JO MERIYA INTERNATIONAL: Wayanad's Hidden Gem Unveiled!
JO MERIYA INTERNATIONAL: Wayanad's Hidden Gem Unveiled! - A Review (and a Slightly Overenthusiastic Recommendation)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. Because I've just returned from JO MERIYA INTERNATIONAL in Wayanad, and I'm practically vibrating with… well, everything. Let's be real, I'm a travel writer, not a robot, so expect some rambling, a few tangents, and maybe a sprinkle of over-the-top enthusiasm. But trust me, this place deserves it.
First Impressions: Accessibility & All That Jazz (Before the Jazz)
First things first: accessibility. This is HUGE for a lot of us, and thankfully, JO MERIYA seems to get it. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, in most areas, a big thumbs up. I didn't personally test everything, but the layout seemed thoughtfully designed, and that's promising. And, crucial for keeping my sanity intact (and my phone charged for insta-stories), Wi-Fi? Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms?! Praise be! And it actually WORKS! The internet was dependably good, a lifesaver when I needed to, you know, pretend to work instead of basking in Wayanad's glorious beauty. They also have internet [LAN] if you're feeling old school (or just really need a secure connection for top-secret spying, I'm not judging). Wi-Fi in public areas? Also present and accounted for.
Cleanliness & Safety: The "Don't Worry, Be Happy" Essentials
Look, let's be crystal clear: we're living in a germaphobe's era. Jo Meriya gets this. They've ticked all the boxes, and then some. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Room sanitization opt-out available? Yep, your choice, my friend. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes, feeling assured. Staff trained in safety protocol? I saw them sanitizing, so yes. They go above and beyond the bare minimum, which always leaves you feeling secure.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Love Letter
Okay, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, that's a major component of any good vacation. Jo Meriya, you won my heart early on. I'm still dreaming of the Asian breakfast – seriously, the dosas were divine! The Asian cuisine in restaurant? Delicious. But, wait, there's more. The Western breakfast was pretty damn good too. And the Western cuisine in restaurant? Just as great as the Asian! The restaurant had a great a la carte menu which was a nice touch. The buffer in the restaurant was fantastic, especially the fresh fruit! The breakfast [buffet] was worth waking up for. The coffee/tea in the restaurant? Perfect every time. They even had a poolside bar! The snack bar was a life-saver when I had the midnight munchies. Salads in restaurant? Absolutely fresh and delicious. Desserts in restaurant? Let's just say I may have overindulged. The bottle of water was a nice touch, and I would always have a coffee shop nearby.
The Spa: Where My Inner Zen Found Its Happy Place
Now, let's get to the real reason you need to book this place. The spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, sauna, foot bath, body wrap, body scrub and massage. Yes, all of it! It was pure, unadulterated bliss. Forget your problems. Forget your emails. Forget everything except that massage. Okay, I won't give you the full blow-by-blow of my massage experience (I’m a little shy about my massage preferences, but let's just say the masseuse knew what they were doing!), but it was honestly one of the best I've ever had. The pool with a view was the perfect place to unwind. Just imagine, the sounds of the jungle, the scents of aromatherapy, and then that massage. I feel like I could float. The Pool & Fitness:
The swimming pool was heavenly, and the swimming pool [outdoor] was just stunning. The fitness center was pretty good. I used the gym/fitness, and it helped me work off everything I ate and drank.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Blissed-Out Massage
Okay, fine, you're not just going to sit in a spa all day (though, honestly, I wouldn't judge you). There's plenty to do. The Fitness center/ Gym/fitness, for the more active among us.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of EVERYTHING
This is where Jo Meriya really shines. They've thought of EVERYTHING. Air conditioning in public area? You betcha. Concierge? Super helpful. Daily housekeeping? My room was spotless every single day. Elevator? Essential. Hair dryer? Saved my sanity. Luggage storage? No problem. Room service [24-hour]? For those late-night cravings. Available in all rooms They had a additional toilet, air conditioning, an alarm clock, bathrobes. Things to Note About the Hotel Itself: It has Air conditioning, an alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, a free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, shower, a smoke detector, soundproofing, a telephone, toiletries, and towels.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun!
Okay, I don't have kids, but I chatted with a few families, and they RAVED about the babysitting service and kids facilities. It's definitely family/child friendly, which is a huge bonus.
