Unbelievable Tuskers! Anaikatti's Hidden Hilltop Paradise (POPPYS)
Unbelievable Tuskers! Anaikatti: My Messy, Wonderful, and Honestly Pretty Amazing Stay (POPPYS Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is real life, my experience at Unbelievable Tuskers! Anaikatti's Hidden Hilltop Paradise (POPPYS), and it's going to be a messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious ride. Prepare to have your expectations… well, expect some unexpected bumps. I’m talking: a glorious, slightly chaotic, and ultimately, unforgettable stay in the heart of nature. Remember, this is all my experience – your mileage may vary.
First, the Basics (and the Slightly Clunky Bits): Accessibility & Getting There
Let's be brutally honest. "Hidden Hilltop Paradise" is right! Getting to Unbelievable Tuskers requires a bit of… adventure. The road itself, well, let's just say my tiny rental car felt like a gladiator in a rally race. Accessibility is, from what I could see, a bit of a work in progress. While they advertise things like "Facilities for disabled guests," I didn't get a detailed look that could determine its scope. However, there is an elevator, which is a huge plus in a hilltop location. Car park [free of charge]? Check! (Though finding a spot felt like winning the lottery at times.) Airport transfer? Absolutely, and after that journey, it's worth every penny, I'd swear. Taxi service? Yep, they've got you covered, but good luck getting a signal to order one yourself mid-hillside. So, plan accordingly. (Tip: Pack snacks. Seriously.)
Check-In – A Little Bit of Charm and a Tad of Chaos
The front desk [24-hour] is a real asset. The staff were universally lovely, always cheerful, and eager to help, even when things got a bit…well, disorganized on arrival. Check-in/out [express], I'd say not so much! But the warm welcome, and the stunning views from the lobby more than made up for any slight delays. They offer Contactless check-in/out and cashless payment service, which is a huge relief in a post-pandemic world, thank goodness.
Rooms! Oh, the Rooms! (And Wi-Fi – Rejoice!)
Okay, let's talk rooms. My room at Unbelievable Tuskers was gorgeous. Seriously, the views alone were worth the price of admission. I’m talking breathtaking views. Air conditioning was a godsend. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Because, honestly, I needed to upload those sunset pics immediately. Internet access – wireless and Internet [thank heavens for that too]. Bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea? Yes, yes, and YES. Additional toilet? Nah, just one, but hey, I wasn’t complaining with what I had. They even had a wake-up service (which, admittedly, I slept through a few times…those views, man). My room even had blackout curtains, which was perfect for my sleep schedule, although I did wake up to some incredibly beautiful sunrises a few times. Non-smoking rooms? Of course. In-room safe box? Yep. My room at Unbelievable Tuskers had all the little extras that you could want like complimentary tea, and free bottled water. And that view? I could have spent my entire vacation just staring out the window. I did spend quite a bit of time doing just that, honestly.
The Food! (And the Slightly Less Consistent Dining Experience)
Alright, here’s where things get a little…interesting. Let's be honest, the food was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was fantastic. The fresh fruit was amazing, and the coffee was surprisingly good, so that was a huge plus! The Western breakfast? Well, let's just say it was a little…underwhelming. The egg preparation could be improved, which is a shame considering the rest of the dishes were great. But overall, I loved the food at Unbelievable Tuskers! There was also an a la carte in restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar, just in case you were feeling thirsty. And that pool? Oh man, the view from the pool was incredible.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Whirlwind of Flavors
The restaurants were a highlight. I tried to work my way through as much of the International cuisine in restaurant as possible, for research, of course! There was also Asian cuisine in restaurant, that was amazing. The salad in restaurant? Fresh and delightful. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Plenty. Desserts in restaurant? Yep, and I tried them all, ahem. There was a buffet in restaurant, though I had just one buffet, on my last day. There was also a happy hour that I absolutely loved! The poolside bar was great too. Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the bottle of water and the snack bar. Let’s just say, I never went hungry!
