A long weekend spent at this fabulous property where the scenic, unobstructed mountain views are absolutely breathtaking. As the day transcends from morning to night, the landscape magically transforms... By dawn, clouds descend down into the valley, holding The Orchard mystically afloat each magical morning. By dusk, satellite towns beyond light up like galaxies.. Through the day, the clearer it is the more likely one is to catch a glimpse of the snow capped Himalayas.. Given The Orchard's incredible vantage point, there is a telescope no less in the library room, where many an evening we spent over drinks, Board games and our iPods plugged in, prior to a scrumptuous meal.
Each meal is prepared with utmost care and much thought, using healthy organic ingredients fresh from the kitchen garden and locally sourced produce. The meals are plated, starting with an amuse bouche to kindle one's appetite, followed by the main course and then dessert. Breads and pastries are home baked and the ice creams too, home made. I loved sitting down at the dining table, each time to differently folded dinner napkins!
The rooms are cozy and aesthetically furnished, most with four poster beds, a fireplace for cold winter nights, floor to ceiling windows and/or balconies with your own private views of the spectacular landscape.
Attention to detail at The Orchard is outstanding - better than any retreat I've run away to for a break from Delhi. The rooms were always neat and clean every time we returned to them (and yet you hardly ever see the staff, so it always felt like a very private stay). The soaked almonds left by our bedside every evening are a small example of the little thoughtful touches that made our stay so wonderful.
We also had the pleasure of enjoying the company of our wonderful hosts, the Bansals. Thank you so much for making us feel at home! We will be back, again and again..
