Isla's Ridge

Shyni and Shabrish were especially thoughtful, taking care of each request with affection. I also loved the chef’s cooking session for Chettinad mix veg. The property’s tasteful design includes lovely mosaic bathroom tiles, and being so close to nature was a real draw. It was a good break from the city, with breathtaking views and much better aqi.

We came with our 3-year-old child and stayed at Isla’s Ridge by CGH Earth Saha from March 25th to 28th, 2026. The property is about 50 km from Kodaikanal town, quiet and up on a hill. It hosts only a limited number of guests, so the team can personalize the stay. At times it feels like the whole place is yours. The ridge setting is serene and secluded, with just two buildings. There’s a tree at the cliff edge with a table beneath it, a memorable place to sip hot tea or coffee as the sky changes color and stars appear. It feels like stepping into a dream, straight out of a novel. Antique pieces collected by Madam Isla are curated around the property, giving it a colonial-era feel. The rooms are minimal but thoughtfully designed, a different kind of luxury. There’s also a huge collection of books for anyone who wants to pick one up, sit under a tree, disconnect, and get lost in nature. Our child settled in right away and loved the space. The natural surroundings made it easy for him to connect with nature. The food experience is special too. All three meals and evening high tea are included at no extra cost, and every meal was exceptional. Much of the produce comes from the in-house garden, so it’s fresh and flavorful. Before each meal, the chef talks with you about your preferences and prepares everything fresh, which feels rare and personal. Clear skies, little pollution, and the hilltop location make this a wonderful spot for stargazing. Early morning walks bring beautiful sunrise views. Chef Ramdas Anna and his assistant Surya made us feel at home with their warmth and incredible cooking. Every meal felt personal and comforting. Kishore was always active, kind, and ready to help, and his warmth and smile are unforgettable. Shyni, the property manager, is the soul of Isla’s Ridge. She felt more like family than a hotel manager, and her patience, warmth, and genuine care made the whole stay personal and memorable. We were lucky to meet Madam Isla too, and our conversation with her inspired us and left a lasting impression. This is a whole experience and a memory to carry with you. We’d love to return, though we left a piece of our heart behind.

Ms. Shiny made sure we felt at home and gave the place such a warm, pleasant atmosphere. The food was so good, freshly made with lots of love, and I especially recommend the apple pie. The one small downside was that the bed wasn’t very comfortable, especially with a baby. Shiny and her team quickly arranged a small mattress for the baby. Such an amazing stay, and we’d definitely go again.

It’s a pleasant, quiet property with a lot of potential as a getaway, and our stay was otherwise very pleasant. The food was good, but the team seemed short-staffed. One man was running between tables to meet guests’ needs and also helping with luggage, so he really needs support. Our room’s fan regulator didn’t work either day, which felt disappointing for a CGH standard. At our second breakfast, the team said the jam for toast was finished, which isn’t something guests want to hear on vacation. There are several small details to work on to improve the experience.