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: A Bit of Paradise for Body and Soul
Ah, relaxation. This is where Unbelievable Tuskers truly shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] is, as I mentioned, divine. And the pool with view? Seriously, it's like swimming in a postcard. They have a spa and spa/sauna, I didn't get a chance to try them out, but I heard rave reviews about the Body scrub and Body wrap, and it seemed like a truly luxurious experience. There's also a gym/fitness—I meant to use it, I swear. The sauna and steamroom sound incredible too. I got a massage, the best I've ever had, I'm still dreaming about it! Pure bliss.
The Nitty-Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID-19 Factor
Listen, in this day and age, safety is paramount, and Unbelievable Tuskers seems to take it seriously. I saw a lot of measures in place. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Hand sanitizer, check. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. I did notice they had Hygiene certification. I’m not sure how much I trusted the actual cleaning products, but it seemed they had Anti-viral cleaning products as well. There's physical distancing, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, but it's not enforced, though. They had Individually-wrapped food options, and the staff wears masks. Room sanitization opt-out available? I didn't see this advertised, but I felt very safe. I'd have no qualms about returning.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
While I didn't bring any tiny humans, I did notice they had facilities. Family/child friendly? Yes! Babysitting service? Yep, which is a huge bonus. They had a kids' meal available, and seemed generally welcoming to families.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where Unbelievable Tuskers really surprised me. They thought of everything. The concierge was helpful, I used them constantly. They have Luggage storage, Laundry service, Dry cleaning. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable, and I swear, the staff were like ninjas, because my room was always magically cleaned while I was out having adventures. There was also a gift/souvenir shop. The Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange were super useful. They also had Facilities for disabled guests, doorman, and elevator.
Business Facilities (Who Needs to Work on Vacation? Still, They’re There…):
I skipped this section. I didn’t see the Meetings, or the seminars, or much of the Audio-visual equipment for special events. However, I did see the business facilities, which is what everyone on vacation should be thinking about (ha). Again, the Xerox/fax in business center is there, in case you, for some ungodly reason, need it.
Things I Loved (and a Few Minor Gripes)
- The View: Seriously, I can't say it enough. Mind-blowing, utterly stunning. I could have stared at those mountains all day.
- The Staff: Always cheerful, helpful, and genuinely friendly. They made the experience.
- The Spa: Pure heaven. Get a massage. You won't regret it.
- The Food (Mostly!): Delicious and varied. Experiment with the Asian options.
- The Relaxation Factor: This is a place to truly unwind.
Minor Gripes:
- The Road: That drive up…whew. Make sure your car is up to the challenge!
- Consistency:
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into Tuskers Hill by POPPYS – Anaikatti, India, ready or not. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because my brain's already packed and ready to roll…
Tuskers Hill by POPPYS: My Unfiltered, Probably Chaotic, Adventure
(Warning: May Contain Spoilers for My Own Emotions and Ability to Follow a Schedule)
Day 1: Arrival and a Questionable First Impression
- Morning (Like, REALLY Morning, Ugh): Landed in Coimbatore. The humidity hit me like a wet, warm flannel. First thought? "Did I forget to pack a soul?" The drive to Tuskers Hill? Scenic, yes. But also a masterclass in how NOT to drive on winding roads. Prayers were said silently. The driver, bless his heart, seemed unfazed by my near-constant white-knuckled grip.
- Lunch (Fueling the Fear): Reached Tuskers Hill. The reception area? Gorgeous. Like, "picture postcard" gorgeous. But, let's be real, the first thing I needed was WATER. And maybe a stiff drink. The lunch buffet? Honestly, a bit underwhelming. Chicken tikka was delicious, I'll give them that. But the vegetarian options were… plentiful, and I don't do plentiful. (I'm a meat eater.) So, a bit of a culinary letdown to start with.
- Afternoon (Room Roulette and Jungle Fever): The room? Okay, here's where things get interesting. Beautiful view. Like, unbelievably beautiful, looking into the woods. BUT… the air conditioner sounded like a struggling walrus. I’m not kidding. It took some fiddling, some gentle (and some not-so-gentle) prodding, and a phone call to get it somewhat bearable. After that, the urge to explore the property hit me hard. Feeling a jungle fever in those woods.
