People who live in the hills seem to
wield special skills of hospitality. They are
happy and that pervades the atmosphere—
something so utterly rare in the chaos of city
life. I am weary from the road journey, and
Susmita Rakshit, the wellness manager,
instantly recognises the signs and books a
slot for me at the Aheli Spa. Tashi, my
masseur from Bhutan, indulges me with a
90-minute Balinese massage using lavender
oil for the body and tulsi oil for the hair. The
knots in my shoulder and lower back open
up, as does my posture. I could do with this
pampering every day, I think to myself, and
head to the 18-metre-long infinity pool.
Roseate Ganges has several
experiences on offer—an adrenaline
pumping afternoon of river-rafting on
the Ganges, bungee-jumping from India’s
highest fixed platform at 83 metres,
wildlife spotting at Rajaji National Park,
a visit to organic farms, experiencing the
renowned Ganga Arti near Ram Jhula, and
yoga and meditation sessions. I choose to
flex my muscles on a river-rafting
expedition with Red Chilli Adventure
(redchilliadventure.com).
After a hearty breakfast of Turkish eggs
(poached eggs in a yoghurt base with a dash
of chilli oil) and chia seed pudding, I’m on
my way to the start point at Marina Beach.COURTESY OF ROSEATE GANGESquietude, interrupted only by sounds of the holy Ganges
that runs its course 500 metres below. The rustic-
looking cottages come equipped with all the modern
amenities you might require, with luxuries like a
wireless charging deck and a fireplace thrown in.
I instantly feel at home.
At Chidiya Ghar, the contemporary dining space
with an open-kitchen setup, Sous Chef Chetan Singh
Rana takes pride in the health menu that he and his
team have whipped up. “We source all our ingredients
from villagers in Garhwal and Kumaon,” the affable
chef tells me. Here, ghee is used instead of butter,
sugar is replaced by jaggery, and every morsel of food
is packed with health benefits—whether it’s the grain
and bean salad, the raw mango puffed bhel, or the
chicken and barley that I gorge on for lunch.
From top: The rooms
at Roseate Ganges are
wonderfully minimal yet
luxurious; Chidiya Ghar
is the concept-dining
venue at the property.RETREAT