Living in Delhi can be overwhelming. Either you're suffocating in the apocalyptic haze of its winters or losing your life energy in the intense dry heat of the summer months. Sometimes, the only respite is knowing that the mountains, clear skies and clean air are not too far away.
As I scroll through my photos, I stop at a happy memory of a cold but sunny day in Dehradun. My daughters and I had arrived at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa after a 4-hour drive from Delhi, and even before we could check in the brilliant blue of the skies, the sharp greens of the Malsi forest and the warm mountain sunshine drew us out. We sat on the lush lawns for a while, enjoying the enchanting views, before we went in to complete the formalities.
The Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa is an excellent getaway from the capital, just far enough from the madding crowd of Dehradun and within touching distance of Mussoorie and Landour.
It looked rather imposing as we drew up to the resort. While the hotel's exterior is rather businesslike with its stark grey facade, inside, it's a different story. Pahadi touches are evident in the design motifs and the warm hospitality. We were greeted with traditional woollen topis and rhododendron coolers. As we waited in the lobby, we admired the large pine cone sculpture, the trio of folk singers rendering Garhwali tunes, and the koi pond that seemed to evoke immense excitement in the children around it.
We had reached on a Saturday, and the hotel was abuzz with young families. Besides the nature trails and adventure sports, the Camp Hyatt kids' programme, with its craft projects, pottery, kite flying and treasure hunts, is a big draw for beleaguered parents. Pets are also welcome here, and we spotted a few, including a rather large Chow-Chow that was pottering about the premises quite comfortably.
With 263 rooms spread over 4.25 acres, the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa is one of the largest hotels in Uttarakhand. Our sun-washed corner suite was as spacious as a smallish apartment and encased in floor-to-ceiling windows that brought the hills and the greens of the Malsi forest right in.
The huge TV remained largely ignored as we preferred to stare at the enchanting views. There's nothing like waking up to the sunlight flooding your bed or contemplating the day's events as you sit on the strategically placed sofa and watch the Mussourie Hills twinkle in the distance. Each suite comes with a spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Luxe vegan toiletries from Pharmacopoeia are a bonus.
After all the tiring forest hikes and day excursions to Landour and Mussoorie, it was a relief to return and have a hearty meal at one of the resort's many dining options.
On the first night, we headed to Beyul, the beautifully decorated rooftop restaurant that serves Tibetan delicacies and delicious small plates from the rest of India. Don't miss the Thentuk (Tibetan flat noodles in soup) and Gyathuk, a chimney soup where you can add various noodles, meats or vegetables.
If you want a swim followed by a drink against looming mountains, visit the Sky Pool Bar & Deck, which offers grill preparations, cocktails and teppanyaki ice creams. Our favourite hangout was Range—the all-day-dining "food gallery" providing the most sumptuous buffet for breakfast and dinner. Don't miss the breakfast spread with Indian, Oriental and Continental options. Also, if you ask nicely, they will even prepare a Garhwali thali for you like they did for me. The best part is that much of the produce comes from the hotel's farms, as we discovered when we explored their kitchen garden. The resort also hosts "The Market" on Sundays, selling locally sourced artisanal retail products from nearby small businesses.
This month, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa celebrates its second anniversary with special offers on food and beverages, wellness, and stays. Throughout March, there's a 50 per cent discount on the second buffet at Range, a 50 per cent discount on the second spa therapy, and a "buy two nights, get one free" promotion for July, August, and September stays.
Foodies note that from March 16 till the end of the month, The Range will serve a curated menu of authentic Chinese cuisine in collaboration with The China Kitchen of Hyatt Regency Delhi.
Address: Forest Edge, Mussoorie Rd, Salan Gaon, Malsi, Dehradun, Danion Ka Danda, Uttarakhand 248009
Phone: 0135 617 1234