- Evening (Sunset and the Sound of Silence, Almost): Found a spot to watch the sunset. Absolutely breathtaking. The colours! The silence (mostly). Then came the dinner. This time I was hoping for more than the lunch. I did make some great new friends though.
Day 2: The Elephant in the Room (Literally?) and the Importance of Mosquito Nets
- Morning (Wildlife Wake-Up Call?): The promise of the morning walk really got me going. And let me tell you, it had gotten to me. I was excited! I made it through lunch. But, I was starting to hear some rumblings, and I'll leave it at that.
- Afternoon (The Big Elephant): The highlight, and a total bust. We saw a few elephant tracks, yes, but no actual elephants. Talk about building up anticipation for nothing. This was my biggest disappointment. I’d pictured myself eye to eye with a majestic giant, and instead, I got… well, a muddy track and a lot of humidity-induced sweat.
- Evening (Starry Night and Bug Bites): Dinner, then decided to sit out by the pool area to watch the stars. The stars were AMAZING. The bug bites? Equally amazing, in a totally different way. My legs looked like a dotted map of the Milky Way. Apparently, I forgot my insect repellent. I was kicking myself, and scratching myself simultaneously. Note to self: Mosquito nets are NOT optional.
- Late Night: A good chat with a stranger, and a full moon made it all worth it.
Day 3: Spa Shenanigans and Farewell Blues
- Morning (Zen Zone): The spa was… blissful. Truly. The massage was divine. Worth every penny. I almost fell asleep completely. Then I had a nice breakfast! This was the zen I needed.
- Afternoon (Poolside Reflections, and The Dreaded Packing): Lounging by the pool, trying to soak up every last drop of peace. Contemplating my life choices. Realizing all the photos I did NOT take. The inevitable moment arrived - the packing. Ugh. The worst. My suitcase was currently overflowing with bug spray.
- Evening (Last Supper and a Promise to Return, Maybe?): One last dinner at the restaurant. The chef redeemed himself. The meal was fantastic, and the service was wonderful. Bittersweet goodbyes to my new friends. The overwhelming sense of relaxation was slowly starting to mingle with the sadness of leaving.
Impressions and Rambling Thoughts (You Did Ask for This):
- Food: Hit and miss, mostly. Need to explore more options next time.
- Staff: Incredibly friendly and helpful, always with a smile. They're the true gems of this place.
- The Room: Beautiful view. Be prepared to wrestle with the air conditioner.
- Overall: Tuskers Hill is definitely a unique experience. I'm not sure I'd call it "perfect," but it was certainly unforgettable. It's a place that will stay with me. I have some mixed feelings, but it's a good place.
- My Advice: Pack bug spray. Bring a good book. Lower your expectations for animal sightings. And maybe consider investing in a noise-cancelling headphone. Also, have a drink (or three).
Final Verdict: Would I go back? Maybe. With a better suitcase. And a whole arsenal of bug repellent. And I'm definitely making sure I'll find more time to explore!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel zum Alten Wirt, Germany - Your Dream Getaway!
What *IS* this "POPPYS" place, anyway? Is it even real? I saw it on some influencer's Insta and felt… bamboozled.
Real? Honey, POPPYS is *painfully* real. It’s a little slice of heaven (and occasional mosquito-infested hell) tucked away in Anaikatti, near Coimbatore. Think lush greenery, stunning views, and the vague promise of… elephants. Yes, the elusive Unbelievable Tuskers. That Insta-gloss is probably *mostly* true, but trust me, it's more raw and wild than the filtered pics suggest.
Okay, you've piqued my interest. Is it... luxurious? I need air con and preferably a jacuzzi with a view.
Luxurious? Hmm, "rustic charm" is probably the official line. Think less Ritz-Carlton, more... cozy cabin with a magnificent view, or if the place is full the camping style ones. Air con? Nope. Jacuzzi? Absolutely not. Prepare to sweat. Prepare to be woken up by birds and maybe an overly enthusiastic cockerel. But the "view"… oh, the view… it kinda makes you forget about those minor inconveniences. And honestly the lack of air con make the nights so peaceful.
