offbeat accommodation

Kasauli: A Boutique Resort

In May, this year, I made a quick trip to the lush hills of Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh. Located an easy six hours from Delhi by road, I borrowed my sisters car one morning and off I went to the mountains to explore this hidden gem I knew of - a luxury, boutique resort located amidst the pine forests of Kasauli. 

What a flowery welcome :)

What a flowery welcome :)


ABOUT THE STAY

Set amidst beautiful pine forests of the Kasauli Hills, this resort is a gorgeous mountain hideaway ideal for those who love luxury and nature. The resort is located 20 minutes from the main town of Kasauli, ideally situated away from the main tourist hub where travellers can enjoy a few days of mountain serenity and peace. 

Everything here is so stylish!

Everything here is so stylish!

Originally built as a summer house to designer Nila Mehta and family from Delhi, the owners slowly realised that they would like to share the beauty of their home and the Kasauli Hills with travellers from all over the world. With this intention in mind, the owner along with her family came up with the idea of opening up their estate and their home to discerning travellers. 

Today, they have 12 beautiful designed rooms that welcome luxury travellers to enjoy a few days of magic and comfort in the mountains. There is a tv lounge, a reading room, indoor and outdoor dining areas, lawns for you to sit around and gaze at the beautiful hills and private balconies with each room.

Blissful Buddha blessing the house

Blissful Buddha blessing the house

One of the gorgeous sit-out's at the resort

One of the gorgeous sit-out's at the resort


THE ROOMS

There are 12 rooms at the property spread over three buildings. Three rooms in the main house, five rooms in one wing and four in the adjacent wing. While the main house is the oldest building with a castle like structure, the other two wings are newly built. All 12 rooms are elegantly designed with wooden floors, comfortable beds, large glass windows overlooking the forests, private sit-outs and vibrant upholstery. There is tv lounge at the resort where guests can watch what they like along with a reading lounge full of interesting books to keep you occupied. 

One of the beautiful bedrooms

One of the beautiful bedrooms

Another charming room

Another charming room

The TV Lounge

The TV Lounge


THE CREW

Prem (left), Pawan and Chaman

Prem (left), Pawan and Chaman

There are five crew members you'll find at the resort at all time. While Karan manages guest relations, Prem, the head chef dedicates his time to cook up the most delicious meals for you. Be it Indian, continental, Italian or Chinese, Prem is an excellent cook who has learnt his skills thanks to years of experience and his culinarily trails around the world.

Mohan, Pawan and Chaman help your with anything you need at the resort and leave no stone intruded to ensure you have everything you need during your stay. The crew is accompanied by three absolute gems - aaloo, bhindi and lauki who are ever ready to play with you and ensure your safety and comfort by keeping wild monkeys away :)

Lauki basking in the sun

Lauki basking in the sun


WANDERBUG VERDICT

An amazing space for big groups of friends and families (10-15 people) looking for a quick getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh. Absolutely love the tasteful decor and the charming green spaces surrounding the house. The sit-out's and the outdoor breakfast set-up is magical!

The perfect place to sit back and enjoy the views

The perfect place to sit back and enjoy the views

Breakfast is served :)

Breakfast is served :)



 

A BIG SHOUT OUT TO MY HOST, ANIRUDDHA FOR EXTENDING SUCH WARM HOSPITALITY AND ALLOWING ME TO EXPERIENCE THIS STUNNING SECRET OF KASAULI :)

 

Exploring North Goa

Exploring North Goa

As I lay on the beach, watching a beautiful spectacle of shooting stars at Ashwem Beach in Goa, I realised that all my journeys are like these bright, vibrant lights in the sky. 

The journey is as exciting as seeing a shooting star; it is bright, vibrant and full of life; and it all comes to an end in the blink of an eye-lid, giving rise to the anticipation for the next one. It's a beautiful, never-ending fascination :)

Another realisation I had during this journey to Goa was that Goa is not just a destination, it is a state of mind - A state of heightened sensations, with or without Hoffmann's dose. It is a lifestyle that encourages just being, feeling and loving each and every moment of life.

Jilling: A beautiful secret of Kumaon

Jilling: A beautiful secret of Kumaon

- An ideal weekend getaway for wanderers in Delhi

During my recent trip to Kumaon I visited the mountain jungle estate of Jilling, home to beautiful flowers and scenery, quaint pahari dwellings and sweet locals. I spent four days wandering around the estate, discovering and walking its gorgeous paths, experiencing its lovely stay options and eating fresh Kafal berries and plums straight from the trees!