Soak In Heavenly Bliss At This Stunning Spa Retreat In Himachal

Working in the hustle and bustle of a metropolis certainly takes a toll. Couple it with Delhi’s unbearable heat, pollution and traffic, and you have plenty of reasons to find short escapes from the city, straight to the hills. This is where our escape to this resort came in as a serene surprise. Perched on top of a hill at a short distance from Kalka in Himachal Pradesh, this luxury wellness resort with state-of-the-art facilities is dedicated to the enrichment of physical health and well-being.

The first thing you’ll see during your trip here is the towering canopy of pine and deodar trees that are spread across the property. Even upon arrival, we knew our stay here would be marked by peace and solitude. We made our way to our deluxe suite, which was replete with lush furnishings. The two balconies opened to a breathtaking view of the Chandigarh city and the surrounding valley. As we checked in, local sweets and coolers beckoned us to catch a mid-day siesta. But we trudged on, eager to experience everything this wellness retreat had to offer.

Hamman Ahoy

The most exclusive, and tempting aspect of Moksha is its sprawling 70,000 square feet spa that offers a mix of Indian and western therapies. The perfect antidote to an exhausting month at work, right? From Ayurvedic therapies to a bustling fitness centre, there is something for everyone. Our day would begin with an early morning Yoga session, followed by consultation with the on-call Ayurvedic doctor, who’d recommend therapies to suit your physical needs. But I’d advise you to opt for their Hamman treatment, away from the run-of-the-mill spas offered by resorts across the country. The only experience that comes close to the hammam is the view from the front terrace.

Entrance of the sprawling spa

While the pace here is leisurely, most visitors make haste to experience many treks that the hotel organises. Among its many delights, the resort boasts an expansive (and heated) infinity pool, that is placed adjacent to two bubbling open-air jacuzzis, perfect for lazy mornings and early evenings on the terrace.  

Turkish Hamman room

Sustainability And More

With unfettered views of the Shivalik and warm ambiance to match, I struggled to favour exercise and meditation classes over sleep. But it sure pays off. The sunrise here is a sight to behold, especially from the alfresco terrace at the multicuisine restaurant. Later in the day, meandering through the scenic garden terraces and manicured lawns, Nishant Taneja, head of marketing at the property, took us on a tour to understand how sustainability is a key feature of this property.

Spend leisurely evenings by the pool

In existence since 2009, the hotel has taken varied measures to adhere to its motto of a sustainable immersive wellness experience. “Efforts range from small measures such as elimination of single-use plastics to expansive measures such as establishing an onsite bottling plant where the water undergoes a four-step filtration system before being bottled and served to guests,” he shared.

All guests are treated to a delectable Himachali thali

I would be remiss not to mention the gastronomic delights the property has to offer. Under the guidance of chef Gautam Kumar, the resort has a keen focus on promoting sustainable food. In use are organic ingredients locally sourced or grown within the property to prepare Himachali thalis that we dined on during our stay here. With 2023 being the International Year Of Millets, Kumar has also designed special menus that put the spotlight on millet cultivation that is a hallmark of the state. Dishes such as millet dahi kebab, vegetarian millet kibbeh and vegan millet cake are some of the many options that flow out incessantly from the kitchen.

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Whether you’d like to lounge around the infinity pool, or spend your days planning spa treatments, rest and relaxation are the order of day here. Leisurely strolls, fragrant oils and a large serving of pampering amidst the resort’s lush corridors marked our days at Moksha, and I recommend the same to anyone planning a visit to this luxurious wellness retreat.

Soak in stunning sunsets from the open-air jacuzzi

How to reach Moksha:

The resort is easily accessible by road, rail and air – it’s just one hour drive from the Mohali international airport, a short drive from Chandigarh, and a five-hour drive from Delhi. Guests can also use a cable car to reach the resort from Parwanoo.