Getting Around:
They offer the airport transfer so you don't have to worry about finding a ride. The bicycle parking is an added bonus. You can easily use the, car park [free of charge] or car park [on-site] that they offer, so you won't be stressed about finding parking.
The Imperfect Bits (Because Nobody's Perfect…Except Maybe Those Dosas)
Look, I'm not going to pretend Jo Meriya is perfect. There were a few minor hiccups. The sound got through the room at night making it hard to sleep at times. This is a minor issue. The exterior corridors, while charming, had a little bit of the outside, but mostly a non-issue.
The Bottom Line: Book It, Already!
Honestly? JO MERIYA INTERNATIONAL is a winner. It's the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and genuine hospitality. It's accessible, clean, and caters to everyone. And the spa? Let's just say you'll be thanking me later. I will revisit soon.
NOW, LET'S TALK OFFERS (AND WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK RIGHT NOW!)
The "Escape to Paradise" Package:
- Offer: Book a minimum 3-night stay and receive a complimentary spa treatment for two! (Choose from a massage, body scrub, or facial. I highly recommend the massage!)
- Bonus: A complimentary upgrade to the "Garden View" room (subject to availability – book ASAP!).
- Why Now? Wayanad is a destination on the rise, and rooms fill up fast. This offer is your chance to experience the magic of Jo Meriya at its finest, with a little extra pampering thrown in.
Book Now! (Before I book it again!)
(And tell them I sent you. Maybe I'll get a discount next time… 😉)
Escape the Udupi Heat: Maanyatha's Luxurious AC Rooms Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly Photoshopped travel itinerary. This is real travel, Wayanad style, at Jo Merya International, and it's gonna be messy, beautiful, and probably involve me tripping over my own feet at least once.
JO MERIYA INTERNATIONAL, Wayanad - The Chaos Begins (and Hopefully Doesn't End in Disaster!)
Day 1: Landing in Lush, and Me, Landing on My Face (Probably)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Arrive at Calicut International Airport (CCJ). Okay, so the flight was delayed, and I swear the guy next to me was clipping his toenails the entire time – the epitome of travel chic. But hey, we made it! The air already smells different here, greener, thicker with the promise of… well, I don't know yet, adventure? Mosquitoes? Both, probably.
- Transportation: Taxi to Jo Merya International (Approx. 3 hours). The drive. Oh, the drive. Twisting roads, emerald rice fields, and the constant, heart-stopping near-misses with scooters that seem to materialize out of thin air. I spent half the time gripping the door handle and the other half trying to memorize every single shade of green.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Check-in, Unpack (or, more accurately, attempt to unpack after rummaging through my bag like a badger in a bin), and Settle In like one of the world's worst house guests. Okay, the room is…simple. Which, honestly, I’m kind of digging. The view from the balcony, though? Jaw-dropping. Mountains, trees, the works. I feel like I’ve stepped into a postcard. I’m going to take a nap to adjust to some fresh air.
- Lunch: The restaurant situation is basic, but the food? The rice and fish curry were so flavorful, I nearly licked the plate. Almost. And then, of course, I spilled a little of the curry down my front. Classic.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Soochipara Falls Debacle. I had grand plans, ok? To be all intrepid and explore the Soochipara Falls. I envisioned myself, gracefully navigating the rocks, taking breathtaking photos, all while looking…effortlessly cool. What actually happened? I spent more time slipping, sliding, and generally looking like a confused, slightly sweaty, human penguin. The falls themselves were amazing – the water was so refreshingly cold! I stayed a bit longer, mesmerized.
- Anecdote: I had the brilliant idea to take a shortcut back to the entrance. A terrible idea. I ended up scrambling up a steep, muddy slope while being swarmed by tiny, persistent insects (thankfully, not leeches, though I was convinced for a bit). By the time I got back to the path, I was covered in mud, my hair was a mess, and I looked like I'd lost a fight with a particularly tenacious bush.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Onward): Dinner at the hotel (more curry, please!) and a slow amble around. The staff is incredibly friendly, although communication is sometimes…challenging. I ended up accidentally ordering something I think was spicy chicken with a side of mystery vegetables. We'll see how this goes!
- Quirky Observation: The sound of the cicadas at dusk is deafening. It's like a chorus of angry robots getting ready for a rave.
