Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan marks the beginning of the festive season in India. And, this year it falls on a long weekend, which means double the fun. Combined with a national holiday on 15 August, Independence Day, there’s no better way to celebrate the long weekend other than a destination Rakhi. Yes, we mean a staycation. This year shower your brother or sister with an extra special gift as you book yourself a family staycation ahead of the festive season.
Luxury Glamping
Photo Courtesy: D.A.T.A. Resort
Are you up for an adventure? If this spikes your curiosity, consider making a reservation at India’s first military-themed glamping retreat for an unusual family staycation. A luxury holiday filled with adrenaline D.A.T.A. Resort (a military glamping resort) is located in the gorgeous hills of Lonavala. A short scenic drive from Mumbai and Pune, this resort combines luxurious amenities with military-themed activities like learning survival skills in the jungle, navigation by stars, distress signalling, military-style first aid and carrying techniques, mental conditioning, self-defence and how to navigate an obstacle course.
With a total of 25 glamping tents, each is tailor-made for families. The property also has two restaurants that provide lip-smacking meals – Salaam Manekshaw and The Gurkha Lounge.
Price: Rs 35,000/++ (2 nights stay for 2, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a thrilling training program).
With only a short 2.5-hour’s drive from Mumbai and 2 hours from Pune, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa has introduced a monsoon package making it the perfect choice for a fun-filled family staycation. Experience the best of nature and the weather with indoor and outdoor activities including a Shillim Stream Walk. Clay Therapy: Bespoke first-hand experience, curated cooking workshops with in-house chefs using produce grown on the Shillim organic farm. and many more activities such as yoga therapies, and organic farm tour. Indulge in holistic wellness and leisure as you detox from city life.
Photo Courtesy: Six Senses Fort BarwaraPhoto Courtesy:
Immerse yourself in India’s rich culture and heritage as you book a family staycation at Six Senses Fort Barwara. Nestled in Rajasthan, the property is a 5 hour’s drive from the capital, New Delhi, and reflects the history and heritage of the Barwara community.
A lush property that is inspired by Mughal architecture, it promises a luxurious stay with world-class amenities. Not only does the visual appeal of the fort leave you inspired but it’s a much-need escape from the hectic city life.
Plan a quick escape from the mundane 9-to-5 life and make it a perfect 5-day monsoon break. This Rakhi, pamper your sister with a luxurious family staycation at SaffronStays The Forest, Alibaug. If you are a big family, this is the perfect spot that can accommodate a maximum of 10 people. This 4-bedroom villa allows you to disconnect from the humdrum of city life and reconnect with nature. You can take pleasant walks through the jungle or take a short trek to a nearby lake to soak in the scenery.
Looking for the ultimate road trip family staycation? Then make your way to The Kumaon in Uttarakhand, a sustainably-designed, secluded luxury retreat with 10 chalets hidden in the Kasar Devi region of Uttarakhand. Being 375 km away from Delhi, this is a one-stop shop for luxury living. Nestled in the Himalayas, be surrounded by a lush green expanse as soon as you wake up and take it to the gorgeous earthy-inspired interiors of the property. Enjoy a meal overlooking the valley or book yourself a spa treatment to unwind.
Brij Hotels is a collection of bespoke hotels that offer heart-warming hyperlocal experiences. Brij Lakshman Sagar -situated approximately two hours from Ajmer, Lakshman Sagar lies 10 km off NH-14, en route to Jodhpur via Pali. a great family staycation option for those in New Delhi, Brij Lakshman Sagar is a boutique hotel that keeps the culture of hospitality and traditions of the House of Raipur alive. Spread over 32 acres of land, it offers 12 independent cottages with private pools, a historic man-made water catchment, and a hand-carved swimming pool on top of a rock hill with an air of tranquillity. The re-conceptualization of Brij Lakshman Sagar is manifested through the endless detailing in the architecture and design, the cuisine, and the well-thought activities and non-activities tailor-made for the guests amid a captivating, natural topography, ideal for mindless relaxation.
Want a whiff of freshness and a nip in the air? Ooty in Tamil Nadu is just where you’d love to vacation for this long weekend. Savoy Ooty is a 190-year-old colonial-style heritage property situated near the Golf Course, it is set amidst 6 acres of landscaped gardens, making it a paradise for golf enthusiasts. The cottage-style rooms with old-fashioned fireplaces make this property one that has a charm of its own. Surrounded by an abundance of beauty, when you wish to cut off from the city hustle this resort is an ideal pick.
Photo Courtesy: Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
Does your sister or brother love the beach? Then this rakhi take them for a beach vacay! Soak in the beauty of the East Coast as you explore beauty along the scenic coastal highway at Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort. Tucked away between casuarina groves the Beach Resort boasts 15,000 Sq. feet garden space with a private beach, making it an ideal choice for getaways. A scenic paradise with 105 rooms including stunning Ocean View Suites the property is located close to the Bay of Bengal.
What’s more? On Rakhi day you can plan a special dinner under the star-spangled sky in a little marquee tent.
This Rakhi weekend take a trip to the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, which offers its guests beautiful views of Nandi Hills. A luxury family staycation, the 22-acre resort is a mere 20 minutes from the airport and moments from Nandi Hills, Grover Vineyards and the Devanahalli and Lepakshi Temples. To brighten up the festive fun, the resort has a special ‘Stay for 3 Nights, Pay for 2’ offer. What does it include? When making a reservation for 2 nights, the resort is giving guests a one-day complimentary stay when they book for two days. This special offer includes complimentary breakfast at the all-day dining restaurant, The Aviary, and along with this the exclusive offer also includes a two – way airport transfer or local transfers within a 25 km radius.
Take in the gorgeous view of Nandi hills as you take a dip in the temperature-controlled lagoon pool or unwind with a yoga session. Indulge in family activities which includes magic shows for kids, family canvas painting, kite flying in addition to ‘Halli Katte’, a local high tea experience, and complimentary access to fully loaded entertainment zone.
