6 getaways you must plan this summer
With the mercury rising on a regular basis, you might like getting away to these places.
Pure bliss
Ananda in the Himalayas, Narendranagar, Uttarakhand
Ananda in the Himalayas is an experience, it's a place that draws you into its serene arms, pampering you, embraces you, so that you don't wish to leave. Your journey to self-discovery begins the moment you arrive at the retreat-you are greeted by the warm and courteous staff holding a thal who gift you a rudraksh mala-said to sanctify your mind, body and soul. Opt for at least a three-night-four-day package which includes three spa therapies.
The Spa at Ananda is world-class, with expert therapists who know exactly how to work on your tired muscles and sore points. With the right pressure and Ananda-special concoctions, you will leave the room feeling like a new, refreshed person. And to make your experience better, opt to stay in one of the valley facing rooms where you can spend days on end just watching and listening to birds that are native to Uttarakhand.
The food at Ananda has been expertly crafted keeping health in mind-with delectable Indian, Asian and western fare to choose from.
Don't miss: The early morning yoga sessions by expert yoga instructors conducted at the picturesque Hawa Mahal.
Price: Packages start at Rs 31,000 per night per person
Website: anandaspa.com
The green mile
Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida
Not far away from the concrete jungle is a surprisingly pleasant oasis that promises to make the mind wander to a calmer space while thrilling the senses at the same time. The inviting 450-acre expanse of the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in the upcoming township of Greater Noida, barely 40 km from Delhi, is not only a haven for city's pro golfers but is also a bustling hub of activities that make it a wholesome family retreat.
An unmistakable highlight of the resort is its focus on sport and holistic wellness. While its 18-hole golf course has been the host to some of the finest international and corporate golf tournaments in recent times, one can also find India's only Six Senses spa, an internationally acclaimed chain here. The spa, a mammoth three floor haveli style wellness destination, provides signature treatments like Watsu and Hammam therapy. The early morning yoga classes are a must-do here as well. Sport aficionados will be glad to know that the resort also has an integrated sports complex, Atlantis, where one can play a game of basketball on pristine maplewood flooring, or swim in its Olympic-sized swimming pool or even catch a game of tennis on its multiple clay and state-of-art synthetic courts.
The resort has an attractive package that includes a tour of the Buddh International Circuit in an adrenaline-inducing car ride on the Formula 1 track.
Don't miss: When you aren't breaking into a sweat, indulge in the scrumptious offerings of the resort's many dining venues-Eggspectation, a Canadian restaurant chain brought to India by the Jaypee group, has a fine variety of egg-based dishes and Patra, the Indian fine dining venue that whips up authentic Lahori and Amritsari cuisine. At G- Block, Surajapur Kasna Road, Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201308
Price: Rs 8,000 per night for the sports and leisure package
Website: jaypeehotels.com
Short break
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity
While business hotels hardly catch the fancy of those looking for a quick relaxing getaway from the city, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is a rare exception. Start your staycation at the hotel with a stop by at the Pling bar where you'll find the Vinoteca by Pullman (wine cabinet). Listen to some fun anecdotes by the in-house sommelier Kriti Malhotra, 30, as she pours you a glass of wine sizing up your personality.
This little tete-a-tete will perhaps whisk you away from the realisation of being right in the city and take you into that holiday zone. And this is just one of the many reasons to come to this business hotel for a staycation. From the bar, make your way to Pluck, the multi-cuisine restaurant conceptualised on the farm-to-table concept that offers delectable dishes. You could step out for an up-close encounter with all the vegetables growing in the hotel's backyard, before you head to your rooms. The plush rooms are your perfect cocoon to return to after a large meal.
Meanwhile, do make a visit to the Woosh Spa, a sanctuary that offers a range of pampering treatments for your tired bones. For dinner, whet your appetite at Honk, that presents a lavish Asian food spread that is hard to ignore. A grand way to call it a day at Pullman.
Don't miss: The burnt garlic Parmesan soup and the lovely breakfast spread at Pluck.
Price: Starts at Rs 9,000 per night for a couple
Website: pullmanhotels.com
Slice of history
Noor Maahal, Karnal
Noor Mahal in Karnal is a plush hotel that is a destination in itself. Built four years ago to resemble the grandeur of a palace, the five star getaway owned by Ch. Manbeer Sandhawalia, a first generation hotelier, is themed after the country's rich cultural heritage-a luxurious mix of Mughal and Rajputana styles of architecture, which is evident the moment your car stops in front of the hotel gates.