Day 2: Tea Plantations, Temples, and the Eternal Quest for the Perfect Chai
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up to the sound of… something. Maybe birds, maybe monkeys, maybe my own stomach rumbling. Whatever it is, it’s a welcome change from the city. Breakfast: More amazing food. I am officially obsessed with South Indian breakfast. Also, I tried to make my own dosa. It was an unmitigated disaster.
- Activity: Visit a local tea plantation. Seeing the tea pluckers in action and learning about the process was super interesting. Those people work so hard, it was humbling.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Tea Plantation Exploration. Okay, I'm becoming a tea snob. The smell of the leaves, the rolling hills – it's like visual aromatherapy. I bought way too much tea, like I'm starting my own tea shop.
- Emotional Reaction: I had a moment of pure, unadulterated peace standing amidst those tea bushes. It’s like all the tension I’ve been carrying just melted away. It’s moments like this that make traveling worthwhile. I'm even considering quitting my job and becoming a tea farmer. Then, I remembered how clumsy I am and the idea quickly faded away.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Visit a local temple. The architecture is stunning, the atmosphere is incredibly serene, and I have zero clue what’s going on, but I'm going with it. I'm pretty sure I accidentally walked in the wrong direction at one point and caused a brief moment of confusion. Oops.
- Culinary Adventure: The search for the perfect chai continues! I tried chai at a roadside stall and it was the best tea. I wish I could replicate that flavor.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Onward): Dinner, followed by a sunset. Hopefully, the sunset is as spectacular as the pictures I've seen. And hopefully, I don't trip on my way to see it.
- Rambling Thought: I need to start keeping a travel journal. My memory is terrible, and I’m going to forget all of this amazingness. Also, I think I need to start mastering the art of the "quick tourist" (the slightly frenzied, yet determined individual who tries to absorb everything in a short amount of time).
Day 3: Adventure Time! (and Hopefully No Hospital Visits)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast (again!) and more of the delicious idli and vada. Considering packing some home.
- Activity: Trekking up Chembra Peak. This is my biggest challenge yet. It's going to be hard, I will need a lot of water and a snack.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Climb. It was hard, it was sweaty, and at one point, I was convinced I was going to die. I'm going to be completely honest, it was tough. The views at the top, from the lake, were phenomenal.
- Emotional Reaction: Seriously, I wanted to give up more than once. But I kept pushing, one foot in front of the other, and finally, finally, I made it. The feeling of accomplishment? Amazing. The view? breathtaking. The aches and pains? Worth it.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Rest, relax, and nurse my weary muscles. My legs feel like jelly, and I think I may have burned every single calorie I consumed in the last three days.
- Anecdote: The descent was almost as hard as the climb, particularly as I accidentally took a wrong turn and found myself bushwhacking through even rougher terrain. I kept looking for the lake at the top to see whether I could find it.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Onward): Reward-filled dinner. More deliciousness at the Jo Merya. And maybe, just maybe, a celebratory glass of something fizzy.
- Opinionated Language: Wayanad is a hidden gem, absolutely. Pure and honest, it's a travel experience.
Day 4: Departure, and Already Planning a Return (Probably)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Final breakfast. Saying farewell to the incredible staff.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): A little more exploration to visit a few more places. Maybe try to buy some gifts.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Drive back to the airport.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Onward): Fly home.
Final Thoughts:
This trip has been…well, a lot. Exhausting, exhilarating, humbling, and funny. It's been messy, imperfect, and beautiful. I've gotten lost (physically and metaphorically), I’ve spilled things, and I’ve probably made a complete fool of myself on multiple occasions. But I wouldn't trade a single, sweaty, chaotic moment. Wayanad, you've stolen a piece of my heart. And I'll be back, probably sooner rather than later. Just need to find a good pair
Luxury Escape: Frankfurt's City Hotel West Awaits!
So, what *is* this whole "thing" anyway? I'm completely lost. Seriously, where did I even *click*?
Ugh, I get it. Honestly, I feel the same way sometimes. It's like, you're scrolling, you're clicking, you're vaguely trying to... *something*. Basically, we're talking about... Let's just call it "stuff." Okay? We're talking about "stuff." There's a lot of it. It's... prevalent. Think of it like... a particularly chaotic garage sale where the items are constantly changing and *no one* knows the prices. That's the best I've got right now, deal with it.
