A weekend getaway should be close, serene, luxurious and outstanding. We found the ideal escape. Read on to know more.
Our journey from Delhi to the tranquil embrace of Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa was nothing short of a breathtaking adventure. Nestled on the Dehradun-Mussoorie Road, amidst 4.25 acres of picturesque landscape bordered by the serene Malsi Forest and the grandeur of the Himalayan range, this luxurious retreat promised an unparalleled staycation. From the warm welcome to the panoramic views, culinary delights, and a myriad of activities, our experience unfolded like a captivating story.
A smooth 5-6 hour drive from Delhi led us to the largest luxury hotel in Uttarakhand. We were greeted with the welcoming sight of traditional Uttarakhand caps and a refreshing welcome drink which set the tone for our extraordinary stay. As we entered the expansive property, we were immediately struck by its seamless integration with nature. The hill theme echoed in every detail, from the lobby’s pine cone centerpiece to mountain-themed art scattered throughout.
Our abode, the Regency Suite, was a symphony of luxury and comfort. The 74-sqm corner suite offered unobstructed 180-degree scenic views, a king bed, a spacious grooming area, and a host of amenities. The sustainability touch with glass bottles, the delightful welcome goodies, and the opulent bathroom enhanced the overall experience.
The suite just felt like a cozy home where we could not just relax but also enjoy the mountain views. The king size bed was super comfy, and there was also a separate grooming area with a wardrobe. With plenty of space to move around, it gave a sense of freedom and peace. We were delighted to see the welcome goodies of fruits, macarons and some sweet treats kept for us. Staying in the Regency Suite also gave us access to the Regency Club Lounge at the hotel.
What made this suite truly amazing was the incredible view. The windows open up to a 180-degree panorama of the Himalayas. It’s like having a live painting as your backdrop, making you feel connected to nature all the time.
The bathroom was not less than a spa. A luxurious bathtub, shower and toilet cabinets with bath goodies. The emphasis on sustainability could be seen with the provision of glass bottles, such a thoughtful touch!
Range and Beyul, the hotel’s exquisite restaurants, present a tantalizing array of dining options, from international favorites to local delicacies.
Our gastronomic journey commenced at Range, a culinary haven offering regional, Indian, and international comfort food. It was a late lunch, and the lunch buffet featuring a plethora of choices made us even more hungrier. Dal Makhani, Chilli Paneer Malai Tikka, along with Beetroot and Cheese Khasta Kebab stood out for me. The expansive dessert section included a sweet symphony, with Besan ke Laddu, Malai Cham Cham, Kaju Pista Roll, Halwa along with an assortment of cakes and pastries.
We then headed to the suite to relax while in the evening, we headed for another unique and incredible experience . Despite the drizzle, we got to witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti which was nothing short of magical, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas with live singers serenading the evening.
After this, we headed for Chai pe Charcha, an informal gathering where guests can indulge in lively conversations, enjoy complimentary tea, snacks and fun games along with live music. Since it was raining that day, it was shifted indoors but it usually happens in the lawns. I truly commend the fact that if you ever find yourself bored in the room, there was always something exciting happening within the hotel!
You can also watch the below videos to get a glimpse of the activities at Hyatt Regency Dehradun.
Malt Bar at Hyatt Regency Dehradun is where you can enjoy crafted cocktails and even join a fun session through their Bar Paathshala with their mixologist. Just across Malt Bar is The Market, where you can discover a treasure trove of local crafts, Agri produce, and spices. From Pahadi salts to chutney powders, it’s a unique shopping experience, connecting you with the flavors of the region. Loved the fact that we can take the authentic taste of area back to our hometown.
The Skypool Bar & Deck, with its scenic views, provided a perfect setting for a relaxing sundowner. The pool overlooks the expansive lush hills of Doon and looks so gorgeous.
Our dinner that night at Range, curated by Chef De Cuisine Pankaj Rawat, who is a true culinary masterpiece.
We first checked out the buffet which was so elaborate – there were fresh colourful salads, Mediterranean, Italian, Chinese/Asian, Indian and so much more.
We opted for a-la-carte and started with Mezze Platter which I would say was classic at its best. Everything in the platter was so fresh. Then came Classic Tomato Burrata Salad which had farm tomato, fresh burrata and pesto. We also tried Earth Bowl which had exotic mesclun, quinoa, cous cous, pearl onion, smoked beetroot, orange and toasted walnut. It was just so delicious.
The other things we tried included Neapolitan Pizza, Saffron Risotto and a Ravioli – SO good leaving an indelible mark on our taste buds. The night ended with the mesmerizing night view of the hills from our suite.
Waking up to the breathtaking hill view, we headed for breakfast at Range and on our way witnessed some soulful live singing in the lobby.
We were greeted by Executive Chef Sahil Arora and Chef Sunil Kumar during breakfast. The extensive breakfast spread started with fresh fruits, refreshing juices, however, what caught our fancy was cutting chai. Live counters featured dosas, uttapams and omelettes, while the other options included stuffed parathas, chhole bhature, poha and a lot more. The tandoori kulchas stood out for me – incredibly fulfilling and delicious. A special mention to their organic honey also which comes directly from Malsi Forest.
The breakfast buffet also comes with a Regional Special dish which is served everyday – a Kumaon hills specialty which is simple yet flavourful. On the day we headed for breakfast, there was Ajwain Paratha with Dhapdi – a Garhwali delicacy prepared out of leafy greens such as palak (spinach) and methi (fenugreek) leaves. Accompanied with Bhaang Chutney, Cucumber Raita, Pineapple Chutney, and Pahadi Salt, the breakfast offered a delightful journey through the local flavours.
The attention to detail and freshness of the food made it a memorable and delicious start to the day.
The day unfolded with some outdoor gaming fun. My brother tried Segway and I tried my hands on darts. We had so much fun while making some amazing memories.
Then it was time to further explore the property. First, we entered the Regency Ballroom, a grand space that seemed perfect for hosting magical events. Adjacent gardens added a touch of nature’s charm. Then there was a well appointed Boardroom, Vista Lawns and the stunning Pinnacle Lounge. Every inch of the hotel spoke of luxury, charm, and the promise of creating lasting memories.
We then explored Camp Hyatt which is a vibrant and engaging play area designed for children aged 3-12. It offered a diverse range of activities, including arts and crafts, board games, mind-building games, daily family activities, and even a reading zone. It provides a delightful space for both kids and parents, featuring entertaining games like table tennis, carrom, foosball, video games, and more. With a variety of options, it ensures that children have a fantastic and enjoyable time during their stay, making it an ideal family-friendly offering.
The Spa was like a peaceful retreat with calming colors, swings, and spacious treatment rooms. I’ll share more about my personal experience in a bit. There is an in-house salon too. For fitness enthusiasts, the Gym is equipped with top-notch weights and machines, perfect for staying fit during your stay.
If you’re staying in their Club & Suite rooms, you also get access to the Regency Club Lounge, where you can enjoy complimentary hot or cold beverages all day. Between 5 – 7 PM, they even have a happy hour with snacks and drinks.
Beyul, the new rooftop restaurant, promises an exciting culinary experience and is a must-visit for its unique offerings. It was about to launch when I visited but I’m eager to explore Beyul during my next visit to Hyatt Regency Dehradun.
The hotel also organizes a lot of immersive adventures & excursions in and around Dehradun, from exploring local food trails and engaging in nature walks & talks to discovering cultural sights and local sightseeing. We went on a short day trip to Sahastradhara, renowned for its medicinal water spring.
The short day trip was followed by a feast of the famous Garhwali Pahadi Thali at the hotel. This meal was no less than a feast. There were so many delicacies – Bhang Paneer, Kafuli, Aloo Jakhya, Dhapdi, Gath ki Dal, Jakhya Rice, Kumaoni Raita and Mandwa ki Roti, offering an authentic Garhwali experience in a five-star setting. We concluded the thali with Singori and Pahadi Kheer and this definitely was a meal I’ll remember for a long long time ahead.
In the evening, we enjoyed the lively Chai pe Charcha session, filled with laughter and engaging games. The highlight was a mesmerizing Kathak performance by a trained Kathak dancer that left us captivated.
Later, we captured beautiful moments with photographs around the stunning property. A leisurely stroll through the Kitchen Garden showcased the cultivation of fresh herbs and vegetables, adding to the property’s charm.
For dinner, we indulged in Chicken Tikka and Chilli Paneer, complemented by refreshing mocktails ordered in the room. The enchanting evening continued at Range, where a live singer enchanted us with melodious tunes, creating a delightful dining experience.
Refreshed and energized the next day, we headed for breakfast at Range.
Imagine my delight when I discovered Maggi in the breakfast buffet—a dream come true for a Maggi fan like me! Without a doubt, the first thing I tried was Veg Maggi and it was so good.
We also tried healthy shots of Coco Ash Juice, known for its nutritional benefits. The breakfast spread was diverse, with fresh salads, Masala Dosa, Omelette, and Bisibele Bhat. The highlight was the Regional Special dish, Gahat ka Paratha with Aloo ki Thechwani, a delightful and delicious addition to the breakfast menu.
Post breakfast, me and my mom headed for a relaxing spa. The spa at Hyatt Regency Dehradun is a haven of tranquility, adorned in soothing hues of beige and is a rejuvenating experience amidst scented hallways, swings, and spacious treatment rooms.
I opted for the Stress Away Aroma Sensational massage with aroma oils and it was incredibly relaxing and melted away my tension and stress. In fact, they use their own organic skin care to pamper guests.
The spa offers a range of soul-soothing treatments including massages, facials, scrubs, wraps, express treatments and baths, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking serenity and well-being. It absolutely rejuvenated our senses.
Our final meal at the hotel concluded with the famous Farmer’s Sunday Brunch, which was nothing short of a feast for the senses with over 80 locally sourced ingredients and 10+ live food stations.
From artisanal cheeses, cold cuts, and soups to Street Food, Asian, Italian, and Indian kitchens, the spread was vast and diverse. The brunch also featured a live pizzeria, pasta station, sushi kitchen, and more.
The dessert section was a haven for those with a sweet tooth, with an array of exotic heavenly pastries, Indian sweets, and fruits.
The lively atmosphere, coupled with live music and a flea market showcasing local artisans from Dehradun, made it an unforgettable experience for us.
We also witnessed their Goodbye Ritual, where their entire team came outside to bid us goodbye. This emotional goodbye left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Our stay at Hyatt Regency Dehradun was undoubtedly one of the best staycation – a harmonious blend of hospitality, culinary excellence, breathtaking views, and a plethora of activities. From outdoor games and excursions to ‘Chai pe Charcha’, every moment was crafted for enjoyment. The hotel’s warm hospitality, stunning setting, and culinary delights have set a new standard for luxury travel.
The people, food, and hospitality exceeded our expectations, making it the ultimate gateway to the best hill getaways. A heartfelt thank you to Rhythm Gandhi & Karan Singh Nagra, General Manager Sumit Kumar, Chef Pankaj Rawat, Executive Chef Sahil, Chef Sunil Kumar, and the entire team for curating an exceptional and unforgettable experience.
Until we return, the memories of this Himalayan retreat will linger in our hearts.