Done up in emerald hues with beautiful carved wood furniture reminiscent of the royal darbars, the hotel's lobby is the first thing that catches the eye. For a lunch fit for a king, head to their all-day dining restaurant, The Brown Sugar, which offers a selection of Indian and international fare. The bartender mixes some deliciously strong classic cocktails such as the margarita and cosmopolitan. Their Asian fare is pretty good; try the chicken massaman curry-mildly flavoured Thai curry with vegetables and tender pieces of chicken that can be enjoyed with veg/non-veg pad Thai noodles or steamed rice. Post-lunch, head out for a tour of the property which boasts of sprawling lawns and a separate space for outdoor activities such as lawn tennis, basketball, cricket, children's activity zone and more.
"This June, we are all set to inaugurate the adventure zone where children can enjoy activities such as rock climbing and zip line as well. We want to make it a complete getaway-where everyone can let their hair down and enjoy,' says Noor Mahal's 43-year-old general manager, Chander Shekhar Puri. Spend the evening cooling off in the swimming pool or unwind at their spa and wellness centre. Head for a lavish dinner afterwards at their specialty restaurant that looks like a coach, The Frontier Mail-inspired by the legendary train that operated between Mumbai and Peshawar during preindependence days. On the menu are delicacies from various regions the train journeyed through. End the day on a perfect note with live folk music that the hotel organises every day.
Don't miss: Behind Noor Mahal, a short distance away is a farm owned by hotel where they grow organic vegetables. The hotel organises a horse cart for you to be taken to the farm, where an expert will teach you how to grow your own fresh produce.
Price: Starts at Rs 5,500 onwards
Website: noormahal.in
Into the woods
V Resorts, Sariska Wildlife Camp
The grandeur of the world's oldest plateau, the Aravali range, remains understated and largely unexplored by inhabitants of Delhi, who find the chill of the hill stations more welcoming in the summer. The region however is blessed with scenic beauty and a unique topography that is also home to a variety of wildlife. There is no place better to catch a tiger in action, enjoy the mesmerising dance of the peacock or witness a leopard's elegant gait than at the Sariska National Park, nestled in the middle of the mountain range.
Neighbouring the park is the V Resorts Sariska Wildlife Camp, a perfect weekend getaway barely five hours away from Delhi, that provides the traveller a chance to stay close to the big cats of Sariska but in the lap of luxury. The secluded resort, enveloped by the Aravalis is a chance to invigorate the mind by making you one with nature. A sparkling roof of stars and impeccable Rajasthani hospitality are a bonus. The resort is equipped with eight canvas tents and two stone-walled pavilions made to experience the true feel of a jungle safari. This trend of tented camps, a favourite of maharajas and colonial officers in India, has now caught the fancy of the hospitality sector as well.
What adds to the wholesome wildlife experience is the highly informative tour of Sariska by the in-house naturalist, Rudraveer Singh Rathore, 32, who has a fondness for the jungle felines.
Don't miss: Twenty-five kilometres from the resort lies the mysterious fort of Bhangarh. Considered as one of the most haunted places in the world, the fort is a must-visit, if not for the eerie spirits that posses it, but for its enthralling architecture.
Price: Rs 10,000 including tax for one tent per night
Website: vresorts.in
Back to nature
Riverview Retreat by Leisure Hotels, Corbett National Park
Living in Delhi, you seldom spot a sparrow, let alone a rare species of bird. So when you find a hotel that houses over 50 varieties of trees and 25 kinds of flighty friends within its premises, you know you've found your green haven. The Riverview Retreat by Leisure Hotels welcomes you with a floral flourish- offering you everything that makes for a great holiday.
There are six categories of rooms you can choose from-starting with the basic double bedroom to huge family lodges-all done up in earthy hues to go with the theme. Opt for the river-facing accommodation, which offers a stunning view of the forest, mountains and river Kosi. If you're looking for adventure, you need to book the Corbett National Park safari online at least 45 days in advance. Don't be disheartened if you miss the deadline because the hotel can organise a safari in the surrounding Sitabani forest.
A drive through the forest shaded by gorgeous Sal trees will help you rediscover your love for nature. You can spot a number of beautiful birds like the Black Ibis, Brahmani Ducks from Ladakh, the Oriental Magpie Robin, and wildlife such as spotted deer, barking deer and the majestic tusker. On a lucky day, you may see a tiger too. Besides the safari, Riverview also organises family activities on an everyday basis such as folk dances by local artists, light and sound show and more-enough to keep you occupied.
Don't miss: The melt-in-the-mouth grilled sole garnished with tangy lemon butter sauce served with stir-fried veggies or their chicken steak-juicy piece of succulent chicken covered with sweet-spicy sauce at the restaurant Jim's Bar & Grill.
Price: Starts at Rs 9,500 per night for a couple
Website: leisurehotels.co.in/the-river-view-retreat-corbett-resort/