April 21, 2017
In recent months, we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit and stay at Sukhvilas – the latest luxury property in India from the Oberoi Group.
The hotel is located just outside Chandigarh, a city about 240 kilometers north of Delhi. Chandigarh is a gateway Himalayan towns like Shimla. And while the city does not draw crowds of tourists like Rajasthan or Kerala, Chandigarh is well worth a visit and stay.
Chandigarh’s key attractions including the city itself – which was the first planned city in India after independence – designed by renowned architect and planner Le Corbusier. The city’s layout and administrative buildings are fascinating for anyone with an interest in architecture or design as key examples of the modern architecture movement. There’s also the quirky, but amazing, Nek Chand Rock Garden to explore in city.
Oberoi’s new Sukhvilas is also being established as a wellness retreat in this well-connected city.
Here are five things we loved about this new resort, based on our recent visit.
1) Easy to reach
Those of us that have travelled in India often know that even short distances can take a long time to cover. However, Chandigarh is easily reachable from Delhi by train or a short flight – making it an ideal spot for a long weekend, a break before you head to Shimla or a special stay at the end of your travel in India to relax and rejuvenate. Located about 30 minutes from Chandigarh airport, the hotel is surrounded by thousands of acres of forest – making it a perfect retreat from India’s big cities.
2) Why not pamper yourself?
The resort is establishing itself as a wellness retreat, with an impressive new spa featuring an outdoor yoga deck (facing east, so that your morning Surya Namaskars do actually face the sun), as well as an impressive array of therapies and treatments. The hotel will have a vitality pool, Turkish hammam and Roman tepidarioum, as well as an Ayurvedic doctor and therapies, so there’s really no excuse not to pamper yourself.
3) Luxury Tents
The resort includes seven ultra luxury Royal Forest Tents with private pools – set away from the main hotel itself. Don’t be fooled by the word tent – it’s not camping and it’s beyond glamping. The tents are permanent buildings with a three-layered canopy roof, decorated inside with a delightful Indian block printing designs. There are luxurious bathrooms with deep baths, and your own private, temperature-controlled pool outside. The Royal Forest Tents would be an ideal place for a little romance with someone special or to escape from it all for a few days.
4) A pool for all seasons
Tours of north India are better in the cooler, or Indian winter, months of December and January. But at that time of the year, one of our favourite holiday past times – swimming and enjoying gorgeous hotel pools – isn’t feasible as it’s too cold. Sukhvilas striking blue main pool is heated and temperature controlled – perfect for swimming in at any time. So take your swimsuit!
5) Service that goes the extra mile
Having only opened at the end of 2016, the hotel is super shiny and new, with a certain buzz and anticipation around it. Though all the staff have extensive experience working at other Oberoi resorts around India, they are excited about this new property and their commitment to service should make your holiday wonderful.
A visit to Chandigarh or stay at Oberoi Sukhvilas can be included in any custom made journey by India Unbound. We can also arrange a local guide to show you Chandigarh during your stay, or you can simply choose to relax and enjoy the resort.
Read our other reviews of hotels in India and Sri Lanka here.