Nestled snugly in a plush valley, amidst a secluded pasture flanked by the dense Malsi forest and the colossal Himalayan ranges, rests a haven of tranquillity and opulent indulgence—Hyatt Regency Dehradun, an urban resort in the heart of the hills.
Spread across an ample 4.25 acres and located in close proximity to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, the first Hyatt hotel in Uttarakhand strikes the right balance of intimate experiences and meditative luxury, which makes it a pleasant retreat in the summer months and a glorious wonderland come winter. Designed by a Milan-based architect, keeping in mind the ethos of productivity, the resort retains the familiar tropes of leisure and comfort, while embracing the vibrant culture of the local community that it is now rooted in.
The city is accessible by road, rail or air. The hour-long drive from the airport to the hotel helps you gradually lean into the peaceful serenity that is unique to the Himalayan foothills, bracing you for the thematic continuity in the design of the property itself, which blends a contemporary aesthetic with earthy elements reminiscent of the pristine natural surroundings. Each of the 263 guestrooms and the ample outdoor spaces offers unobstructed panoramic views of the plush greenery and clear blue skies. The most stunning vistas can be witnessed from any of the 24 palatial suites, but families or people travelling in groups would prefer the 24 interconnecting room sets.
The most indulgent features of the property are the four multisensorial dining experiences, which highlight thoughtfully sourced local produce to deliver fresh Indian and global flavours. The rooftop restaurant Beyul has an eclectic valley-inspired menu that includes Tibetan classics and North Indian delicacies. The terrace offers a bird’s eye view of the city, and during the winter months the clouds descend upon the hills, creating a surreal atmosphere for savouring the warm, comforting food.
Range—the cosmopolitan food gallery offers a variety of cuisines, regional specialties, freshly-baked goods and desserts, and refreshing beverages to be relished while observing the expansive views of the mountains. Evenings are best enjoyed with zingy cocktails, exquisitely grilled preparations, and teppanyaki ice creams at the Sky Pool Bar & Deck, after a languorous swim in the adjacent infinity pool, against the backdrop of lush hills.
If you tend to miss the fresh Pahadi flavours once you’re back home in the city, make sure to browse the in-house curation of artisanal products from locally-run small businesses at The Market opposite the Malt Bar, which features a refined collection of whiskies and popular beverages from across the world—and a terrace that makes for a great sunset viewing point, especially when you have a delicious drink in hand to fully relish the serene landscape.
One of the most thrilling attractions of the hotel is the Sammoda Spa, which presents healing, natural and science-backed services for therapeutic treatments, individually tailored detoxifying massages, freshly-prepared scrubs and soothing facials that give you an instant glow. The duration of these treatments ranges from a 30-minute quick fix to a languorous two hour pamper session. The huge windows open into calming views of the Himalayan ranges, which makes the entire experience that much more tranquil. Pure organic ingredients combined with the expert techniques of trained and receptive therapists, who will answer all your questions and suggest signature in-house treatments, creates the most luxurious, bespoke spa journey. Of course, hygiene and safety norms are rigorously followed by the therapists, which makes the session absolutely stress-free.
The wellness extravaganza does not end here. We recommend a morning visit to StayFit Studio, for mindful meditation practices and yoga sessions in the great outdoors, with the sharp mountain breeze rejuvenating you from within. The property itself practices mindfulness from the perspective of sustainability, with an on-site bottling plant that eliminates 80,000 bottles of plastic waste per year, rain water harvesting pits, LED lighting, and neutron sensors in guestrooms to detect your presence in the room and conserve electricity.
The resort will make for an idyllic venue to host large events, with 33,500 square feet of function space located across indoor and outdoor venues throughout different levels, including the magnificent Regency Ballroom & Lawns, Vista Lawns, Range Lawns, and three spacious Studios that are especially designed for celebrations, exhibitions and group retreats; as well as the Pinnacle Lounge and a boardroom, ideal for corporate meetings. If you are planning a destination wedding or simply seeking to indulge in some vanity for yourself, the onsite salon will also prove very convenient.
There is lots to experience in and around Dehradun, and the concierge service will guide you through recreational experiences like food trails, adventure sports, cultural sights, and guided hikes. Families will be pleased to know that Hyatt’s signature kids’ program, Camp Hyatt, has a dedicated area within the hotel. The program introduces a range of engaging experiences for kids including a personalized check-in experience, craft projects, pottery making, kite flying, treasure hunts, and more—under the watchful eye of the Camp Hyatt mascot, the Malsi fawn. You can also observe the real-life version of the character at the nearby Malsi Deer Park. Other local attractions include the Buddha Temple, Mindrolling Monastery, the Shikkhar and Bhatta Falls, Sahastradhara, and the Robber’s Cave.
If you plan to head out for day trips to Mussoorie and Rishikesh, be sure to ask the staff for tips to avoid the tourist crowds. 60 percent of the hotel staff is domicile, and a chat with them will surely inspire more ideas for tourist activities and authentic travel experiences. Despite being the largest hotel in Uttarakhand, the property establishes a sense of warmth and comfort, which can be largely credited to the courteous staff, the wonderfully energising services, and the resplendent beauty of the Himalayas. Thoughtful design and an immersive ambience makes Hyatt Regency Dehradun a blissful spot for city folk to connect with their mountain soul.
