms: My Personal Hideaway
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Blackout curtains: Slept like a baby.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial for a caffeine addict like me.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Saved me a lot of time.
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) The connection was surprisingly solid, even in the more remote parts of the resort.
- Mini bar: Tempting.
- Non-smoking: Excellent.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Satellite/cable channels: For those lazy afternoons.
- Shower, Slippers, Toiletries, and Towels: All good!
- Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Bathrobes, and Closet I would have loved to use the bathtub, but I didn't have time.
For the Kids: Family Time!
While I didn't have kids, I did see families having a blast. The Kids facilities looked promising.
Getting Around: Navigating Wayanad
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: The resort made it very easy to get around.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Bits:
- Pets allowed unavailable: I don't have a pet, but I noticed a few other folks were heartbroken. Maybe next time?
- Room decorations: Pretty! But I wasn't really looking at the wallpaper while I was stuffing my face with breakfast.
- Exterior corridor: The walk to my room did feel long.
- Couple's room: Great option.
My Emotional Verdict:
Look, Abad Brookside isn't perfect. No place is. But it is a genuinely beautiful place, and the staff truly tried. There were minor hiccups, a few missed opportunities, but honestly, they were overshadowed by the sheer beauty and the effort to make you feel pampered. I left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and with a strong craving for more dosas.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Wayanad, with its lush greenery and calming vibe, is a must-visit, and Abad Brookside is a great base camp for exploring it. (Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars).
Escape to Paradise: The Golden Retreat, Haldia Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-preened travel itinerary from a glossy magazine. This is real travel, Abad Brookside Lakkidi style, Wayanad edition. Think less "precise schedule," more "gloriously chaotic adventure." Let's go:
Day 1: Arrival & The Promise of Lush Green (and the Immediate Need for a Chai Fix)
- Morning (10:00 AM - ish): Landed at the Calicut Airport (CCJ). Jet lag already clawing at my eyelids. The drive to Abad Brookside… well, it’s an adventure in itself. The traffic? Oh, the traffic. Horns blaring, scooters weaving, cows casually strolling across the highway. It's a glorious, honking symphony of chaos and I wouldn't have it any other way. The air, though? Instantly cleaner, greener. Wayanad's calling me!
- Mid-Morning (12:00 PM): Finally, finally reached Abad Brookside. The view from the resort is genuinely breathtaking. Lush, rolling hills, shrouded in mist. I’m pretty sure I saw a monkey giving me the side-eye. (He probably knew I’d steal his bananas). Checked in, and the rooms are perfect. Simple, clean, the scent of fresh air wafting in – I could live here. Quick unpack, and then… Chai. Urgent chai. Found the resort’s little cafe, and that first sip? Heaven. Literal, steaming, milky heaven.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Went for a short stroll to explore the property. This place radiates peace. It is so beautiful, but the sheer scale of the place and the amount of green made me want to cry which made me panic a little, but the beauty and quietness of the place instantly soothed me and made me want to spend the rest of my life here, if only I had the funds to do so. Found a swing overlooking the valley. Spent an hour just… swinging. Letting the quiet sink in. This wasn't a bad life.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Planned to do a bit of bird watching. Failed miserably. Mostly spotted squirrels and the cheeky monkey crew. The resort staff, though, are incredibly friendly. They guided us to the restaurant.
- Dinner (7:30 PM): Dinner at the resort restaurant. The food is fantastic. Kerala cuisine is just… wow. Spiced the way I like it, not too heavy. Sat and people-watched. There was a family with tiny, adorable children who were fighting over a mango. It was the most beautiful thing I saw all day. Then promptly went back to my room to pass out.
Day 2: Adventures in the Mist - And My Deep-Seated Fear of Heights!
