Guest User
September 30, 2021
When you take your friends to your home state, to a place owned and ***aged by friends, its an expectation overload already. Welcome to The Sariska Retreat, it redefines hospitality with ease. It ticks all the expectation boxes right. Location, Hospitality, Food and things to do – all worthy of a 5 star rating! Location – easy accessibility (you’d find only 2 unassuming signboards – one at the entrance and another at the lane leading from the main road. Yes, that’s all – just follow google maps and you’d be there), from Delhi as well as Jaipur (the nearest Hubs). We drove from Gurgaon, and it was a breeze. The Monsoons added to the charm – the drive off NH48 ***** Sanjay Smriti van through Viratnagar is picturesque. From there it just takes 3 odd turns to get to the property. And once you get there, you’re nestled ***** a panoramic view of the mighty Aravalis – with a scattered hamlet of houses for company. Park your car(s) at an unassuming parking lot (and no sooner than you’re done with it, you’re greeted by staff that’s wearing traditional local attire – and their trademark welcoming smiles). I specially love the fact that the property employs all local staff and does not insist on pompous uniforms - allowing the staff to dress in their traditional wear. A turban clad *** fondly referred to as Baba, makes his way down from one of the most incredible villages (Duhaar Mala) that you’ll ever see (provided you’re game from an hour-long hike across the hill) everyday to work. Much like the rest of the villagers, as hiking is the only way to get in and out of Duhar Mala. The friendly folks of the Baba’s village offered Tea, Hookah and even Kheer (as it was Janmasthami) when I landed in the village un-announced (and even took me for getting blessing from the local deity Bhairav Naath, which I gladly did). The marvel of simplicity that the village presents is that it does not have running water or electricity yet or a commute that’s only expected; and yet the inhabitants are so happy, warm and hospitable. From the parking, as you walk in through golden sand lined pathway and a creeper adorned archway, you are greeted by a wide-open space with a minimal build layout of a Large Dining Hall (with fabulous views of the lawns and the imposing Aravalis and farmlands) and the Rooms and Swiss Tents. A simple lemonade welcome drink so good, that it is followed by a request for a jug full by us. The luggage finds it’s way to the rooms and we head to the Pool. With a superbly efficient filtration plant (very important, specially post COVID) and a lovely thatched patio and strategically planted elephant grass offering an almost surreal setting with all the privacy you may need, it was an absolute bliss getting a swim and fun time with kids. After working an appetite, we head to the dining hall and devour the most amazing traditional fare (reminding us why farm-to-fork can never go wrong! All the greens for the kitchen come from the property’s own farms)