Location 
Wayanad, Kerala, India

Set on twelve acres of teak and rosewood rainforest in the Western Ghats, this secluded eco-resort is reached by a two-mile off-road drive and borders a wildlife sanctuary inhabited by elephants, sloth bears, leopards and vipers. Buildings are clustered along the slopes, built on stilts around existing trees to minimize disturbance to the terrain. Sleek concrete stairs lead to the treetop lobby, where floor-to-ceiling paned windows overlook mist-draped hills. Tiled floors and dark wooden accents in the common areas add tranquility.

Rooms are spacious, featuring salvaged ship-wood details, vaulted ceilings and tile floors. They have either one king or two twin beds, Wi-Fi, a desk, and tiled bathrooms with walk-in showers. There are no televisions; instead, watch Malabar giant squirrels swing through the treetops from the private balcony. Because of the cool climate, air conditioning is not needed.

Menus include local kingfish stuffed with chiles and onions, and meals are served on the terrace or beneath the vaulted ceilings of the al fresco dining area. An infinity pool with lounge chairs overlooks the canopy. The resort is certified through TOFTigers Footprint for its sustainability initiatives, such as composting, recycled wastewater irrigation and purified rainwater served in glass bottles. Bath products are made without single-use plastic packaging, including rice bran charcoal powder as a chemical-free toothpaste alternative.