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Winters are here and we could not be more ecstatic. Staycations have been one of the most popular trends in holidays as it offers the perfect blend of work and vacation. If a long stay with your family or friends is what you have in mind for this year's winter holidays, we have got your back.
Here's a list of some great hotels that are offering staycation packages you would not be able to refuse.
Mussoorie is an all-time favourite of tourists and its beauty is at its scenic best during the winters. Nestled in a picturesque valley and encompassed by lush natural foliage, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa rests at the foothills of the glorious Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The resort serves as the perfect abode for nature lovers looking for their share of pure solace. And they are offering great staycation packages.
Location: Village Siya, Kempty Fall Road, Teh Garhwal, Mussoorie
Phone: 0135-2635700, Cell 07060211017
Website: marriott.com
Rooms: 115 (all rooms operational)
Tariff: INR 21,000 TE (includes buffet breakfast & dinner) upwards
Facilities: Restaurant, spa, swimming pool
If Uttarakhand has Mussoorie, Himachal has Shimla and what could be better than spending a quiet and rejuvenating vacation in the outskirts of the Himachali capital. Head to the quaint hamlet of Shoghi, where you could stay at the Park Woods Resort. Carry on with your normal routine life while indulging in a laid back long stay.
Embrace nature and soak in the pine-scented air as you marvel at the changing vistas and hues of the mountains on nature's majestic canvas. When not aimlessly lolling around in the midst of nature, you can also do some birding and spot red billed magpies perched on tall oak trees with snow-capped peaks in the backdrop.
Location: Village Paughat, Shoghi, Off NH5 at Khawara Chowki, Shimla Hills, Himachal Pradesh
Phone: 09953818074, 08810259487
Website: parkwoodsatshoghi.com
Rooms: 24 (10 tents, 14 cottages all standalone)
Tariff: INR 22,500-28,500 (6N/7D), INR 16,000-20,500 (4N/5D) all inclusive (per couple tariffs, children below 5 free)
Facilities: Restaurant, Cycling, birding, pottery, kids play area, outdoor games
The evergreen Ooty could be an amazing option for those of you who love the great outdoors and have been yearning to spend some quality leisure time with your loved ones in the lap of nature. One of the best vintage properties in the hill station is IHCL Seleqtions Hotel Savoy. The hotel takes you back in the colonial era with offerings like afternoon high tea, croquet on the lawns, spa sessions, single malts by the fireplace, and an exclusive taste of local cuisine.
Take immersive walks through the tea estates and trace the footsteps of John Sullivan, who was summoned by the Madras Presidency to explore the fabled "Blue Mountains" for an escape for British officers. The officer discovered the summer retreat in 1819 and the building now serves as the Savoy Hotel. The hotel has hosted the likes of British filmmaker David Lean and American author Harold Robbins. Explore Badaga cuisine, exclusive to the Nilgiris. Your list of places to visit and things to do should include Ooty Lake, St Stephen's Church and Doddabetta - the highest peak in the Nilgiris, Mudumalai and Bandipur national parks and taking a ride on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Location: 77, Sylks Road, Monterosa Colony, Ooty
Phone: 0423-2225500, 08489944320
Website: seleqtionshotels.com
Rooms: 40
Tariff: INR 10,000-20,000 TE (includes all meals, high tea, Internet) (Minimum 7 days stay)
Facilities: Restaurant, pony riding, outdoor activities, cycling, bonfire
Any winter holiday list would be incomplete without our beloved Goa, the undisputed winner when it comes to destinations for Christmas and New Year holidays. The ITC Grand Goa Resort and Spa at Arossim Beach is offering great staycation packages too. A fine specimen of Indo-Portuguese style of vintage architecture, the property is home to a private beach and an outdoor banquet.
You can also opt for some self-pampering at their spa with rejuvenating massages or try your hands at golf, cycling, archery, and fishing. There's even a kiddy pool and gift shop to keep the children happy. The brand is offering a host of benefits under their City Getaways offer. Expect well-appointed accommodation, signature breakfast, airport-transfers, and savings of up to 20 per cent on dining & spa, and more..
Location: Arossim Beach Rd, Cansaulim, Goa
Website: https://www.itchotels.in/
Tariff: Starting from INR 16,400 per night (exclusive of taxes)
Inclusions: WiFi, buffet breakfast, early check-in and late check-out, Happy Hours (one plus one at the bar/lounge) between 6pm and 8pm
Mary Budden Estate will allow you to truly disconnect, unwind and enjoy the breath-taking natural surroundings of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Offering the rarest of luxuries of time and space, the 19th century Himalayan forest home is the perfect escape for anyone seeking a sense of peace and tranquillity. On offer is their attractive "Breathe in Binsar" package.
Elegant luxury at its finest, the wooded estate offers a cottage that sleeps six in three rooms and has an additional three double rooms. All accommodation is en-suite, tastefully appointed with logwood fireplaces, stone patios and several open sit-outs. Guests get to relish beautiful spaces for dining indoors and outdoors including private dining rooms and outdoor spaces with spectacular views. The package includes all major meals, daily afternoon tea, and an eventide coven with bonfire and refreshments.
Location: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
Phone and email: For reservations, call 91 78271 51151 or email reservations@marybuddenestate.com
Tariff: Starting from INR 27,000 (inclusive of taxes)
If you are not in a mood adventurous enough to hit the hills and are looking for an educational trip with your kids, Aurangabad could surprise you with its venerable built-up heritage. Located at a short distance from the Ellora Caves, Ambassador Ajanta offers offers 5-star accommodations with a fitness center and large outdoor pool. WiFi and private parking are also available. When here, you could lounge by the outdoor pool and sunken bar or relax in the sauna. You can also challenge your friends or family members to a game of tennis or squash at the courts dedicated to these sporting activities. One of the highlights of your stay will be the sumptuous cuisine they serve. A variety of Indian, Chinese and European dishes can be sampled at The Society multi-cuisine restaurant. Couples would totally love this place.
Location: R4, CIDC, Jalna Road, Opp High Court, Aurangabad
Phone: 0240-6607236
Website: ambassadorindia.com
Rooms: 100
Tariff: INR 4,299 TE per night (for two adults and two children upto the age of 5) inclusive of breakfast and dinner.
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, spa, swimming pool
Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh could definitely help with the annual fatigue with its yoga and wellness retreats. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the blissful Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa sits by the banks of the majestic Ganga. The best part? It's located in a peaceful village called Singthali, 30kms from Rishikesh. Let your life take a restful pause to meditate and ponder over the year that was. You could embark on adventurous treks and nature trails or chill at the private beach by the Ganga.
And of course, there's much pampering to be had at the Jiva Spa and Yoga pavilion. Their in-house restaurant serves authentic Himalayan cuisine with great views of the surroundings.
Location: Singthali, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Website: https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-rishikesh/
Tariff: Starting from INR 29,500 per night for 2 (inclusive all meals and taxes)
Inclusions: Accommodation in a higher category family room or equivalent, free cancellation policy. WiFi for upto 4 devices, all meals
