With the fairly new Aalia Resort in Haridwar, you are in for a one of a kind treat. A luxurious sojourn with the pleasant gushing of the Ganges in the backdrop- just what you need to re-energize yourself in physical as well as spiritual sense.

The twenty minutes drive to the Aalia Resorts from the main town of Haridwar is clean, with robust trees lining the rain washed roads. Having just crossed the busy town of Haridwar, holiest of holy place where Indians go to take that religious dip in the holy water of the Ganges, we cross the village Shyampur Noamabad with fresh green fields that immediately gives you a feeling of relaxation. The driver takes a small right turn and we enter the Aalia Resorts spread across in acres of beautiful land.

We are welcomed with a delicious warm ginger honey tea and escorted to the villas with a view that is breathtaking. The door to the main bedroom opens up to the view of white cabanas placed beautifully on the freshest wide green garden, a beautiful swimming pool  beyond which are the majestic views of the banks of Ganga. In an instant you will find your mind quietening with the scenic view in front of you.

That scenic view is not the only thing that will take your breath away.  Aalia Resorts spells luxury as an all villa resort. Each villa has three bedrooms, with beautiful attached terraces a dining area, super drawing room and a lounge room with a selection of books and magazines. The restaurant serves excellent food which includes vegetarian as well as non vegetarian options. And yes there is a bar as well!

The Garden Suite

Infinity Pool

Cigar Lounge 

If it’s a family holiday you are looking at, you will be pleasantly surprised with the offerings the resort gives you. Steeped in culture, sacred legends and spirituality, the older folks in the family can take that trip to Haridwar for the beautiful evening aarti on the banks of the Ganga or just attend the beautiful aarti done by the in-house punditji. There are plenty to keep the kids engaged with archery, jungle safari and other outdoor activities like swimming while the adventurous in the family can look forward to river rafting. The beautiful Rajaji National Park is also located nearby.

The resort is the vision of Aditya Paul Lakhanpal and Arjun Paul Lakhanpal who thought differently to provide luxury, spirituality and culture for those seeking it. Giving it the operational super edge is Dheeraj Chauhan who heads it with a passion that only a true hotelier can feel. It is this passion that makes the place truly worth a visit.

Five things you must do at the Aalia Resort

#1 Take the morning yoga class at 8 am, thankfully by then much of us are awake. The session gets you all energised and get you ready to make a memorable day.

#2 Attend the evening Aarti done by the in house punditji. It’s a spiritual feeling that will stay with you much after your vacation is over.

#3 Get into the jaccuzi on the terrace of the villa, under the sky with the Ganges flowing in the background for an experience of peace and tranquillity seldom found in the noise of the city.

#4 Take a walk on the bank of the river Ganges on the back of the resort filled with pebbles and stones. The beautiful naturally coloured stones filling the banks will amaze you with its round and oval shapes and make you wonder the beauty this earth is. If you are an adventurous soul, go on a jungle safari at the nearby Rajaji National Park known for its elephants, or go for an exciting river-rafting spree in Rishikesh!

#5 Book a treatment at the cosy spa that is headed by Amar Dev Prasad who comes with a rich experience in the spa industry. It makes all the difference when he suggests a therapy that will suit your body type and you walk out feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

www.aalia.net