By Samikshaa V Baaliyan & Anchal Singhal
An Architectural Marvel ‘Tree of Life Eila Resort'
Birthdays are always special and when its a Milestone Birthday, it’s even more special.
I wanted to do something different so that it remains memorable throughout our lives, but I had no clue on how to celebrate. Only thought was to celebrate in the hills with very few close people.
My cousin suggested a place and at first, I thought what fun it will be to go 500kms driving and staying in a resort with 4-5 people. But then, she asked me to open my laptop and browse through their website and as soon as I saw the architecture of the property, I just wanted to go there.
It was a group decision that we wouldn’t stretch ourselves much and instead of being bone tired by the constant travel, we would take a halt enroute. We quickly looked up couple of websites and apps and halted at a resort in Mandi. As we all know, the first thing which charms you and soothes your senses is the crisp morning air of the hills and the temperature drop in the evenings.
We were most eager to reach our destination,
The Elia- Tree of Life resort for we had been waiting for the same for over a month. All of us were really touched by the warm welcome that the staff of Tree of Life, Naggar had planned for us.
The indigenous elements make it extra special, apart from the tilak ritual and welcome drink- ‘apple toddy’, it was the ‘Himachali topi’ that we kept carefully as a souvenir, to share with family, when back. Post the warmth extended to us, it was time for the show round and soak in the beauty of the meticulously designed resort, crafted with intrinsic detail. Seemed like a sculpted art museum, every corner of the hotel was custom tailored. Instead of the conventional rooms, you enter into an abstract geo structure that is so unique and exclusive.
Tea Time, lounge area mesmerized the guests with artistic walls with colored stones carved and natural elements interwoven giving it a unique rustic appeal. The winding staircase led us to the hall comprising of SH Raza paintings which was oh-so-insta worthy for the city dwellers.
One could choose to relax by the pool, or embark on an adventure through the surrounding natural beauty. Since it had been a long drive for us, we decided to soak in the environment and relax and enjoy the scenic views.
Dinner at Dusk
As the sun begins its descent, one can savour a sumptuous barbeque dinner next to the bonfire. at the resort's lawn area. The resort's culinary team is committed to creating dishes that delight the senses. We had briefed the staff that we had planned the trip on a special occasion- milestone birthday and they indeed made the dinner set up and courses into a culinary journey we wouldn’t soon forget.
That ‘Top of the World’ feeling-
Celebrating a milestone birthday at a luxurious resort, with its stunning aesthetics was what we had envisaged, and we were very content with all the services and amenities that Tree of Life Naggar offered. Little did we know the chief highlight of our trip was yet to come- private breakfast in the meadows, and world-class service including a private butler, is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. Comes at an added cost but it’s worth every penny. The staff has to be briefed the evening prior so that they prepare breakfast items and carry the baskets and all the picnic amenities in their car. The pictures clearly show the regal affair that this brunch turned out to be.
The town offers a range of activities to suit every preference, from yoga and hiking to trout fish farm visit. Since, we all hadn’t seen the famous Atal Tunnel, we thought of going to the Sissu waterfall. So, if you’re looking to commemorate your special day in style and luxury, there’s no better way than to do it on a hilltop where you can feel on top of the world. Cheers to a milestone birthday that we would treasure forever!
