Yes I know that you do not have anytime to take a break. Guess what? That's the whole idea - it's called a break for a reason :) Take it and you don't even need to take any leave from work if you live in Delhi/NCR. This is a long weekend break which feels like a complete holiday - Holi weekend well spent :)
It's about 40 kilometers ahead of Gurgaon just off Sohna road and a convenient drive on a Saturday afternoon. The tail end of the drive is quite picturesque and you would hardly feel you're anywhere near the concrete jungle of the city as you pass the lush green fields on either side of the road. While the road can be a tad bit bumpy in places, it's mostly a smooth drive to the beautiful Westin Sohna Resort & Spa.
The check in time is 3 pm, so would recommend you time your arrival accordingly to avoid the wait at the reception before you're given your room. Reservations for rooms can be easily made over the phone at 0124 - 45508888 or directly online.
The resort has different categories of rooms, including villas and a presidential suite though the premier rooms are great too and very comfortable for two. You could choose between a king size bed if you're a couple or twin beds if you're just friends ;) The tariff includes breakfast and one major meal for two and works well as the spread is great and the taste of the food is good too.
The red brick cottages and villas nestled amidst the tall trees and vast expanses of green make you feel like your holiday has begun before you even enter your room.
Spacious bathrooms, clean linen and courteous staff only add to the experience and if you are looking at really calming your nerves you must try meditating in their meditation pyramid at the Spa. The Spa is one of the nicer ones I've been to and has a range of services. While I chose the Ayurvedic treatment called Podi Khizi which uses Herbal Potlis and hot oils for an hour long massage, you could even opt for the Thai or Balinese massages on offer. The treatment is followed by a relaxing shower, steam, sauna and use of the jacuzzi - all built in a large open space but also very private. Apart from the relaxing treatment I also loved the honey infused jasmine tea served to me post the pampering.
The rest of the day you can relax in a hammock or go for a swim in either the public pool or to the adults only pool. The latter is near the gymnasium and has a more tranquil air about it than the larger pool at the resort.
I spent my day walking around the green lawns admiring the fresh fruit trees and listening to the sounds of the nature around me and before you know it - it's time for dinner, which is served at the largest of the three restaurants the resort houses.
From the soups, to salads to the barbecue to the main course it's all quite sumptuous and the desert spread more tempting than I'd have liked it to be. It's indulgence time for the foodie and I really could write a whole lot more just about the gastronomic delights, but maybe another time :)
The resort offers a host of activities which include horse riding, cycling, paragliding, tennis, pool and others that you could get busy with the next day or you could just find an empty swing under one of the trees near your cottage and sway to the sound of the pristine silence broken occasionally by the sounds of chirping birds or footsteps rustling some fallen leaves.
A relaxing tub bath and a sound sleep post a long walk or just some quality time with loved ones is really a great way to end your Sunday stay before you check out at noon the next day or earlier if you're going to work directly.
Make sure that when you check out, you make some time to catch a cup of coffee or some masala chai at the Damdama Lake which is just a little ahead of the resort and a great place for an hour or two. This is a place I'd recommend only as an addition to your itinerary.
We never have the time to take a break, but we'll never have time to be this age again either. Today you're too busy, tomorrow you'll be too old.
Do what you love and then go back to being busy. As Robert Frost had said - In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life - It goes on.
Sanchita Johri
very interesting and informative
ReplyDelete