PEAKLIFE

The only five-star hotel in the northern hills—a fair distance away from the madding tourist crowds and a welcome respite from the chaos of the city—Hyatt Regency Dehradun is an expansive urban resort surrounded by lush greenery and swooning mountain views on all four sides.

A scenic one-hour drive from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant International airport leads you to the glorious property. Its vast lawns and distinctive facade create the immediate impression of an idyllic escape. The summer in Dehradun is mild, while the winter sun shines bright—making the city a perfect year-round destination. The warm hospitality, serene ambience, luxurious rooms and scrumptious food make Hyatt Regency Dehradun the ideal place for a quick weekend trip to escape the heat and pollution of the city; or a family getaway that meets the needs of all age groups (and welcomes pets); or even a corporate retreat to boost team morale, as well as for a destination wedding amidst the majestic Garhwal mountains!

The hotel comprises 263 guest rooms with 24 suites, 37 Club Rooms with balconies, 14 Deluxe Rooms, 18 Regency Suites, 5 Executive Suites and a singular Presidential Suite. The rooms are spacious yet cosy, and are generously equipped with the expected amenities, and some thoughtful touches—a nook to lounge or read in, lavish bath space, a Smart TV that connects to Chromecast, the purest drinking water that is sustainably bottled on-site, and thermal power sensors that serve the purpose of energy saving.

If you are an executive whose work doesn’t stop even on vacation, you will most likely find yourself gravitating towards the Regency Club Lounge and the Sky Pool Bar & Deck, both of which offer panoramic views of the undulating hills. For the lazy spirit looking for some down time, this is the perfect spot for a solo stay-cation or a slow travel experience with the entire family in tow. The array of activities and experiences within the hotel are enough to excitedly fill up an itinerary. We suggest starting the day with light cardio or strength training at the StayFit Studio, followed by a customary dip in the rooftop infinity swimming pool.

Then, head to Range—the cosmopolitan food gallery—for a scrumptious breakfast buffet, which includes the quintessential ‘Maggi in the Mountains’ experience. To unwind and recharge, book a pamper session at The Spa and the Luxury Salon, which offer a range of services perfectly suited to refresh a tired body and exhausted mind. The body massages, scrubs and wraps are a special treat—an experience that is enhanced by the stunning views of the Malsi Forest, visible through the clear glass windows. If you are travelling with children, they are sure to enjoy the interactive activities and fun-filled games in store at Camp Hyatt—the group’s signature program for kids aged 3-12—while you immerse yourself in a relaxing spa session.

For lunch, the Room Service menu is tempting enough, but we suggest making your way back to Range for some delicious seasonal and artisanal specialities created with fresh local produce. Cap off your meal with an afternoon siesta in the comfort of your room. Later, as the sunset diffuses mesmerising shades of pink and orange across the clear skies, you may find yourself engaging in what the French term as an ‘apéro’, at The Malt Bar, which houses a decadent selection of ‘World Whiskies’, cigars and a classic yet experimental beverage list.

As you sip your drink of choice, take a leisurely stroll through the lovely lawns, absorbing the alpine scent and sharp breeze, to build up an appetite for dinner at Beyul—the rooftop Indo-Tibetan restaurant that happens to be entirely female-run. Beyul serves up the most authentic Tibetan delicacies prepared by chefs who are part of Dehradun’s local Tibetan-origin community, as well as familiar Indian cuisine—making it perfect for a family dinner that generously caters to each member’s epicurean whims and fancies. The Thukpa, dim sum and Ema Datshi at Beyul are not to be missed, especially for those who appreciate a subtle punch of warm spices.

There is much to explore beyond the delights of the property, of course. The charming Malsi Deer Park is the most obvious choice for a day out, and the nearby Buddha Temple and Mindrolling Monastery are ideal for a spiritual excursion. Nature lovers will enjoy short trips to the Shikkhar and Bhatta Falls, the thermal springs of Sahastradhara, and the intriguingly-named Robber’s Cave. Hyatt Regency Dehradun is also optimally positioned for day-long expeditions to surrounding tourist hotspots. Mussoorie is merely a 50-minute drive from the hotel, Rishikesh is 90 minutes away, and a pleasant two-hour ride will land you in Haridwar.

Finally, if you are planning a destination wedding, corporate conference or a team retreat in the hills, look no further. The hotel’s 33,500 sq ft of flexible event space incorporates the grand Regency Ballroom and the masterfully-landscaped adjoining Lawns; the manicured gardens of the Vista Lawns that open into scenic views of the Malsi Forest; Range Lawns which are ideal for al fresco dining under a canopy of stars; three spacious Studios, the Pinnacle Lounge and one Boardroom.

All these offerings, and much more, eagerly await visitors at Hyatt Regency Dehradun. Headed by a team of hospitality veterans, who have put their might behind crafting and curating an energising experience for all types of travellers, this resort is a breath of fresh air—in the literal sense, of course, but also in the essence of its operation.