LF Says: ★★★★
The allure of travelling in summer, even with the heat, is that the landscape morphs into a burst of color. Think the burst of yellow from the Cassia angustifolia, the brilliant red May flower, and varied hues of the delightful bougainvillea. And of course, with the mango season in full swing, the trees are bursting at their seams with the fruits. And in Corbett, you also see lychee trees that make the drive to the destination rather compelling. And when I finally find myself at the retreat at ZANA, the six hours drive from Delhi is soon forgotten.
Luxe getaway
The retreat is located on the main road, but once you enter and are greeted with a cool welcome drink, you will instantly connect with the calm environs. The large reception is located on a slight elevation and done up in hues of beige and cream with hints of wildlife seen on the carpets. The huge skylights bring in the bright sun, or the stars, making you one with nature.
I am ushered past a floral path that has colorful petunia in bloom to reach my cottage. Interestingly, Zana is named after the rare purple lily, and apart from the logo, the flower is also seen embroidered on the bed cover. The room is chic and soothing – a sharp contrast to the fiery sun outside – and has a separate seating space complete with a chess board. The large bed, television and attached bathroom come fitted with state of art fittings. The Ma Earth Botanicals bath amenities are wonderful too.
The best part of my room is a private fireplace and sit out area that overlooks the farms next door. The retreat itself is spread over two acres, which are furnished with mango and lychee trees, and has 57 keys. This includes the Tiger Tales Suites, Riverview Rooms, Tree House, and Classic Rooms, apart from the cottages. The rooms are in different blocks, thus affording a lot of space and privacy as well.
Dine in style
All meals are served at the in-house Mayfair restaurant, with the same menu available as part of the in room dining as well. The menu has an eclectic choice of Indian, Continental and Pan Asian fare. There is a breakfast buffet daily, and lunch and dinner buffets are based on occupancy.
The food is flavorful and made fresh and the staff is attentive to your needs as well. The speciality dining outlet, Bohemia – Grills and Bar, is a great place to chill out, especially in the evening, under the canopy of mango trees that are lit with rattan lamps. Do try the exquisite grills served here – there are many choices for vegetarians and non-vegetarians both. Sit back, relax, and sip your favorite drinks and be serenaded by live singing. The bar offers superbly crafted cocktails and mocktails as well. In all this is a great experiential dining space that merges food, drink, and entertainment seamlessly.
Do more
The resort has a tempting, gorgeously curved swimming pool that is surrounded by trees and a dip is a perfect way to unwind when you are on a holiday. For some more relaxation and rejuvenation, the intimate onsite spa, Soak, is where you must head to for a refreshing massage.
The resort also offers soulful yoga sessions. So, if you are the kind that is watching your health even on a holiday, you are sorted. Do sign up for a cooking class where you can learn some local recipes, discover exciting culinary techniques and get involved in a cooking demonstration with the chef.
The retreat also helps you learn the art of cocktail making during an interactive session with the inhouse expert mixologist where you can learn all about the different kinds of cocktails and the techniques of shaking, stirring, and pouring them.
Call of the wild
It goes without saying that when you are here, do visit the National Park by booking a safari. As tickets are in demand, it is ideal to do this in advance and Zana will arrange one for you (to be paid for additionally).
The jungle is a lush landscape where you can spot not just the tiger (only if you are very lucky) but also a range of other mammals and birds. Within the forest is the ancient Sitavani temple that you can visit and enjoy the serenity of the jungle that envelops it. There is an interpretation center and museum at the Dhangarhi Gate where you can learn all about the rich biodiversity, history, and cultural heritage of Corbett.
There are several exhibits, as well as interactive short films, that you can see while here. Do make time to see the Corbett Falls and the Jim Corbett Museum (which was the home of this Anglo-Indian hunter, tracker, naturalist and author) located about 40 kilometers from the resort as well.
Apart from the safari, the spiritually inclined can also pay their respects at Hanuman Dham in Ramnagar and the Girija Devi temple. A visit to Corbett offers you a great getaway from the stress of urban life and Zana helps you do it in style and comfort. When are you going?
LF Says: ★★★★
Coordinates: Dhikuli, Jim Corbett, Zero Garjia, P.O. Dhikuli, Nainital, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India