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up. The mist. Oh, the mist! Thick, enveloping, making everything look like a fairytale. Had some delicious breakfast (dosa, of course) and then we were off to Pookode Lake.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Pookode Lake. Absolutely stunning! We rented a pedal boat, and the reality hit me. I'm terrible at pedal boating. The water was chilly, the sun peeking out. The scenery was just gorgeous and then… a sudden downpour. We hid under a tiny gazebo, laughing, soaked but happy.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lekkidi View Point. This is where the fear kicked in, big time. I'm talking full-blown, sweaty-palms, gripping-the-guardrail-for-dear-life fear. Wow. The drop? Massive. The view? Unbelievable. But the shaking legs? Not so great. Made it through, took the picture, and immediately collapsed into a puddle of relief and sweaty relief. Reward: a chai and pakora.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Visited Chain Tree, a roadside shrine. The local stories associated with the tree were very interesting, though I was skeptical of one or two of them.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back at the resort. Relaxing. Reading. Maybe a massage later? Yes, definitely a massage.
Day 3: The Tease of Waterfall & the Reality of a Muddy Boot (and a Moment of Pure Bliss)
- Morning (9:00 AM): We planned to hike to the Soochipara Falls. The trek itself started out beautifully. I was full of confidence (ha!).
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The trek to Soochipara Falls. The trek itself was an incredible experience, with the sounds of the forest filling the air. The path, however, became progressively… wetter. Mud. Lots and lots of mud. My pristine white sneakers were now a glorious shade of Wayanad brown. Then, the descent. And then the slippery rocks, that were quite treacherous. And then, almost falling into the falls, which would have almost been the end of me, my phone and the camera with my life's work in it.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): We finally reached the falls! And … wow. The roar of the water, the spray on my skin, the sheer power… overwhelming. Absolutely stunning. Worth every single muddy step. We swam for a while and it was the most refreshing thing in the world. But after a while, we began the climb back.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back at the resort. Had a long, hot shower, trying to scrub away the mud of the day. The sense of accomplishment was worth it.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Sunset from the resort balcony. Just… breathtaking. With a cup of hot masala chai in my hand. Moments like these are the reason I travel.
Day 4: Farewell, Wayanad - And the Promise of Coming Back
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast. One last dosa. Feeling a little sad to leave. The place has truly captured my heart, and I have grown to feel at home here.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): One last walk around the resort. Saying goodbye to the monkeys (yes, I did!). The staff are just amazing. I feel as though I have been here for a month.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Drive to Calicut. Traffic again. More horns. More chaos. Amusing after all the peace. The journey was filled with the same breathtaking views, and the same beautiful people, so beautiful that tears almost came to my eyes once again.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Waiting at Calicut Airport. Looking through pictures. The muddy boots. The fear of heights. The glorious chai. The overwhelming peace. This trip? Imperfect, messy, and absolutely perfect.
- Departure: On the plane home, already planning my return. Wayanad, you've got a hold on me. I'll be back!
Okay, Lakkidi's Calling… Is Abad Brookside REALLY as luxurious as it looks in the photos? Like, seriously?
Alright, let's be real. Those pictures? They're *pretty* good. Like, professionally lit good. But is it *actually* luxurious? Okay, here's the deal. Yes. But! Luxury isn't just marble floors and a butler (though, I wouldn't mind a butler... just saying). It's the *feeling*. And Abad Brookside… it delivers that feeling. Picture this: you're staring out your balcony at the emerald green valleys of Wayanad, the mist rolling in like a fluffy, sneaky cat. Your coffee is hot, freshly brewed, and the only sound is the chirping of birds. That's luxury. I swear, the air itself feels… richer. I arrived absolutely frazzled from a terrible flight, and within an hour, I was… mellow. Seriously, it's borderline therapeutic. It’s that level of chill.
Okay, so there are a *few* imperfections because it's not a damn robot run place. Once, the hot water took like, 20 minutes, and I’m *im*patient. But the staff? Lovely. They fixed it with a smile and an extra round of those delicious mini-samosas. So yeah, it's not *flawless*, but the good definitely outweighs the… lukewarm shower incident. Overall? YES. Luxury is achieved.
What's the food scene like? Is it all bland hotel food? I'm a foodie, you know!
Oh, the food! This is a BIG one for me. I'm a food snob, let's be honest. And I was nervous. Hotel food? Ugh. BUT! They actually do a fantastic job. Forget the boring buffet clichés. They really know how to leverage the local Wayanad flavors. I spent a good chunk of my time EATING!!
