Travel Therapy
With summer hot on our heels, it’s time to start planning your escape from the city
With summer hot on our heels, it’s time to start planning your escape from the city.
ANKIT NEGANDHI SET UP THE 1873 Equestrian Lifestyle Resort in Karjat three months ago mainly because he was tired of leaving his family behind every time he took off for riding trips with his friends. The property houses a swimming pool and 11 villas, which are single studio apartments large enough to house a family of four. Children are encouraged to explore nature, go on field trips and visit a nearby animal shelter that houses 400 rescued animals. Those who want to stay in can enjoy the hammocks. But this is mainly an equestrian farm, and the stables house six of his own horses as well as nine others. Riders are encouraged to go off on the trails along the Ghats, while those unfamiliar with horses are
offered riding lessons. WHERE 1873 Equestrian Lifestyle Resort, Bhaliwadi, Karjat DISTANCE Approximately 60 km from Mumbai GOOD FOR Horse and animal lovers RATE Rs 8,000 (includes meals) for a family WEBSITE facebook.com/1873equestrian/ or 1873clubandresort.com
Lap of Nature
Nitin Mongia, who runs lovely properties Casa Commodore and Casa Amore, a quick ferry ride away from Apollo Bunder, has launched a brand new resort atop the hills near Mandwa jetty. Forest Hills offers a range of accommodation options from the Camel Cabin, a wooden “tent house” meant to offer a luxurious outdoors experience, to the stunning Glass House, a 2,000-sqft tree house villa enclosed by glass and wood. History buffs will enjoy the nearby Kuda caves, while beach lovers are never too far from the water. WHERE Forest Hills, Taraste in Tala, Raigad district DISTANCE 90 km from Mumbai GOOD FOR Tree house experience RATE Approx Rs 8,000 to Rs 32,000 WEBSITE ccazaccomodore.in/forest-hills.html
In the hills
If you find the right property to stay at, Mahableshwar continues to be one of the most charming hill stations in the state. At 1,430 metres atop the Western Ghats, surrounded by evergreen forests, Le Meridien is a chic resort that offers luxurious spa treatments as well. The contemporary-style rooms are equipped with private balconies, modern technologies and what the hotel refers to as the Le Meriden Discovery bed that offers a “transformative sleeping experience.” WHERE Le Meridien Mahableshwar Resort and Spa DISTANCE 265 km GOOD FOR Luxury in the mountains RATE Rs 10,000 onwards WEBSITE lemeridien.com/mahabaleshwar
Green Getaway
The glass-walled villa that stands amidst the lush greens at Vaitarna is designed to be a home away from home. With a large open kitchen and a bedroom, the property can host five people and boasts of stunning views of Lake Vaitarna as well as the rolling fields. If you’re open to enjoying the outdoors, Vaitarna is home to a lake, a dam and a river. A plethora of adventure activities such as river rafting, kayaking and rappelling are accessible from the property. WHERE Unexplora, Vaitarna, Igatpuri DISTANCE About 120 km away from Mumbai GOOD FOR A quiet getaway or an adventure-filled weekend RATE APPROX Rs 24,000 WEBSITE unexplora.com/tour/UnexploraThe-Lake-View-Villa-at-VaitarnaIgatpuri
WINE COUNTRY Soma Vine Village
Wine tourism isn’t new to the country. With the success of Sula and the wonderful hospitality at Vallonne, others have followed suit offering wine enthusiasts a host of options. Soma, not far from Sula, is a picturesque property that houses three villas, the Beyond Vineyard Resort, a winery, two multi-cuisine restaurants, a private dining area overlooking the lush green vineyards. The three pool villas offer access to a private pool, a secluded garden and a personal chef. WHERE Soma Vine Village, Survey No. 1, Village Ganghavare, Gangapur-Ganghavare Road, Nashik DISTANCE 173 km away from Mumbai GOOD FOR Wine and dine rejuvenation RATES Rs 7,000 to 40,000 WEBSITE somavinevillage.com
Fratelli Vineyard
Harvest season is here, and it’s a great time to visit a vineyard. Fratelli is a state-of-theart modern winery, and although you’re not likely to get to indulge in any grape stomping activities, it will allow you uninterrupted tranquility and a taste of their delicious vintage. Apart from tasting their selection of wines at their tasting room, you can indulge in a game of pool, barbecuing or cycling around the vineyards for an outdoors experience. WHERE Fratelli Vineyard, Akluj, Solapur district DISTANCE 317 km from Mumbai GOOD for a more modern experience RATES Rs 11,000 per couple (all inclusive) WEBSITE fratelliwines.in
Four Seasons Vineyards
About 70 km from Pune, this winery is in a village called Roti near Baramati. Surrounded by the wilderness and the lush green Sahyadri valley, the winery is built to imitate a majestic château. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views while enjoying your favourite wine, or learning about the basics through their wine appreciation sessions. Four Seasons could arrange a trek or a bike ride down the valley, if you’re so inclined. And you can end the day with a poolside barbecue dinner under the open skies.
WHERE Four Seasons Vineyards, village of Roti in Baramati DISTANCE 225 km from Pune GOOD FOR Unusual, customised experiences RATES Rs 3,500 per person per day (all incl.) WEBSITE fourseasonsvineyards.com
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Secret beach
Chivla beach in Malvan is so secluded you’re likely to find more dogs than humans here. One of the big reasons why this is so is because of a lack of accommodation choices (you’ll only find very basic homestays here); another is its distance from
Mumbai. Malvan is a long drive from the city, but is great for a longer break. If you’re looking for seclusion, you’ll find it on the beach and for some fun activities like snorkeling or scuba diving you can head to Tarkarli Beach. Sindhudurg Fort is another attraction not far from Malvan. STAY Exotic Home Stay
GOOD FOR A rustic stay WEBSITE exotichomestay.com/ exotic-home-stay-malvan/
Quick getaway
Often referred to as the Mahableshwar of Thane, Jawhar is a great option to make a quick getaway from the city’s pandemonium. Once part of a tribal kingdom, Jawhar is home to Jai Vilas Palace, a stunning pink stone palace built by Raje Yashwant Rao Maukne. The tribal culture lives on through the residents’ love for Warli art, and their paintings on paper and canvas make for wonderful souvenirs. STAY AT Prakriti Agro Farm
GOOD FOR Short, weekend trips WEBSITE prakritiagrofarmjawhar.com/