Words by Pallavi Mehra
A luxury resort that will check every wish list, if you’re looking for a fairy-tale mountain getaway, the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa is surrounded by majestic waterfalls, lush greenery and a bed of clouds dotted with the Himalayan ranges.
Hotel
Located in the village of Garhwal, this sumptuous hotel is a two-hour drive from the Dehradun airport. As its name implies, the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa is surrounded by majestic walnut trees, some of which are more than 100 years old. The hotel’s intimate atmosphere and impeccable service assure an unmatched level of comfort, while incorporating sophistication in every aspect. The hotel’s truly extraordinary setting will help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Once at the resort, guests are greeted with a warm drink, welcoming staff members and awe-inspiring views of the mountains. The hotel’s interiors house vintage photographs, leather armchairs, and portraits of its popular residents, such as writer Ruskin Bond, who lives in the neighbouring town of Landour.
Room
JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa has a collection of 105 lavish rooms and 10 suites, with attached balconies providing vistas of the property’s lawns, the hills and the valley beyond. The hotel rooms feature a contemporary design aesthetic, sumptuous furnishings and a calming, neutral colour palette that complements the natural landscape.
They are well-appointed with state-of-the-art amenities and cosy soft furnishings. The rooms comprise a large flatscreen TV, desk and vanity areas to work or get ready, a comfortable bed, a marble-finished bathroom with a rainfall shower and a free-standing bathtub, and an expansive balcony.
Besides its well-appointed rooms, the resort also has truly beautiful outdoor and indoor banquet facilities for events and weddings. In fact, the hotel is very popular for both destination weddings and corporate events.
Food and drink
Guests at JW Marriott Mussoorie are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options. The property has four eateries serving the best of regional and international cuisine. It is well-known for its team of expert chefs that whip up a plethora of scrumptious cuisines, including Mediterranean, Asian, traditional Garhwali, and north-Indian.
The eateries consist of the JW Café, an all-day, multi-cuisine eatery; Teppan, a fine dining restaurant serving pan-Asian cuisine for dinner; Trout House Grill and Bar, a local Himalayan fare bistro; and Wisteria Deck, an al fresco Mediterranean lunch venue.
Each restaurant showcases the resort’s unique Garhwal hills view and serves dishes using the freshest ingredients. At Trout House, I recommend ordering the Garhwali Thali, which comprises a number of delicious dishes made using Himalayan ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. For Italian cuisine, head to Wisteria Deck for delectable pastas and wood-fired pizzas made with unique, local ingredients.
Furthermore, every evening, the hotel organises kachdi (traditional Garhwali get-togethers with tea and snacks) sessions with live musicians in their lawns. Additionally, the resort also organises customised dining experiences such as a picnic in the spectacular JW Farm, or alongside a clear mountain stream in the middle of a wildlife sanctuary or at the resort’s Greenhouse. The in-house team of expat chefs and local culinary experts cater to the guests’ every need.
Spa
JW Marriott Mussoorie houses a 5,500 sq. ft. spa by renowned French wellness brand L’Occitane. The spa consists of five treatment rooms, including two couples’ therapy suites, which offer rejuvenating ayurvedic treatments inspired by the region’s ancient healing techniques. The hotel’s spa is a tranquil space, perfect to relax in after a long journey or hectic day.
To do
In addition, guests may unwind at JW Marriott Mussoorie’s entertainment centre. Known as the Den, the entertainment centre consists of a two lane bowling alley, a billiards table, gaming consoles, an arts and crafts room and a library.
The hotel also features an indoor, temperature-controlled pool with unobstructed vistas of the hills, a gym, a salon by Warren Tricomi and steam and sauna rooms. The hotel also curates bespoke experiences for visitors, these include guided hikes, cycling and walking trails in the hills, or sightseeing tours of the nearby villages or the hill stations of Landour, Mussoorie or Dehradun.
Factbox
Rooms at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa can be booked from £259.09 per person per night onwards.
Address: JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort Hotel Hotel and Spa, Village – Siya, Kempty Fall Rd, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179
Phone: +91 135 2635700
Email: jw.dedjw.reservations@marriotthotels.com
Website: marriott.co.uk
