Staycation – an excuse to travel leisurely in your own hometown! Pretending to be a tourist and spend a relaxed holiday for a night or two.
Work is always exhausting, even if it is something you enjoy. Every once in a while, I like to take a break from life’s daily struggles, take a step back, relax and start over.
A rollercoaster 2016 and a stressful start to 2017 were just the reason to go on a staycation.
Mahabaleshwar has always been a hugely popular hill station for us Mumbaikars in the summer & while exploring this green destination has been an overkill, I decided to spend a few laidback days at a leisurely resort and stay indoors while I reflect on the past and ponder on new ideas.
Saj on the Mountain
Post a near 6-hour drive from Mumbai, I arrived in Mahabaleshwar on a warm sunny day with the sun blazing down overhead. This time I was determined to have some leisurely time off and not wander into the nearby civilizations. I checked myself into Saj on the Mountain, previously known as Saj Resorts; a tranquil oasis nestled in the lush green streets of Panchgani.
I was surprised with a welcome drink and ushered to a luxury room. Cozy and spacious, a plush queen size bed with tidy crisp sheets lie waiting for me, in the midst of the room. A personal seating space on the outside, overlooking the distant green mountains was the highlight of the room; perfect to arise early and log in some yoga exercises.
Cottage rooms for families or large groups of guests are also available as per needs.
Facilities:
Stiffened from the long drive to the city, I opted for a Body Spa at the hotel’s in-house Vyom Spa. The staff was polite and excellent at their task. The 60 minutes traditional massage helped me feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
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Pic Courtesy- Karishma |
Saj on the mountain is a sprawling property surrounded by green lush plants dotted in the area. The hotel houses a large sized pool, a children’s park, a gym & a Vyom Spa; amenities deserving of a top rated hotel.
Complimentary wi-fi is available in all corners of Saj but it’s strength is put to the test within the rooms with limited to no network. It was a blessing in disguise as it helped me spend some time away from the data packets of social media.
Dining:
Saj On The Mountain serves only vegetarian cuisines but they compensate beautifully with the power packed in-house Indian Thali restaurant “Fasal” which serves Gujarati and Rajasthani Thali. A meal fit for the Royals, the ingredients used are fresh and all locally sourced.The food was doused in the richness of real ghee (refined butter) and the taste of fresh produce was clearly noticeable. More than 4 different types of sabzi (curries) and dals, nibbles and flatbread (paratha, roti) & desserts, we were spoilt for choice.This has to be one of the best Thalis found in Mahabaleshwar.
Fasal: is open to the guests staying at the resort and also to visitors. If you do happen to wander around SAJ, drop by for lunch and enjoy the lavish spread.
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| Breakfast by the Pool |
Wilson Café: The particularly impressive breakfast buffet at this pool facing café is the perfect way to kick start any day. Maharashtrian Kande Pohe, Punjabi Aloo Paratha, South Indian snacks and the typical English breakfast, the choice is yours.
Darwin: Is a pub cum cocktail house to let your hair down after sunset, although I found this place pretty during the day when I strolled over to their little library in the Restro to sip on a mocktail and glance through some literature.
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| Litte Library inside Darwin Cafe. Picture credit – Saloni Kukreja |
On the last morning of my stay, I decided to call for breakfast in the room as I was feeling too lazy to get out of bed.The room service was quick and the food was served and presented well.
Relax or get Adventurous:
The resort is perfect for a weekend of unwinding and the idyllic surroundings make it difficult to abandon the comforts of this peace haven and venture elsewhere. The water glistening in the outdoor pool, the spacious breezy lawns and a wide selection of great eateries will make your stay seem like a retirement home.
You’d not like to leave the resort and go out but if your soul does itch for an adventure then you need not worry. Saj hosts fun adventure activities like Zip line, Body ZORB, Zummarring, Air Crossing, Burma Bridge and a few more.
They also organize sightseeing for their guests to the nearest spots like Sunset points, Panch Ganga Temple and Main Market which are at a mere 15minute drive from the resort.
A short stroll away is Vrundavan Garden where you can hand pick strawberries from the farm or just pick ready boxes of fresh strawberries on your way back home.
The good folks at Saj packed a box of strawberries, fresh carrots, Strawberry butter and lots of love with memories to cherish.
My experience: I reasoned that a stay here would be worth the pretty pennies, as it is an experience in itself and one that I had been longing to enjoy for quite some time. Fit for families to spend a short vacation, friends to unwind or a solo traveler like to me to have a staycation, Saj on the Mountain is a place you will never want to leave.
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| I didn’t feel like leaving this place. Picture courtesy – Karishma |
Thanks to Saj on the mountain for hosting my stay! As always my opinions are unbiased and my own.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable, unique experience at Saj check their websites for the special offers!The resort is also renowned for wedding celebrations and corporate events.
Read all about my travel guide for Mahabaleshwar
SAJ on the Mountain
Metgutad Village,
PanchganiMahabaleshwar Road,
District – Satara
Mahabaleshwar 412 806
Tel: 021 – 6827 2001 / 005
PanchganiMahabaleshwar Road,
District – Satara
Mahabaleshwar 412 806
Tel: 021 – 6827 2001 / 005
Until next time,
TheWickedSoul
Wow.. i love the way your website looks now! Some serious rework you put in there.. I am happy for you love and this Saj place is something I need to checkout.. you do absolute justice to it with your words and pictures.. :*
Thanks so much Kannu! Glad you liked it 🙂