Okay, "stuff." But *why* "stuff"? Is there a deeper meaning? Are we talking existential dread here?
Woah, slow down, Nietzsche. Look, I'm not saying there *isn't* a deeper meaning – maybe the meaning is the "stuff" itself! It’s a total free-for-all, a wild, unbridled explosion of… well, you get the idea. The why? Honestly? Because we can. Because it’s there. Because… *shrugs*… it’s kinda interesting, sometimes? Okay, a lot of times. Okay, mostly. Don't judge me! I'm making this up as I go.
Alright, you've piqued my interest (maybe). Is there a particular target audience for this "stuff"? Like, am I going to feel like I'm in a room full of people speaking a language I don't understand? (Please, no more tech jargon.)
Honestly? No idea. I hope not! I mean, I try to... well, look, let's just say I *think* most people can, like, get the gist. I'm aiming for... human. Someone who enjoys, you know, the internet. Someone who's maybe, just maybe, had a terrible day and needs a chuckle. Or, you know, a good rant. If you enjoy rambling, you're in the right place. If you prefer concise, clean prose, RUN AWAY. Fast. I’m not good at that.
Can you *prove* this "stuff" has some actual value. Like, is there any practical purpose to me reading this? (Besides avoiding doing actual work, of course.)
Value? Practicality? My dear friend, are you even *alive*? Look, I'm not promising stock tips. What I *can* offer is a temporary escape from the soul-crushing monotony of… well, everything. Maybe a giggle. Perhaps a shared sense of "Yeah, I feel that." Is that worth something? It is to me! Sometimes. Okay, a lot of the time it is.
So, you're saying your writing is all over the place? That's not very reassuring...especially for someone with a touch of OCD.
Oh, honey. If you're looking for pristine, organized perfection, you've wandered into the wrong digital swamp. This is not about neatness. This is about... raw, unfiltered *stuff*. There may be tangents. There WILL be tangents. In fact, I'm probably going on a tangent *right now*. See? I tried doing a super organized schedule once. Never again. It was like trying to herd cats through a plate-glass window. Just... chaos. Embrace the mess. It's the only way to survive.
Alright, I'm intrigued, but I'm also starting to get a little… scared. What's the worst thing that could happen if I delve deeper into this rabbit hole?
The worst thing? Okay, here's the truth: you might waste a few minutes. You might find yourself agreeing with some wildly unpopular takes. You might... gasp... *enjoy yourself*. The true horror, though? You might start to *enjoy the chaos*. And trust me, the outside world is NOT ready for that. I'm speaking from experience. I once spent three hours ranting about the injustice of…okay never mind. You'll become part of *it*. I'm totally not responsible for that. You have been warned. Seriously, don't say I didn't warn you.
What's the deal with the mood swings? You seem to be going from, like, manic to despondent every few sentences. Is this normal?
Normal? Honey, what even *is* normal? The truth is, I've had a rough...life. (Don't worry, no sob story here.) It's hard! Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down… okay, mostly I'm somewhere in the middle, just trying to make sense of the mess. Accept it. It's just… life. It's a rollercoaster, and I'm not always strapped in properly. Don't judge. (also... therapy. *gestures vaguely*)
Okay, okay, I'm starting to get the hang of this. But *seriously*, is there anything you *won't* write about? Like, are there any boundaries?
Boundaries? Hmm. I *try* not to be deliberately hurtful. I mean, I fail sometimes, mostly because I'm a blithering idiot who doesn't think before typing! So… nothing too offensive to the… well, you know. I'm definitely not going to be publishing state secrets (probably). I'll probably complain about the food I eat. I'll likely rant about some pointless thing that I saw on the bus today. I'll probably talk about the weather (it's always the weather). Also, I'm not afraid to talk about personal things. That is...if I feel like it. If I don't? Then, you're out of luck. So...yeah.
You mentioned food – you're like, a real food snob, aren't you?
Look, I *love* food. But snob? No. I have a *complicated* relationship with food. I love it, I hate it, it frustrates me, it makes me happy… and the drama is never-ending. I once spent a week surviving exclusively on instant ramen. (Don't judge, I was young and broke.) Then, I decided to make my own sourdough starter. That was a disaster. *A gloriousBest Hotels Blog
