Crystal Kuruva Nature Resort & Spa

The staff were young, lovely, cheerful, and keen to help, but the service could be hit and miss. We got several calls a day offering things like spa treatments and the tea room. The morning walk they arranged for us as international visitors had a guide who didn’t speak any English. The place itself is beautiful, with large, comfortable rooms. We asked to switch rooms because the window in the first one wouldn’t lock. In the second, the shower drain was blocked, but reception sorted it out immediately when we called.

The spa services were good, but the stay overall felt very average, especially because of some front desk staff. They weren’t rude, but they could be stubborn, rigid, argumentative, and offensive. Communication was a major problem, and the staff didn’t seem properly trained, more like they were just managing. The resort is beautiful and generally well maintained, though the balcony view from our room was average, neither bad nor special. Food choices were very limited, especially vegetarian options, and the buffet repeated the same items. We also found cockroaches, ants, and lizards in the room and bathroom. I honestly wonder how this resort got a five-star rating.

The local dishes were amazing, so order those if you stay here. We also had a private pool, which was kept in great shape. Bugs got into it at night, which makes sense with the resort in the jungle, and the staff were happy to clean it for us. We were a couple and loved every minute at Crystal Kuruva. The room and bathroom were both very spacious and clean, and the stay felt worth every penny. Everyone was friendly and took care of our needs. Abbas, the general manager, went out of his way to find a car service agent when our car had an issue, and he helped us plan sightseeing too. The staff were so kind they even gave us a whole jackfruit to take home. One of the best resorts we’ve stayed at, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Wayanad.

The gardens and plants across the property were beautifully arranged and cared for, and the staff were attentive and polite. It was a calm, zen-like stay surrounded by nature. Hot water for showers was the only small inconvenience, as the tank or heater was limited in size. I’d suggest that the spa staff explain the massages more clearly. They may all be Ayurvedic, but there was much more touching and exposure than with Thai or Swedish massages, which could be a surprise if you’re unfamiliar with those methods.