india
FEATURES & TRAVEL
Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa
A unique concept by Starwood hotels, Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort and Spa with its vast
expanses of greenery, tastefully designed rooms and gourmet cuisine is the perfect escape
from the hustle and bustle of cities.
A
way from the hustle
and bustle of Pune,
Mahabaleshwars first
five star resort is set in
the heart of the Western
Ghats in Maharashtra, an unexplored
location. The three hour drive from
Pune to Mahabaleshwar took us past
magnificent views of the picturesque
expanse and peaks of the Sahyadri
mountain ranges. Mahabaleshwar has
always been the closest holiday spot
for many Puneites. However it is also
popular with tourists all over the country.
Till recently this breathtaking resort didnt
have a five star property. The launch of
the new Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar
resort and spa has ushered in an era
of five star comforts in the beautiful
environs of this hill station which is a
delight to visit throughout the year.
As we stepped into the resort which
is spread over 27 acres, all that was
visible was a lot of greenery and vast
open spaces, a refreshing change from
44 I July 2015
A Serene Sanctuary
by Jyoti Balani
the concrete jungle that we live in. We
were welcomed by the friendly staff with
a refreshing drink. A buggy transported
us from the reception to a luxurious villa,
which seemed to blend in harmoniously
with the surroundings. Whether you are
looking for a holiday to enjoy your own
company or with family, this is a perfect
location which combines old world
charm with contemporary luxury. Old
fashioned street lamps, French windows
and mossy wooded groves, make
this resort a delight to be in. Tastefully
deigned suites are housed in secluded
buildings separated by acres of greenery.
The suites, several with terraces, and
bearing names such as Serenity and
Sanctuary, offer sweeping views of the
evergreens clothing the hills. Jamun trees
nestle against the walls of the terraces.
The 122 well-appointed, spacious
guest rooms and suites with private
balcony provide a blend of contemporary
style with modern touches and
technology, all of which offer secluded
and sheltered privacy. With a minimum
of 41 square metres, rooms include
Le Mridien Discovery bed for a
transformative sleeping experience;
a flat screen 40 LED TV and high
speed wireless Internet. Well-appointed
guestrooms and suites include 69
Classic Forest Rooms, 36 Classic Valley
Rooms, 1 Classic Accessible Room, 8
Tranquility Suites, 6 Sanctuary Suites
and 2 Serenity Suites. The coffee shop
named Latest Recipe serves various
innovative preparations such as Rassa
Omelet, House Salad, Malai Broccoli,
Wild Mushroom Cuppuccino, Mutton
Pandhara Rassa, etc. Guests can indulge
in a fine-dining experience at Chingari
Restaurant that serves Indian delights
in an elegant ambience. For those who
prefer to relax over a drink can visit
Longitude 73.
While in this resort, a guest can
indulge in various activities throughout
the day including indoor and outdoor
activities. Indoor activities include board
india
FEATURES & TRAVEL
games, table tennis, pool, carom and
a library. Outdoor activities include
football, basketball, volleyball, Frisbee,
cricket, badminton, skipping. On
request the resort also organizes horse
riding sessions, a session with palmist
and face reader, forest nature trail,
sapling planting, treasure hunt, housie,
stargazing, puppet show, cooking
session with Chef, bicycle riding and
many more. There is enough to keep
children occupied what with the kids
area equipped with many soft toys, air
hockey, foosball, activities like make
your own sandwich, poster making,
icebreakers, nature hikes, art class,
scavenger hunt, puzzle time. The kids
club also has a nap room and a TV room.
With the rainy season approaching,
this resort is an ideal place to spend a
couple of days enjoying the beauty of
nature in Mahabaleshwar. Those who
enjoy swimming can do so in the heated
rooftop pool or take a short walk in the
green surroundings. Offering a spa and
wellness centre and a fitness centre,
Le Mridien Mahabaleshwar Resort &
Spa is well equipped to make ones stay
comfortable. The spa has eight treatment
rooms including a hammam bath, a vichy
shower, a couple room and five single
treatment rooms. stay at Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar
The natural beauty of this retreat, resort & Spa! This retreat is the Resort & SPA
interesting cuisine dished up by expert quintessence of everything that luxury 211/212 Mahabaleshwar
chefs complemented by efficient service seeking travellers expect when it Medha Road,
led by General Manager Norton Pereiras comes to rejuvenation amidst natural Mahabaleshwar 412806 India
team ensured that we had a fabulous surroundings!
July 2015 I 45