HILTON SHILLIM ESTATE RETREAT AND SPA, INDIA
WHERE: Nestled in an unspoiled sylvan setting amidst the magnificent landscape of the Western Ghats, Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa offers a sanctuary for the body, mind and spirit. Spread across 320ac of picturesque wilderness within the private Shillim Estate, located approximately a 30-minute commercial seaplane flight or 2.5- hour drive from Mumbai, the retreat’s mission, ‘To Conserve. To Sustain. To Heal.’, permeates every experience here.
WHAT: Shillim Spa, which features some of the most comprehensive spa facilities in Asia, integrates the ancient philosophic, spiritual and artistic wisdom of South Asia with contemporary international practices and therapies to offer complete rest and rejuvenation. Working on a consultative rather than prescriptive approach – guests are guided on a one-on-one basis – the spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments as well as holistic programmes that are designed to conserve and amplify life’s force, sustain and build health, support the healing of the whole person and celebrate the gift of life though pampering and beauty treatments. Apart from 17 treatment rooms, you’ll also find a relaxation centre and terraces, meditation cave, and yoga and hydro thermal pavilions.
MORE: The retreat features 99 villas, set amidst rice fields, bamboo plantations and virgin forests, and offering sweeping views of the valley or forest. Each comes with a dedicated spa treatment area and a private deck or balcony, while pool villas also enjoy a private pool and patio, as well as butler service. There are five dining outlets that offer an extensive range of culinary fare using organic and locally sourced ingredients that complements your rejuvenation. The Shillim Institute also includes a learning centre, cooking school, and painting and pottery studios that you can join in.
EXTRA: You can go trekking, mountain-biking and horse-riding at the retreat, where you can also discover how much of a green thumb you have at organic farming. Alternately, explore the awe-inspiring Karla caves, which date back to 220BC, or climb the ramparts of the Lohagad and Visapur hill forts.
