A weekend at Heritage Village Resort & Spa Manesar

Let’s be honest- when planning a getaway, Manesar probably isn’t the first destination that springs to mind. It certainly wasn’t on mine… until I found myself scuba diving (yes, really), playing mini golf on the cutest course imaginable, and riding a chariot straight out of a Bhansali dream setup.

Tucked away in the heart of an industrial town and just a short drive from Delhi, the Heritage Village Resort & Spa, Manesar is a vibrant escape that marries regal Rajasthani aesthetics with modern-day luxury. As the boutique resort celebrated its 30-year milestone, I checked in for a weekend that promised to be anything but ordinary. And it delivered.

The moment I stepped onto the property, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a welcome postcard-worthy photograph (literally- they click one for you!). Walking inside instantly sweeps you into a whimsical world where Rajasthan’s royal past dances with modern-day flair. Picture this: majestic domes and towering cupolas rising like a mirage, echoing the grandeur of ancient palaces. The central building and lobby, with their elegant symmetry and Lutyens-inspired design, feel like they’ve leapt out of a sepia-toned postcard. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the delicate inlays of sandstone and marble begin to tell their own story, each corner a quiet nod to Rajasthan’s rich legacy and the artisans who’ve kept it alive, like a love letter to architecture.

My heritage suite came with a personalised note, setting the tone for a thoughtfully curated experience. Soon after, I was whisked away on a guided tour with Mr. Shekhar V. Sawant, the resort’s Managing Director & COO, who walked me through the many exciting activities in store for the next couple of days.

I kicked things off by trying my hand at drone flying and RC aircrafts under the guidance of Mr. Joginder Singh Kailay. Then came a soothing detour to the herb garden, followed by a mini golf session, and a beginner-friendly scuba diving class with Mr. Joydeep Pal. Who would’ve thought you could dive in Delhi?! We concluded the tour with a very special hi-tea session at Shikar Bagh, the resort’s outdoor social space that brings families and friends together over live cocktails, delicious eats, and nostalgic activities.

As the stars began to twinkle above, we made our way to Mama Miso- the resort’s buzzing Pan-Asian haven where every bite felt like a little celebration. Think melt-in-your-mouth truffle cheese and mushroom dimsums glistening with chilli garlic oil, and crispy asparagus-cabbage rolls that vanished way too quickly. And the cocktails? Let’s just say they deserve their own standing ovation.

The next morning unfolded like a dream as I eased into the day with a rejuvenating treatment at Aruna Spa, followed by a soulful wellness lunch at Suvarna Mahal. Honestly, if self-care had a flavour, this would be it. Draped in a saree, I twirled across the palatial backdrops for a mini photoshoot (because, content!), and then floated into some poolside solitude with views that seemed plucked from a postcard and healing came naturally. The day wrapped up on a deliciously indulgent note with a heavenly 5-course Italian dinner that hit all the right spots, followed by a peaceful moonlit stroll around the property which was just the kind of quiet magic every getaway needs.

Where: Naharpur Rd, Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana 122050

For reservations, call: 0124 611 1234