There is something noteworthy about slowing
on the driveway sweeping you towards a weekend break hotel. Possibly the leisurelier
stride permits time for a spectacle to build, for the gorgeousness and measure
of a property to be appreciated. It is like the sensation of escape from the
maddening world!
The
Lalit Mangar is at the end of a short driveway from Gurgaon on the Faridabad
road. It is a magnificent Georgian manor house that offers 35 opulent suites all
with spectacular views of the valley. Conceptually, this is ‘affordable luxury’
territory; physically, it’s has a wonderful backdrop of the Aravalli, an area
of outstanding natural beauty, with acres of parkland nearby. In design terms,
it’s all gorgeously balanced. And the artistic punches keep on coming as you
enter the lounge itself.
The interior of the main lobby is outstanding though
not austere. A winding pathway led me to my room where I was staying. But I am
drawn to the Tapri, where rugged cots and a sizable Tea stall combine with
superb valley views to reinforce an atmosphere of repose so decided to come
back after checking out my room.
I
was instantly enchanted by its looks, mesmerized by its extravagant linen and
furniture, and impressed with the hotel’s luxurious and traditional touches: a
Nespresso machine, large flat screen Smart TV, Kronokare toiletries, USB
sockets and traditional different gender pretty dolls in the bathroom and my
favourite was the cutie pie ‘Bambi’ stuffed toy on my bed. Colour pops into the
room thanks to the interesting reddish orange in the windows and the bathrobes,
breaking the off-white almost, in an otherwise saintly space.
Plus, the room
felt incredibly private and quiet. I didn’t hear any of the other guests and, which
meant peaceful slumbers and very sweet dreams. The
restaurant – open kitchen, large tables, and countryside vistas – feels
grown-up and elegant, and the bar that has the most appealing ambience, quite
like that of a country-club, with large pots and panoramic ceiling to wall
glass windows. Its yellow comfortable sofas give a sense of warmth and an air
of intoxication – on a number of levels.
There
was nothing patronizing about the staff. Reception was cheery, welcoming and
the check-in and out swift; the doormen where more than happy to be in the
picture and the concierge, well, he was a fruit-burst of positivity and
enthusiasm. With gusto he helped us plot the best route to the all the in and
around activities at the resort, like yoga, picnics, Spa massages etc…my
favourite being gazing the stars just after dinner from the Telescope with
delicious masala chai on the side and later a village walk the next afternoon.
The
Spa looks out through the Resort’s stunning shop and as I stood there, I
distinctly felt the presence of healing through a Spa treatment as I got to
know the brain behind the most amazing treatments is world renowned Dr Mosaraf
Ali and I immediately felt lucky to be there. But
what I liked most was that the entire staff appeared like a sincere team – as
well as working with precise decorum, And I got the imprint that you’d be
treated to similar high-quality service whether you were incoming with Armani luggage,
or not.
All
in all, The Lalit Mangar has many of the right ingredients for a tasteful,
though not budget-busting, weekend. I have a feeling that all the cars dawdling
on the driveway will be those of guests who can’t bear to leave just like me.
THE VERDICT
Would I go back? Yes, undoubtedly. For me, The Lalit Mangar
ticked all my weekend boxes: easy to get to, a great
location, memorable and unique, down-to-earth and friendly.
Where? Camp Wild Road, Near Mangar Police Chowki, Gurgaon - Faridabad Rd,
Faridabad, Haryana 121001
For More Information log on to: www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-mangar
This review is a bonafide echo
of my weekend here and my view of it – I wouldn’t let anything twofaced snitch
onto my blog!
