Jewel In The Crown

-Sukanya Das

A magnificent setting, panoramic views, a picture-perfect pool, restful rooms and delicious food less than an hour’s drive from the capital – the latest offering from the Marriot Group can without exaggeration be called the last word in an urban resort experience.

With the post-pandemic reality of hybrid work modes and the expectation of 24/7 digital availability, workations, staycations and quick weekend getaways have assumed greater relevance and significance in our lives. The trend of ‘revenge travel’ continues to grow with people wanting to get to the nearest destination after being cooped up during the pandemic.

And the travel and hospitality world has stepped up to address and capitalise on this need. Rajneesh Kumar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort says, “Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort is the perfect getaway destination - the location, the layout and the amenities offer an elegant solution for residents of Delhi and nearby areas.

A bubble of beauty

Launched in July this year, Courtyard by Marriott’s first resort in India sits pretty just beyond Badkhal and Nawada villages, about 45 minutes from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Though guests are greeted on arrival with Marriot’s famed service, they can be excused for having eyes only on the spectacular attraction of the property – the three-tiered turquoise pool that pulses at the centre of the property. The unique sunken lobby offers a clear unhindered view of the pool which guests can enjoy as they complete their check-in formalities.

One of the largest in Delhi-NCR, the pool is the centre around which the resort has been conceptualised. A circular pathway runs around the pool in the centre of the 360-degree structure and also connects different wings, marking a circle of serenity and creating a bubble-like atmosphere inside the resort, distant from the outside world.

The amenity quotient

A seamless blend of design and functionality characterises the 158-key property that sprawls over eight acres. Apart from the usual expected amenities such as rooms equipped with flat-screen televisions, comfortable work desks and high-speed internet access, the design makes space for the requirements of families with a lot of sensitivity and thought. Children are bound to love the separate annex with the family rooms – the bunk beds there are what children’s dreams are made of.

Be it a family suite or a villa – all guestrooms are spacious and feature private balconies overlooking the pool or the surrounding hills.

Rooms are available across a wide range – the base category of rooms starts with an area of 36 sq m, the family rooms with bunk beds have an area of 41 sq m. Guests are spoilt for choice between Deluxe Rooms, Premier Rooms, Studio Family Suites, Junior Terrace Suites and Executive Suites.

A family play area, an indoor play area for children, and a dedicated game room are other attractions for guests to spend quality time for their loved ones. The designated Kid’s Club is a space where families are guaranteed to create memories. With fur babies also welcome, the sprawling green lawns are witness to many a lively game of fetch, not to mention delightful walks.

A 24/7 fully equipped fitness centre for health buffs, a spa by Levo with six treatment rooms, wet areas including steam and sauna as well as top-of-the-line salon offerings makes this an ideal retreat. And of course at the centre of it all is the tiered swimming pool. Its unique landscaping – comprising a sun deck and waterfalls – makes it a hub for both fun and relaxation.

Food fiesta

The food scene at the resort also matches up to the other offerings. Four dining venues offer guests a plethora of choices. The Aravali Kitchen, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, serves regional delicacies and international favourites with equal elan in an open and casual setting overlooking the beautiful poolside. Glaze raises the bar with coffee offerings during the day and crafted cocktails and craft beers after nightfall. Huang, the specialty restaurant, sizzles up a host of gourmet Asian fare that will leave one wanting more. that offers a variety of Asian cuisines while the Olive Grove, the poolside bar and restaurant, offers spectacular sunset views along with fresh cocktails and munchies.

Destination plus

The resort is quickly becoming a favoured destination for everything from a quick getaway, a corporate off site to a destination wedding. Corporate and wedding parties are competing to book slots – the 21,000 sq ft of banqueting space is seen as a dream for all sorts of social events, be they meetings, conferences or weddings. Five multi-functional rooms equipped with top-of-the-range technology and 11,000 sq ft. of outdoor lawns makes it ideal for weddings and other social events. Split between indoor and outdoor spaces, this space includes a 6,275 sq ft ballroom – the piece de resistance. Apart from this, two meeting rooms, a wedding studio and sprawling lawns add to the desirability quotient.

The fantastic food on offer is an added bonus as well as draw, especially for selective brides.

The property’s potential is borne out by the fact that it has already been performing well. Even before the official launch, the resort was hosting guests through the Marriott Bonvoy programme. “Even though we were operational for only 18-odd days in June, we managed profits. We delivered 20 per cent occupancy, and with just that, we managed 14 per cent Gross Operating Profit. This is remarkable,” said Kumar.

The Aravali A+ game

All said, the Aravali Resort provides guests an experience that offers urban detox less than an hour’s drive from the city – whether you are there on work, with family or the wedding of the season. This latest offering from the Marriot Group ticks all the boxes for a perfect destination. With its elegant and distinct beauty, the Aravali Resort can easily lay claim to the title of ‘jewel in the crown’ for the Marriot Group and for those who live in the area.

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.