Words by Bindu Gopal Rao
Niraamaya Wellness Retreats is a chain of resorts across South India known for their boutique properties in some of the best locations. When I heard of their first property in the North of India, it piqued my curiosity. And rightly so as this new retreat merges the picturesque location of Solan with the distinctive hospitality and bespoke wellness that the brand is known for.
Hotel
Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas in Solan is spread over 15 acres of verdant greens and is nestled at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. The local pine and deodar forests surround this luxury hideaway, and the crisp mountain air and breath-taking views are what catch your attention immediately here. With its pleasing green and yellow outer façade, the retreat blends seamlessly into the surroundings and makes for a picturesque sight against the mountains. The lush, manicured gardens accentuate the feeling of openness as well as the beauty of nature. In and around the property there is a spa, gym, outdoor swimming pool, a specialty restaurant as well as spacious banquet hall for weddings, conferences, events and private functions.
Room
You can choose to stay at one of the 36 exquisite rooms or 21 luxury log huts all of which guarantee stunning views of the mountains. The Himalayan Glamping log huts are a great choice as they give you a perfect luxury camping experience with modern facilities and allow you to enjoy the rugged outdoors. The other rooms have a mix of the aesthetic beauty of nature interspersed with the comforts of modern luxury. The best part is that all rooms are located away from each other ensuring that social distancing is a given. The retreat follows all government mandated safety protocols and conducts thermal screening of guests. All public spaces and rooms are thoroughly sanitised too so you can be worry-free.
Food
The in-house brand Cafe Samsara is where you can sample local cuisine as well as international fare. At this all-day dining restaurant, overlooking the Majestic Himalayan Slopes, the chefs work their magic using local herbs and spices that are authentic to the region. When you visit, do try the authentic Himachal Pradesh dinner that can be tweaked to suit your palate. Make time to catch the sunset over a cocktail at Madira bar and enjoy a private dining experience in the gazebo, enjoying a starry night over the Himalayan skies.
Spa
The ongoing pandemic has firmly brought the focus on wellness. And this is a retreat that focuses on wellness as a key premise. Niraamaya as a brand is known for its path-breaking functional medicine and bespoke wellness to guests in this serene location. The Niraamaya Wellness Center with 12 treatment rooms will soon begin to offer programmes which focus on chronic lifestyle issues and will be providing holistic healing experiences to guests.
Manu Rishi Guptha, CEO of Niraamaya Retreats said: “With this retreat we want to bring curative and restorative wellness as well as functional medicine programs to our guests that will focus on holistic wellness.” In fact, I highly recommend that you start your day with sunrise yoga and with peace of mind with a private meditation and yoga lesson.
Being on holiday means you are looking to relax and rejuvenate, and you can do just that at the in-house Niraamaya Spa, which offers its internationally acclaimed Ayurvedic as well as western therapies that are sure to make you feel refreshed and go back feeling detoxed.
To do
The Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas, Solan is the perfect destination to catch the ethereal beauty of the Himalayas and see its beauty up close. Whether it is the first snow of winter or the first flowers of spring, this is where you can see it all.
The destination Solan is in the lower Shivalik Ranges and is a quaint hill town that is home to one of the oldest breweries of India called the ‘Solan Brewery’ which started under the British rule in 1855. A guided trek in the Solan Valley is the best way to experience the ethereal beauty of the place.
In a nutshell
If you are looking to reconnect with nature and have a fun break, head to Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas, it is guaranteed to give you a break that you can do within the changed times the world is seeing.
Factbox
Getting there: The nearest airport – Chandigarh International Airport – is 72km away, and the nearest railway station is Kalka at 40km.
Address: Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas, Gandhigram, Kumarhatti, Nahan Road, Solan, Himachal Pradesh – 173 229
Phone: +91 94182 54089
Reservations: +91 80 4510 4510
Email: reservations@niraamaya.com
Website: niraamaya.com
All images courtesy of Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas
