Staycation at Tropical Retreat: Every once in a while, it is good to take a break from your work, that daily routine which at times can start to feel monotonous. A couple of days off where you can simply take a pause and begin afresh not only helps to bounce back with twice the energy but also boosts creativity and all of this seems possible with a short Staycation.
This year the monsoons held me hostage within my den and only the lure of a short drive away from the city got me on my feet. Maharashtra has plenty of weekend getaway options, with Lonavala being the most preferred destination. However, the more luscious green Igatpuri with barely any vacationers felt like a reasonable choice. A few weeks ago, I set out on a short getaway to Igatpuri for a staycation at Tropical Retreat Luxury Spa & Resort.
Two and a half hours from Mumbai, Igatpuri is a small town and hill station amidst the Western Ghat mountains of Maharashtra. The monsoons, this year in particular, have not been kind to the asphalt. In what was supposed to be a scenic drive turned into a treacherous back breaking road trip. The roads were hammered pretty bad due to torrential rains the night before and the lengthy traffic lanes added to the woes. A mere 2-3-hour drive was now a restless journey. After six hours of back and forth dodging landslide prone roads, we checked in to a beautiful & rather peaceful property at Tropical retreat. The weather was pleasant with rain showers highlighting the already lush green surroundings.
Tropical Retreat Luxury Spa & Resort:
Sprawled over 8.5 acres & surrounded by lush landscapes, Tropical Retreat Luxury Resort & Spa is a stunning property for a weekend escape. Our tired faces were welcomed by warm smiles & kind hospitality and we were quickly escorted to our rooms. The rooms were spacious with all the luxury amenities available in the room. The windows opened to a view overseeing the pool and a grandiose sight of the mountains curtained by the misty weather. The mezzanine floor, the tall sliding windows, soft linen curtains, soft comfortable bed & wooden upholstery add to the grandeur of the spick and span rooms.
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Food at Tropical Retreat:
Food at Tropical Retreat:
The food scene at Tropical Retreat was impressive. Indian Food is their stronger ante where they serve some delicious kebabs and Biryani. The Chinese cuisine scores more than their Italian fare. Do try Tandoori Aaloo, Chicken Tikka and Biryani. In Chinese, I would recommend Chicken Chilly and Chicken Manchow Soup; it made for a warm appetizing start to a delicious dinner on a cold rainy evening.
The breakfast spread ranges from Indian to Continental serving from South Indian staples like Idli, Wada, Uttapam to Maharashtrian snacks Poha, eggs to order, sausages, fresh cut fruits, juices and more. The Spread was delicious, and we had a hearty breakfast right before we headed to check out.
Spa:
No Staycation is complete without indulging in a little Spa session. After an unexpectedly tiring road journey, a spa session was a great way to rejuvenate and treat our exhausted souls with a variety of therapies and Spa. I opted for Swedish Massage which has medium pressure. The masseuse was professional and ensured I had the most relaxing time. The Spa room and the bed could be a bit more upgraded as the bed made screeching sounds at regular intervals. But the overall spa services offered is value for money.
Places to see in Igatpuri:
Since it was a very short break, we decided to stay indoors and relax. If you have a couple of days in hand and are eager to explore the nearby places, there are some beautiful sites you can visit. Bhatsa River Valley is a picturesque river located at the end of Thal Ghat.
If you love trekking, you could consider Tringalwadi Fort. A beginner’s trek, the path is ambushed by greenery concluded by a view of Kalsubai mountain ranges.
Bham River is also another scenic spot to visit while in Igatpuri.
Igatpuri also makes for an ideal stopover when on a pilgrimage to Shirdi in Nashik.
Overall Experience at Tropical Retreat:
From the deluxe to suite rooms to duplex rooms that easily accommodates upto 5 people in a room, the property is perfect for large groups, corporate events and even weddings. Complete with buffet breakfast, Wi-fi, Gym access, Room Dining and Spa, Tropical retreat is an ideal choice to spend a weekend when planning a trip to Igatpuri.
The best season to visit Igatpuri is during winter when the temperature is cool, between November to February. If you love Monsoons and long drives, then you would love driving down here during July to September as well.
I was welcomed as a guest at Tropical Retreat; however, all the pictures and opinions are of my own and unbiased.
*Special mention on pictures featuring TWS – clicked by Sasha.okay.please
Until then,
TheWickedSoul
