Exquisite Escapes

Bored of the staid hotel rooms, and craving for something that gets you- as we often put it- something more? We scout around to get you fuss-free holidays that will get you closer to nature and have you choose from stay options that are nothing short of wow!

THE CHALET LIFEIf you know someone who owns a villa or cottage in Aamby Valley, pester them to lend you the keys to their abode. Pester hard, for it will be worth it. You will get transported to a place resembling Switzerland the moment you walk down the Aussies Chalet lane here. At least, we were. The chalets, overlooking a water pond and offering splendid views of a historic fort, are sure to make your stay a memorable one. The two-deck wooden cottages have a living room and a bathroom on the ground level, and elegantly furnished master bedrooms on the upper level. Besides, the bathrooms accommodate a queen-sized Jacuzzi and other modern amenities to soothe your frazzled nerves. Be it to find some quiet time for yourself or to spend hours catching up with friends and family, bask in the open deck and put your life on a slow motion mode.
Where: Aamby Valley, Pune, Maharashtra
Must-do: Adventure rides at 19º North adventure park, and a city tour
Must-know: You can only stay here if you have bought a house here, are a member or are accompanying one.
Contact: 020 22965584

AMIDST THE GREENSNo signboard will lead you to The Machan. You have to find your own way through acres of lush green. For those who don’t quite have an in-built GPS (read: us), Google Maps will light the way. Here, you get to live out your tree-house fantasies by being put up in one hanging almost 45ft above the forest land. If you have booked a Heritage Machan, peace, wind and birds will surely be your steady accompaniment throughout the stay. The beautiful cottages with distinctive architecture and interiors give overwhelming views of the valley beneath. The main deck consists of a large lounge and dining table, and extending from the deck are two gorgeous balconies. Besides, the most mesmerising section of this Machan is the hanging room which is suspended from the main deck. If you wish to experience the actual forest stay, this room with glass walls overlooking acres of wilderness will help satiate your desire.
Where: The Machan, Lonavala, Maharashtra
Must-do: Stargazing, trekking and bird-watching
Must-know: The Heritage Machans give the best view. They are ideal for a group.
Contact: 07303158658

AT PEACE IN ADVENTURELANDA bunch of 30 luxury tents at Camp Della, situated at the highest point of a hill, provides scenic views for those hoping to get closer to nature. Enclosed with modern amenities, these 450sq ft wooden tents have a queensized bed, a study table and a sitting area; we fell in love with the open-air patio, a rare sight for an urbanite. If your passion lies in adventure, we recommend a two-day stay at Camp Della. The best bit about living here is that you get to go from an actionpacked day at the adjoining adventure park to a lazy one in the comfort of your tent, within a matter of minutes. Moreover, you can also tuck into delicious food served at the three restaurants here. After an adrenalinefuelled day, we’re sure you would like to settle down in your personal Jacuzzi at the tent. This is the good life, amigo.
Where: Camp Della Resort, Lonavala, Maharashtra
Must-do: Zorbing and ATV rides at Della Adventure
Must-know: The resort has several special packages inclusive of the adventure rides. These work out more economical than paying individually for each activity.
Contact: 09664488000

BACK TO THE ROOTSIf traditional culture and a desi ambiance are on your must-soak-in list, the Madhubhan Resort might be the perfect option for you. It’s a miniature version of an actual village but equipped with amenities to make your holiday comfortable—air-conditioners, Wi-Fi, swimming pool… they’re all there. Though you have a choice of staying in a presidential suite or deluxe cottages, we suggest you check out their colossal tents as well, that will help you appreciate the simpler pleasures in life. The cow dung and mud floor with decorated mirror works in the periphery add character to these tents. Spend a lazy evening catching up with some family time on the charpais installed in the sit-out area. Also, the list of therapies at the spa and the restaurant menu will spoil you to the core. Here is a complete Gujarati ‘gali’ that offers a rejuvenating experience for those who enjoy being surrounded in natural beauty.
Where: Madhubhan Resort and Spa, Anand, Gujarat
Must-do: Sign up for spa therapies, and have customised dessert from the in-house Bake a Cake bakery
Must-know: They have just two tents functional as of now. So, reserve your tents well in advance.
Contact: 02692 239268 – 76

BEING A BEACH BUMLa Cabana means a collection of wooden houses, tents and villas. And true to its name, the resort comprises beautiful and luxurious tent accommodations overlooking the beach. The tents consist of a bedroom and a sitting area. Though not on the top floor, the sit-out appears as a balcony attached to the the tent. If a beachfacing tent is what you are looking for, then the resort is a perfect getaway for your holidays, wedding celebrations, anniversaries and other revelries.
Where: La Cabana Beach and Spa, North Goa
Must-do: Play beach cricket and also indulge in water sports
Must-know: Being situated on the Ashvem Beach, the resort gives you direct access to fine white sand backdropped by tall palm and pine trees, though partygoers might have to travel a bit to hit the nightclubs.
Contact: 0832 3190888

IN THE JUNGLEMaachli, a jungle resort, provides a luxurious stay in cottages that are nestled in coconut, betel nut and spice plantations. We loved the hut-like look of the cottages which open to greenery and help connect guests with nature. The 340sq ft area inside consists of a bed and a washroom. Here, the owners strive to take you back to the basics, which means that if you expect your holiday to come with an air-conditioner or Wi-Fi, this might not be the best place to be in. But what we can promise you is that your lungs will definitely come back healthier, what with all the oxygen-rich air around. You get to enjoy your meals with vegetables cooked on a chool and served on patravali (banana) leaves. Your two-day stay must comprise a village tourism activity, where you visit bazaars, Konkani houses and dig into authentic Malvani cuisine.
Where: Maachli, near Kudal, Maharashtra
Must-do: Visit the nearby Adinarayan Temple, an ancient Sun Temple
Must-know: They do not offer room service, and no eatables are allowed in the cottages.
Contact: 09637333284 / 09423879865