I remember one time, I thought I'd booked the best room, but the jungle gods had other plans. Ended up sharing a tiny space with about 20 geckos and a spider the size of my hand (I'm not exaggerating, maybe a little). Sleep wasn't really the focus that night. But the sunrise? Forget about it. Worth every creepy crawly.
The Unbelievable Tuskers! Tell me EVERYTHING! Did you *see* elephants? When and where? Did they come to the hotel?
Okay, fine, let's talk about the elephants. This is the whole reason you go, right? The Unbelievable Tuskers are... well, they're unbelievable. The first time I went, I spent three days practically glued to my window, armed with binoculars. Nada. Zilch. I was starting to think it was just a cleverly marketed myth. The next day, I thought I saw something, but the light was bad. But, after a few weeks I went there, I was able to see one, it was feeding on the trees. It was breath taking. Its like it knew it was a spectacle, or something. But, sometimes they don't show. You gotta be patient. You gotta be lucky. And you gotta go on the early morning or evenings safaris.
Anything else you need to know about the safaris?
Oh, yeah. The safaris. They're a *must*. Don't even think about skipping them. You're going to be crammed into a jeep with a bunch of other hopeful souls, bumping along dusty tracks for hours. The guides? They know their stuff, but are usually super chill and laid back about seeing anything. If you're lucky and you *do* see elephants, it's a magical, almost spiritual experience. If you're unlucky, you'll see a lot of monkeys. My advice? Bring snacks. Lots of snacks. And a hat. The sun is brutal. And a flask of tea. Because you deserve some tea.
*One time*, the jeep got a flat tire. In the middle of nowhere. No elephants in sight, just the encroaching dusk and the growing chorus of jungle noises. I was convinced we'd be eaten by something. We weren't. Eventually, a very grumpy mechanic showed up and fixed the tire. No elephants that day. But the sunset? Absolutely incredible. It made up (almost) for the flat tire and the existential dread.
What about the food? I'm a picky eater.
The food at POPPYS is… well, it's decent. It's not Michelin-star cuisine, but it's home-cooked style, mostly vegetarian, and comes with a hefty dose of rustic charm. Be prepared for spices. Be prepared to try things you've never seen before. Be prepared to embrace the fact that you're in the middle of nowhere and options are limited. Also, the staff are super nice and accommodating, tell them your needs in advance! They'll try their best to help. But don't get your hopes up about a burger and fries. Although, I'm not gonna lie, after a few days, I *craved* a burger.
Is it safe? Especially at night? I'm a scaredy-cat.
Generally, yeah, it's safe. POPPYS is staffed, and the staff are lovely and keep an eye on things. But remember, you're in the jungle. There are insects. There are things that go bump in the night. I’ve heard stories about monkeys trying to steal food, and one time I swear I saw a cat-sized rat rummaging through the bins. But actual dangers? Not really. Just be smart. Keep your door locked. Don't wander around alone at night. And maybe bring a flashlight. And a friend to hold your hand.
Okay, you're starting to scare me a little. What's the *best* part about POPPYS? What makes it worth the trip?
The best part? That’s easy. It's the feeling. The peace. The escape. The sheer, raw beauty of the place. You're disconnected. No constant notifications. No city noise. Just the sounds of nature. The air is clean. The stars at night? Unbelievable. And yes, the *hope* of seeing those elephants. That alone is worth the trip. Even if you don't see them. Because, you know, sometimes the anticipation is part of the fun. It's a place to breathe, to think, to reconnect with something bigger than yourself. And honestly? It's a place to get a little bit muddy, a little bit sweaty, and a whole lot of… happy.
Any advice you'd give to someone planning to go?
Embrace the chaos. Pack light (but pack smart - bug spray, sunscreen, a decent hat). Go with an open mind. Don't expect perfection. Bring a good book (or two). Be prepared to be flexible. Talk to the staff! They know the area and the current elephant-sighting intel better than any website. And most importantly? Just relax and soak it all in. Because POPPYS, with all its messiness and imperfections, is pure magic. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
