Kerala, famously known as “God’s Own Country,” has always been my dream destination, and my first visit was to the enchanting district of Wayanad. Nestled in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is known for its majestic hills, vast spread wildlife sanctuaries, sprawling plantations, and rich cultural heritage. From the moment I set foot in Kerala, my excitement had no bounds.
I am not a good planner; I feel it’s a tedious job to find a hotel that is an all-rounder. While planning my itinerary, I faced a challenge many travelers can relate to—the struggle to find the perfect accommodation. With various online options, deciding where to stay became quite overwhelming. After hours of browsing, reading reviews, and contemplating my options, I finally stumbled upon Hotel Sterling Wayanad. It seemed to be a gem, and instinctively, I went ahead and made my reservations.
Hotel Sterling Wayanad is Situated approximately 110 km from Calicut/Kozhikode Airport. It took me approximately 4.5 hours to reach my hotel from the airport.
The hotel is a few kilometers away from Sultan Bathery, nestled to perfection in lush greenery, making it the ideal spot for a peaceful getaway. After arriving at the hotel, I was greeted with warmth and the staff was extremely helpful, which set the tone for the rest of my stay. The check-in process was seamless.
The first impression of Hotel Sterling was nothing short of impressive. To my delight, a buggy—a traditional service vehicle—was arranged to transport me to my cottage, enhancing the sense of warmth and hospitality of the hotel. Upon entering my room, I was overjoyed to see the spacious layout. The cleanliness was impeccable, and the well-maintained room, balcony, and washroom instantly made me happy about booking Hotel Sterling. One of the highlights of my stay was the balcony that overlooked the enchanting beauty of nature. Here, I could often spot playful monkeys swinging from tree branches, buzzing bees, chirping birds adding a touch of wild charm to my mornings.
I stayed for five nights at Hotel Sterling. Sterling Group offers several activities for guests. Despite my busy itinerary filled with sightseeing, I took note of the various indoor and outdoor activities available. From pottery making, ziplining, and bird watching to enjoying the tranquil spa, there was something for everyone. Although my schedule didn’t allow me to partake in many of these activities, these activities would greatly enhance the experience of other guests, especially children.
One of the most beautiful aspects of my stay at Hotel Sterling was the profound sense of peace I enjoyed at the property. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind and rejuvenate, surrounded by nature. The hotel spans a generous 8.5 acres and is home to various species of plants and trees, making every glimpse from my balcony a treat for the eyes. The buggy service provided was a thoughtful touch, it was extremely helpful to navigate through the vast property with the help of the buggy rides.
Another standout feature was the exceptional staff. They truly are the backbone of this hotel, always smiling and displaying professionalism which shows how much they value their guests. I want to mention Nancy and Shama from the restaurant, who ensured that dining was a delightful experience for all their guests. Their genuine care for the guests’ satisfaction was evident, especially during breakfast when they made sure to personally attend to all guests even though it was a buffet service, this enhanced my dining experience. Nancy was so attentive and friendly, and by the end of my trip, she was familiar with what type of food I liked and disliked.
Speaking of dining, the restaurant at Hotel Sterling was a highlight of my stay. The breakfast spread was diverse, catering to all palates and preferences. It quickly became my favorite place within the hotel, not just for the food but for the ambiance and the friendly faces that greeted me every morning for breakfast and evening for dinner.
As I navigated through my sightseeing adventures, I appreciated how Hotel Sterling made transportation convenient by assisting with cab bookings for excursions and airport transfers. Their help allowed me to relax and focus on enjoying my time in Wayanad without the stress of logistics.
I have to admit, I didn’t get the chance to explore the property to the fullest, I had little scope to do so due to my packed itinerary. However, the time I spent in the restaurant and witnessing the hospitality of the staff made a lasting impression. The staff, in particular, was exemplary, ensuring that the experience was perfect from start to finish.
Being a luxury property, I anticipated that the prices would be on the higher side, but given the exceptional service, breathtaking surroundings, and overall experience, I wholeheartedly believe that the stay at Hotel Sterling was worth every penny.
I could barely make it to the pool area, and even if I could, I doubted if I would dare to dip even my feet in the cold pool water. I don’t know about others, but for the coastal Mumbai girl that I am, I found the temperature of Wayanad comparatively low, so it was best to avoid pool dips. However, even after deciding to take a day off and roam around inside the hotel property, I almost succumbed to the pressure of following the itinerary. Anyway no point in regrets, I can plan another trip to Wayanad to take a dip in the pool. (Grinning)
Reflecting on my time in Wayanad, I can confidently recommend Hotel Sterling to anyone seeking a semi-luxury stay in this beautiful region. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a place to reconnect with nature, this hotel offers all the elements for a memorable getaway. My first trip to Kerala will always hold a special place in my heart, thanks to my delightful experience at Hotel Sterling Wayanad.