When you meet me in the city, I am the person who’s frantically looking for her Uber. At 8pm. In the middle of a party. By 10pm on most days, I am cozied up on my bed, watching a show, eyes barely open. The phone then falls on my face, a reminder that I should finally give up and go to sleep.
Take me out of the city, into the mountains and my adventurous side takes over. Unbeknownst to my city self, this woman will sign up for early morning treks and late evening soirees. Maybe it’s got to do with the fact that when I am surrounded by mighty peaks and verdant greenery it causes a temporary suspension of my logic. Maybe it’s that I need to get out of the city more. Possibly both. And that’s exactly what was on offer at the Hyatt Regency in Dehradun.
I was already in a good mood, even before I boarded the flight. I learned that the airport of Dehradun is called Jolly Grant which in this season just means good vibes and twinkling lights. A quick ride through the winding roads of the mountains later, I was in the cool environs of the Hyatt Regency Dehradun where a giant pine cone sits pretty, with a fountain gurgling around it. The check in was quick and easy and while we waited, we were given the local hats to wear and a local drink which was salty but also sweet but also pungent? It was unlike anything I have tasted before.
Not Your Regular Run Of The Hill
The suite we had faced the hills so we woke up to the stunning expanse of green- it could have the 90s Windows wallpaper. What particularly stood out was the effort the Hyatt Regency Dehradun has put into being sustainable. They have the usuals – a note about placing the linens on the floor only if you want them washed, glass bottles for water- but I loved that they left us a welcome message written in leaves. The rooms are spacious, giving you plenty of space to put up your big coats and voluminous sweaters, given that it gets pretty chilly in the nights here.
The hotel also has sprawling lawns with cozy chairs where you can snuggle up with a book or a loved one and simply be. Something I strongly recommend if city life has been getting to you.
Cuisines And Cocktails
For many of us, the food is the highlight of the vacation and the Hyatt Regency Dehradun spoils you silly in this aspect. Looking for a generous spread where you can try something from around the world? Head to The Range. There’s a sushi counter here which I may have been responsible for completely emptying. The Malt Bar here has the bartenders whipping up delicious cocktails while you soak in the vibe of the live music. A special shoutout goes out to Rishabh Tyagi, the restaurant manager who took care of our needs and Shankie, the bartender who made me the most fragrant, unsweet cocktails that I had way too many of. This was also the point when I abandoned all need for sleep and danced into the night (to soft music- the cocktails did their job). See, adventurous side.
Willing to brave the cold? Then head to the Beyul, the rooftop bar where you have views of the city lights twinkling in the distance and food that warms the cockles of your heart. If you’re headed to Dehradun around Christmas time, you’re in luck and you get to indulge in Hyatt Regency’s Christmas brunches and dinners. You can get your hands on indulgent plum cakes, handcrafted cookies, mince pies, dundee cakes, chocolate Santa and more at The Market. You can head to the Christmas Eve Dinner on the 24th or the Christmas Brunch or Dinner on the 25th at Range. There’s plenty to pick from and I am willing to place bets that you will be wishing that they had a bed you could roll on to. Which they do, you will just need to check in.
Let Me Take You Relaxing
I know you weren’t expecting to see a trek in the woods in the bit about relaxation but hey, I was in the hills. The hotel arranges for activities you might want to do- great for families. So, early in the day, I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, and laced on my shoes. We went on a small trek in the woods, the leaves crunching under our feet and climbed up to a clearing where we could hear the birds chirping. I would grumble about the early morning if I wasn’t in the hills but the cool breeze and nature did its thing. I just took it all in. The most easy morning I have had in weeks. Of course, the promise of the spa session also did its magic and I was willing to run an extra mile and tire myself out. Could have done a marathon then.
Which brings me to the spa at Hyatt Regency Dehradun. This is an opulent space that calms you down even before the session has started. Dimly lit interiors, gently fragranced rooms and subdued music, I was struggling to stay awake before the therapists walked in to say hello. My therapist had to probably step aside to wipe off some sweat given how deeply wound the muscles on my shoulder were. I came out wanting to have quiet conversations or none at all, while I sipped on my green tea. Then, I went back to the room and slept for four hours straight.
In the midst of all this, I also decided to take a dip in the rooftop pool. Should have listened to my city self and stay put but oh well. The water was very cold and I have no clue why I thought it was a good idea, but I waddled furiously in the pool trying to get some body heat. Nothing worked. So I stepped out and had to thaw by the pool, taking in the warm winter sun. Thankfully, two days later, I was back in Mumbai, all sense of adventure sucked out of me. Not stepping near a pool for a long time now.
When you’re headed for the hills, in the most literal way, the choices can get limited. If you’re looking for 5 star luxury, combined with sumptuous meals and lots of spaces to unwind, the Hyatt Regency Dehradun is perfect. By the way, the property also has plenty going on for Christmas and New Years so keep your eyes peeled on their socials or you could go on their website here.
Loved this article? I am a serial traveller and went to the Westin Pune too.