The breakfast spread? *Amazing*. Seriously, the appam with stew? Forget about it. I *pigged out* every single morning. My waistline hated me, but my tastebuds were singing a very, very happy song. Lunch and dinner? They cater to your preferences beautifully. They do traditional Kerala dishes incredibly well. I had this fish curry, it was seriously incredible. SO FRESH. So flavourful. My only regret? Not ordering *more* of it. I still dream about that curry. Plus, there are some incredible options to explore outside the resort if you're feeling adventurous. There's this little shack near the falls that actually has the most amazing tea you'll ever taste... and the views make it spectacular.
What activities are there *besides* staring at the view (which, let's be honest, is tempting)? Is Wayanad actually interesting?
Staring at the view is a valid activity, okay? Don't judge! But YES, Wayanad is ridiculously interesting. And Abad Brookside can organize stuff for you, which is super convenient. They're all about trekking, and I'm *not* a trekker. Seriously. I can't. I'm more of a "lounge by the pool with a book and a cocktail" kind of person.
But! I *did* cave and do a little tour of the tea plantations. And it was genuinely fascinating! the whole process is incredible. You get to see the process, smell the fresh-cut tea. Plus you can see the local area which is an amazing plus. We went to a spice plantation and the smells alone were worth the trip! They have waterfalls nearby, which are absolutely stunning. You can visit the Edakkal Caves (which involve *some* hiking, I admit), or go see the ancient ruins. Trust me, Wayanad is full of surprises. It's not all just tea and views, although... those two things are pretty darn good!
Is it good for families? Or is it a romantic getaway kind of place? Because I'm looking for… well, *both*.
Okay, this is interesting. I saw both couples and families. Honestly, I can see it working for either. There's enough space, the pool is great (and safe, I think? I don't have kids, so I'm not a parent… but it seemed kid-friendly). And the staff are incredibly accommodating. They handle little things seamlessly. One family's kiddo threw a tantrum, and I was just… *waiting* for the eye-rolling to start. But the staff? They were so patient and kind. They made the kid laugh. So, yeah, families? Definitely possible.
Romantic getaway? Absolutely. The views, the privacy, the quiet… It's perfect for snuggling up with your partner (or, you know, just enjoying your own company in blissful solitude, which is what I did for a bit). The whole place just has a romantic vibe to it. It’s flexible. It adapts. See? Versatile. That’s the key!
What about the pool? Is it as glorious as it looks, or is it crammed with people? ( I hate crowded pools).
Alright, the pool situation. I’m a pool snob, full stop. I hate fighting for space. The Brookside pool is actually pretty decent. Not a jacuzzi, not a massive Olympic size (though one of those would be *nice*…), but it's good. It fits in perfectly with the rest of the retreat's theme and architecture. More importantly, it wasn’t *overcrowded*. I went at various times of day, and most of the time there was plenty of space to just… float. They have umbrellas and loungers, of course. (I highly recommend finding a chair with a good view!)
Also, big bonus points: the pool staff. They're attentive, but not pushy. They bring you drinks and snacks without you having to wave your arms around like a crazy person. One time, I ordered a smoothie that was a little *too* sweet for my liking. They immediately offered to make me another one, or modify it. They really strive for the perfect amount of service. Overall, the pool? Yes. Glorious? Maybe. Relaxing? Absolutely. You won't be disappointed. Unless, of course, you *hate* the sound of running waterfalls and birdsong, in which case, you may have problems.
How’s the service? Any horror stories? I'm a service snob, too, apparently.
Okay, service is massive, agreed. So, no, no horror stories to report. The service? Generally, it's excellent. They are *very* attentive. They're polite, always friendly, and willing to help. They anticipate your needs before you even know you have them. They're the kind of people who genuinely *care* that you're enjoying your stay. It's a huge differentiator.
There were minor hiccups – a forgotten order here, a slightly slow response to a request there – which is what you expect when humans are involved. But nothing major, nothing that ruined the experience. And honestly, those minor issues were always fixed with a smile and an extra effort to make things right. There were times when I was just… overwhelmed by how genuinely nice everyone was. Like, it's almost… suspicious. But no, it's just good service. And after several days, it felt genuine.Mountain Stay
