Summer of 2018

“Summer is always the best of what might be” – Charles Bowden

Rightly said, isn’t it? Summer vacation mode on. This season can be as fun as you want to make it. As the mercury rises up so does our urge to head to someplace cool. Avoid the scorching high temperature of the plains and get going to places where nature is at its best. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and surround yourself with the abundant flora and fauna of the valleys for a much-needed respite. We have handpicked some of the spectacular retreats that are just perfect for a soul-soothing break to start this season. What’s on your radar for the summer of 2018?

1) The Kumaon, Almora, Uttarakhand

This retreat is situated near one of the three magnetically charged areas of the world, the Kasar Devi temple. They have 10 luxury chalets, each of which include private overlapping terraces offering a full view of the Nanda Devi Range which during an eclipse, becomes even more majestic. They have used natural elements for the construction of this spectacular hideaway- the cement structures encased in bamboo are hand-strung together with copper wiring, putting emphasis on self-design and fabrication. The rotating glass walls of the cantilevered dining area maximize the view of the snow-capped peaks & surrounding forests. It can be really fun walking down this settlement and trying your hand farming at the nearby farms as well as heading to the ancient stone temples nearby.

2) Solang Valley Resort, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Set snugly by the banks of the River Beas at 8500 feet above the sea level, this place provide an astonishing view of the dense forest and the snow-capped Himalayas. They have 64 rooms that are tastefully positioned and categorized as: River retreats (river facing rooms), The Orchard Bungalows (valley facing rooms) and Glacier Points (glacier facing rooms). This place offers a mesmerizing view of the trio white ranges – Dhauladhar, Deo tibba and the Hanuman tibba. A perfect destination for couples who are looking for a romantic getaway and seek privacy, as they arrange candle light dinners by the riverside. The evening entertainment includes a live performance of the Himalayan folk dancers, which catches the fancy of many.

3) The Terraces, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Sprawling over a 5-acre plot, The Terraces is on the prime location of Chamba-Mussoorie highway. They have 20 rooms- each offering a private balcony with those uninterrupted view of the mountains. Rare views of the pine forests, deodar trees, apple orchards and terrace farms can be encountered at this retreat, helping one to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature while avoiding the toils of urban life. Their dining area is well-tuned with nature. One can gorge on lip-smacking dishes offered in the ‘Terraces Cafe’- an al-fresco multi-cuisine cafe, gazing at the greenery all around. If this is not enough, they also have an open-air bar called as ‘The Collective Energy Bar’ where you can enjoy your drinks accompanied with live barbecue.

4) Te Aroha, Dhanachuli, Uttarakhand

Tea Aroha, aptly called “a place of love” was a colonial-style summer house which was painstaking preserved and restored as a beautiful retreat. They have huge decks and terraces, antique furniture, massive glass windows and a high-ceiling lobby which is well supplied with carefully selected furniture that will remind you of the bygone elegance. This place recreates the magic of the olden times and depicts a perfect blend of traditional architecture and contemporary comforts. They have a rich diversity of flora and fauna around the place. One can also encounter the regional birds in abundance like Grey Bush chats, Blue-capped Rock and Streaked Laughing Thrushes, making it a desired destination for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. The sound of birds is like nature’s symphony at this retreat.

So, which one is your pick for this season?

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