Living the Country Dream

There’s no need to plan a long vacation abroad to live in a cute cottage this summer. Karma Chalets at Karma Lakelands near Gurugram is a well-kept secret that lets you sample the sweet countryside life within touching distance of NCR.

THINK OF DRIVING INTO a 300-acre green sanctuary—spotting peacocks and antelopes in the woods and crossing a colossal golf course—before arriving at tastefullydesigned boutique villas, where you are offered a refreshing drink made of Chinese oranges and honey, as a welcome gesture. How’s that for a retreat?

Just 20 minutes from the city of Gurugram, the state-of-the-art Karma Chalets at the boutique resort of Karma Lakelands are the ideal accommodations for a lazy weekend staycation. The eco-friendly space has a nine-hole golf course, an animal farm with horses, peacocks, antelopes, and porcupines, an apiary, cycling tracks, serene pools, zip lines, an organic farm, and much more, that makes you forget that you are a stone’s throw away from a bustling city.

Meandering paths through lush lawns take you to the chalets—each designed elegantly with a selection of photographs adorning the wallpapered walls and distinctive colour palettes on the upholstery. From the French-press coffee machine for your morning cuppa, to outdoor sit-out spaces with hammocks and loungers for your evening tea, everything has been crafted with meticulous attention to detail and personal touches. The boutique rooms are divided into six categories—Studio Magnolia (a junior suite), Rabbit’s Burrow (a quiet retreat for two), Sparrow’s Nest (a two-room space), Eagle’s Perch (a tworoom duplex), Lion’s Den (a three-room spacious villa), and Ekant Villa (a four-room luxurious cottage).

When you are done lounging in the comfort of your chalet, step out to dine at the cafe named Under The Neem that lets you dig into scrumptious spreads sitting under sun umbrellas. The farmto-fork concept here makes sure that the wide menu brings only the freshest of ingredients to your table, and you have a chance to stroll in the kitchen garden to see where your meal’s ingredients sprout. There are swings and outdoor games to keep the kids from getting bored while waiting for the food to arrive. And then, there’s Spa Nimoli, which offers a variety of therapies and treatments that help you get rid of urban lifestyle’s lingering knots. With villas featuring all the modern amenities and nature-rich surrounds, Karma Chalets stands true to its motto—relax, rejuvenate, rejoice. karmachalets.co.in

From top: Under The Neem lets you enjoy an al fresco dining experience; the Nimoli Spa offers a wide range of therapies for the weary traveller.