Hey Potpourriers!
The draft to this post was lying here for a long time. I guess the crazy hectic end to the year with regards to work and deadlines did take a toll on my consistency. Apologies to those who’ve been looking forward to this post. But hey, it’s finally here!
With more than 100 hotels and resorts worldwide and the strongest, most globally diverse portfolio in its history, the Paris-born Le Méridien brand connects the curious and creative-minded traveller to unexpected and engaging experiences within their destination.
Although our trip was sometime in November 2015, every little memory of all the experiences at Le Meridien Resort and Spa, Mahabaleshwar are as fresh as the flowers that bloomed in this luxurious forest resort… Located near the city centre on Satara Road, the journey to Pune International Airport is approximately 120 minutes by car.
Here are 5 reasons that are enough to get you tempted to check out this magnanimous property that lies in the heart of Mahabaleshwar – a quaint hill station.
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| Outside our villa 🙂 |
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| Our Classic Forest View Room |
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| The Balcony |
The Tranquillity
Most places offer tranquility… I mean that’s the least you’d expect when you’re vacationing away from the hustle bustle of your city. But there’s something about the villas we were staying in. Ours was the Classic Forest room. It was serene and the balcony opened out to dense greenery. All I could hear were the different kinds of chirps and natural sounds of nature and how blissful it was! The weather was on our side too making it perfectly pleasant.
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| My favourite space within the LM Mahabaleshwar property |
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| Porperty musings as we explored… |
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| The poolside right after sunset… |
The Property
Covering over 27 acres, the magnanimous Le Meridien Resort and Spa is surrounded by evergreen forests of the Western Ghats within the heart of Mahabaleshwar. As the largest and only internationally branded hotel in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, the resort stands secluded from the outside world and brings anyone who resides there, in close touch with nature. With 122 rooms that are a perfect blend of nature, luxury and technology, it makes for the perfect getaway.
The Spa
Known as Explore Spa, there’s an entire 2 storey building dedicated to the art of relaxation. A fresh and modern aesthetic approach towards all things wellness… the 5,070 sq. ft. spa is a vision in white.
I noticed how even the tiles within the spa rooms have rainbow colours reflecting off them due to light. Very soothing to the senses to say the least… Explore spa houses seven treatment rooms as well as a larger couple’s room with a freestanding soaking tub. What a great way to unwind with your better half, right? 😉
One can experience expertly applied Asian reflexology, fragrant aromatherapy oils, deep tissue Swedish massage, or an intoxicating blend of all three. One can customise a treatment for themselves if they’re seeking something in particular which I think an added advantage. They also have a spa menu that offers fresh juices, smoothies, specialty coffees and a array of healthy snacks.
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| Almost every meal at LM Mahabaleshwar 🙂 |
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| Strawberries Galore at High Tea |
The Food
Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar has 4 unique dining (and wining) experiences to offer.
Chingari – which is an exclusive all Indian restaurant specialising in the unique and traditional flavours of North India, Awadhi and Hyderabadi. The décor was aesthetically rustic with dark wood, leather accents and a few elements of colours in the upholstery. A show kitchen only adds to the fancy of the patrons as they can witness the chefs cooking up a storm!
Latest Recipe – We savoured our Le Meridien Signature Breakfast right here. It offers a multicultural menu of Western, Asian, and Maharashtrian dishes in a sun-drenched setting overlooking the Sahyadri Valley. The décor is actually very daylight friendly and the vibes are as laid-back as you’d like your stay to be. If buffets are your thing, then this is where you should be dining whenever you make that trip.
Longitude 73 – Looking at unwinding over a drink or two? This elegant bar is where you could very well enjoy doing the same. Located in the Grand Wing, the space is intimately chic with club chairs that exude a modern charm. I personally thought the space was very interesting designed. There’s a pool table too if you enjoy that sort of thing. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to try any of the drinks, I was told that a couple of signature concoctions like the Cucumber Martini, Cardamom Sensation and more are worth checking out.
Plunge Bar – When we further explored the property, we came across the much talked about Infinity Pool (Oh what a pool it was… that with a breath-taking view of the never-ending mountains). Right by it, is Plunge Bar – the perfect set-up to get your boozy buzz on by the poolside.
A special mention to the insane variety of fresh strawberry-oriented meals we were pampered with as this was the season to savour them. The high tea menu had strawberries incorporated in sandwiches as well as Le Meridien’s signature éclair. Made for a very pretty sight! 🙂
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| The games room |
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| Pool table |
The Recreational Offerings
Whatever your needs may be, chances are you’ll find it all here in the grand property. From a fully equipped fitness centre to the most sought after salon services… there’s also a spacious games room to keep you occupied while you’re holidaying. A variety of fun-filled entertainment options, there’s also a mini theatre to satiate your movie watching cravings. If you’re the sporty kind, then there’s table tennis, basketball, cricket and more to pump up that adrenaline. Last but not the least… A recreational space would be incomplete without a library. So yes, one can find their solitude amongst the books.
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| All the buzz during the Kahaani Festival |
Meridien Family Kids Club
Additional family offerings at Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar include the Le Méridien Family Kids Club, a nurturing environment for games, sports, crafts and activities. Dedicated to children 3-12 years of age, the club’s central space radiates a playful energy with vibrant décor, child-size furniture and a wall of cubbyholes filled with exciting games and toys. The outdoor play area, with its slides, seesaw, swing and tricycles, stimulates hours of active play. Daily nature walks on the resort’s grounds introduce kids to the natural beauty and wildlife of the region.
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| All smiles with the mother |
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| Brass handicrafts at Devrai Art Village |
On our way back, we stopped by to check out the amazing brass works at Devrai Art Village. Just goes to show how much talent we have in this country… 🙂 Picking up gifts or souvenirs for family and friends from here is a nice way to conclude your trip.
Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar indeed has a lot to offer… So what are you waiting for?
Go ahead and plan that next getaway. 🙂
Address: 211/212, Mahabaleshwar Medha, Kas-Mahabaleshwar Rd, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra – 418206
Phone:02168 262 222
Until next time…
The Potpourri Girl
xx
Email: thepotpourrigirl@gmail.com
The Good Life Potpourri 