Despite loving your job, does it happen that on a Monday morning you start the countdown to Saturday? Ever wondered why that happens? Perhaps because your body and soul need the change. You simply need a break from your busy routine.
Did you know scientists have recommended at least three weeks of vacation in a year for good health? So if you’ve been craving the mountains or miss laying out on a beach, buckle up and start planning.
These days, rather than stepping into a corporate hotel, we prefer to relax in experiential properties such as boutique bed and breakfasts. The hotel industry has understood that on weekends, we like to relax rather than rush, enjoy the taste of local organic food. And well, there are plenty of experiential properties that give you that liberty and curate activities within the premises.
Since we have a lot of long weekends coming up this year and we have compiled a list of experiential hotels and destinations for you to bookmark!
1. 7 Pines, Kasauli
Image Source: Leisure Hotels Group
Bonfire, home cooked meals and a view to die for, what else does one need to relax on a weekend. The hotel, 7 Pines, has created a cosy and home-like environment in each of its luxurious rooms. Each section of this boutique hotel has a library and a common lunch room. The speciality of this hotel, owned by Leisure Hotel Group, comes from its kitchen. It doesn’t matter what you order, you’ll end up eating more than you decided as the ingredients are homegrown and organic. Never and I mean, never, say no to their lemongrass tea. The area nearby is peaceful and so calm, and perfect to step out for a nature walk.
Best Time To Visit: Spring-summer (March-June)
Tourist Attractions: Christ church, Manki point, Sunset point, Mall Road
To Get There: Easiest way to get there is to first reach Chandigarh via train or flight (whatever’s more comfortable from your starting location) and then take a cab to Kasauli. It’s one and a half to two hours away from Chandigarh.
2. Rokeby Manor, Mussoorie
Do you love Christmas? Then you’ll love Rokeby Manor because believe it or not, it looks straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It has a common reading room by the reception and you get freshly baked cookies in your room, every morning. You’ll see cider, pine and oak trees surrounding the area. Rokeby Manor is more than 175 years old and it has a typical colonial design. There’s a Landour Bakehouse at walking distance and you should not miss their tea and cookies. Once you go there, you wouldn’t be anywhere else.
Image Source: MakeMyTrip
Best Time To Visit: Summer (April-June)
Tourist Attractions: Gun Hill point, Kempty falls, Christ Church, Landour clock tower
To Get There: Best way to reach Mussoorie is by first reaching Dehradun, it could be via train, flight or road. From there, take a cab to Mussoorie. As Rokeby Manor is situated at a steeper location, you might have to call the hotel to drive you to it.
3. The Postcard Velha, Goa
Image Source: Booking.com
The Postcard Velha is managed by the luxury experiential hotel chain The Postcard Hotel. Instead of welcoming you with sugary drinks or champagne they serve you freshly baked confectionary and bread. The best part, you’ll see the plantation of coconut trees surrounding the land for upto 300 acres and the place is pet-friendly. It’s 27km away from the Goa International Airport.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Tourist Attractions: Dudhsagar falls, Fort Aguada, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Anjuna and Calangute beach
To Get There: Direct trains for Goa are available. When travelling by air, reach Dabolim airport and then take a cab from there.
4. Jungle Retreat, Wayanad
Image Source: Wandertrails.com
Ever dreamt about living in a forest? Or seeing flowing waters, wild animals from your room’s balcony? Yeah, Jungle Retreat in Wayanad, Kerala gives you that thrilling experience. You can go on wildlife safaris and day-long jungle treks. The property is maintained in such a way that it’s safe for both, visitors and wildlife. Loud noises are discouraged but you can enjoy the view while sitting in the comfort of your room. Also, it’s an alcohol-free zone. The food is great and the staff is warm and welcoming. If you’re lucky, you might get to see a leopard!
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Tourist Attractions: Edakkal caves, Soochipara waterfalls, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Kuruvadweep
To Get There: Take a flight to Calicut International Airport and for the next 65 km, take a cab. It’s not directly connected via rail so first take a train till Kozikhode and then hire a local cab. Buses from Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore are also available.
5. The Tree House Resort, Jaipur
Image Source: Booking.com
Everything about this Tree House Resort will make you feel royal – the beds, the carvings and the food. And the view will soothe your eyes. The whispers of birds, the sound of the waterfall and all-things green will leave you feeling fresh and alive. If you are a nature lover, then this is a hotel you must visit. Staff is quite welcoming and their food will give you a taste of Rajasthan which you definitely don’t want to miss. P.S. Do not leave the city without shopping!
Best Time To Visit: Winters (November to February)
Tourist Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Amber Palace, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Birla Temple, Rambagh Palace, Johri Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar
To Get There: Jaipur is well connected by road, railway and airport. So, depending on your starting point, you can take a direct flight to Jaipur International Airport or a train to Jaipur Junction Railway Station. There are three railway stations in Jaipur – Jaipur Junction, Gandhinagar and Durgapura.
Go on, start packing!
Featured Image Source: Leisure Hotels Group
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