Till very recently, the majesty of staying in a Taj property in the Himachali Himalaya was a distant dream. With the coming of Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla, the dream has become a reality, and the verdant conifer- and cedar-abundant hill-scape can now be relished from the lap of luxury in your room, with a cuppa to accompany the sights.

About 30 kilometres east of Shimla, Theog is a cluster of five ghats. It is this virginal land where the hotel is located. Within its complex, pathways wind through apple orchards, skip across terraced gardens, and a bucolic reality, despite the contemporary luxury, is achieved.

The architecture takes a leaf out of colonial hills homes&mdashcomplete with wooden furniture, traditional rugs, tall French windows, and balconies to take in the Churdhar peak glistening at a distance. This way, you feel as if each of the 99 rooms is your private cottage.

Being a Taj property, exceptional care has been taken to ensure the best in culinary. Tragopan, named after the colourful pheasant that is often spotted in these parts, is the all-day diner. It racks up splendid traditional and continental fare. Peony, named after the lustrous flower, is perfect for those seeking oriental delicacies. And, finally, Theog Junction, which evokes memories of the toy train that traverses the Kalka-Shimla route, is where good tipple awaits.

Taj has become synonymous with its Jiva spa brand. Of course, there&rsquos one at the property, but with the added bonus of a heated pool and sun deck, you might as well never leave the property at all during your stay.

Tariff From Rs. 15,000, taxes extra

Contact 91-1783-230000 tajhotels.com