Tales from the misty mountains

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. – Kahlil Gibran.
 
There’s something about misty mountains that puts you at peace with yourself. The mist enveloped us when we visited the Westin Resort & Spa, Himayalas in Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand. Named after the king who once ruled the green pastures, Maharaja Narendra Shah of Tehri Garhwal moved his capital from Tehri to the picturesque location of Odathali or Narendra Nagar. Not more than five hours from Delhi, the winding roads leading up to the plateau gradually reveal a misty hilltop, where you hope the road will finally lead you to. As always, nature never disappoints, and minutes after your steady ascent brings the temperature lower, you are in full view of the Himalayas. Neither pictures nor words can capture the magnificence of those mesmerising bugyals and towering peaks whose beauty leaves a lasting impression.

We were warmly welcomed by Natendra Chattopadhyay, the Assistant Marketing Manager at the property. Growing up as an army kid, Natendra brought a wealth of knowledge about the area as he guided us around the property. During our insightful conversation, he discussed the importance of wellness and the surrounding hills, which are central to Westin, Himalayas, and other Marriott properties. What truly sets this space apart are the Ayurvedic principles that are woven into every aspect of the property. From holistic treatments to consciously curated food and the intricate design of the hotel, everything reflects a deep sense of mindfulness.
 

The all-day dining space at the hotel is called Akasa, which is right by a beautiful infinity pool serving some spectacular views. Executive sous-chef Ashish Kandwal, known for his gentle smile, was extremely generous in whipping up some traditional and global food. He took a note of every little detail we gave him and came back with a variety of delicious dishes. Being from the Garhwal region, he offers guests an authentic taste of local cuisine that showcases dishes like Ghaat ki Dal and Palak Kandhari Saag, crafted from fresh, organic ingredients sourced from nearby farms. This hotel not only offers a taste of Kumaon's heritage but also champions the organic movement, supporting local farmers and sustainable practices. Each meal is a celebration of the land, prepared with care and dedication, encouraging visitors to connect with the region's rich agricultural traditions while enjoying the wholesome bounty that nature has to offer.

For a change in pace, we took a brief buggy ride to the other adjacent part of the property that houses two stunning royal villas and an Asian restaurant called Toya. Think live, teppanyaki, pillowy sushi, and the lively performance of Chef Dave, who skillfully creates flavours over an open flame. Originally from the Philippines, chef Dave earned the art of Asian cuisine in Dubai before making the Himalayas his home. Extremely jolly and chatty, he swept us away not just with his knife and fire antics but also with the delicious food he prepared.  

The following morning of our checkin, we set out on a trek through a mountain to reach the Kanjipuri Temple that sits on top of a hill. Our mountaineer, Manish, although shy, helped us through this challenging trek that was rocky with steep curves and narrow ridges.While trekking destination is seldom a goal for trekkers. The beauty of a trek is the journey. The excursion is a humbling experience in itself, especially for us city folks. While a walk through the city streets takes us through crowded roads, noisy streets and pollution filled air; a trek through the forests takes us through a “road” less travelled, filled with the sounds of birds, and bristling trees. Praying at the temple after a trek and a clim of 300 steps had an energizing effect on us.

Now onto the best part of the hotel, the heavenly spa that is said to be one of the biggest in the country. They say, ‘wellness here isn’t an offering—it’s a way of being.’ They offer well thought-out yoga sessions held against the panoramic quietude of the Himalayan range. The sessions are inspired by the spiritual legacy of nearby Rishikesh, the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’—where every stretch and stillness draws energy from the earth beneath you and the sky above.
The 10 treatment rooms at the spa are like little gateways to centuries-old Ayurvedic rituals. One can also try Sound Healing & Meditation, which they offer using Tibetan singing bowls that vibrate with ancient resonance—an invitation to align your inner world and ground yourself.

Words Hansika Lohani
Date 15.05.2025