The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa, on the outskirts of Chandigarh in the state of Punjab, is the Oberoi’s latest addition to their collection of luxury Indian hotels.
Sitting at the foothills of the Himalayas and nestled within the Siswan Forest, this unashamedly opulent resort sprawls across 20 acres of manicured gardens and is surrounded by a further 8,000 acres of lush woodland. Brand new, we recently spent a night at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa, and here is how our experience went:
The Premier Room is the starting room category at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa
On learning that the Oberoi group were to open their latest ‘Vilas’ property (that’s the name it gives its leisure hotels) after a hiatus of 14 years, we were very excited to try it for ourselves. After a long five-hour drive from Delhi (alternatively, one can fly or take the train), we entered the gates to a sequence of landscaped courtyards, Mughal-inspired arches and collonaded verandahs, with golden finials glistening above onion-domed rooftops. The architecture is familiar with the other Oberoi Vilas (such as The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur and The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambhore) yet has its own distinct personality. An avenue of fountains, streams and reflection pools draws you to a pair of soaring brass-framed doors, which rise majestically from floors of red sandstone. As you step through them into the lobby your eye is charmed by the delightful gold-leaf elephants dashing happily across the cornices. Simultaneously, you’re greeted by the scent of a huge bouquet of fresh, pink lilies, as a member of staff offers you a cold towel.
We were whisked through the property to our Premier Rooms. Five different categories of rooms and suites are on offer at The Oberoi Sukhvilas; from the Premier Room to the Royal Tent, Royal Forest Tent with Private Pool, Luxury Villa with Private Pool, and lastly the palatial Kohinoor Villa. Along the way, Ms Shivangi provided us with a brief orientation tour, pointing out facilities such as the restaurant, boutique and pool.
Inspired by the traditional and very symmetrical Mughal architecture, Premier Rooms are arranged in what the Oberoi calls “clusters”. Each cluster features a central courtyard and fountain, surrounded by six rooms.
Shiv Gurjar, co-founder, outside a cluster of Premier Rooms
As we entered our Premier Rooms, the décor is delightfully colonial; from the four-poster bed to the teak flooring and the prints of moustachioed officers. The spacious, 700 sq ft. room boasts a walk-in closet, a freestanding bathtub (with its own flat-screen television) overlooking a private frescoed courtyard, a separate multi-pressure shower and his-and-hers washbasins.
One of our Premier Rooms at The Oberoi Sukhvilas
Fireplace in the Premier Room at The Oberoi Sukhvilas, Chandigarh
The Premier Room has a beautiful bay window
Every bathroom has its own free-standing tub, overlooking a private courtyard
His and hers washbasins in the bathrooms
The latest technology blends seamlessly into the room; from the electronic toilet offering a multitude of settings, to the ‘Oberoi E’nhance’ iPad allowing you to control the lights, television and room temperature with the touch of a button. The iPad also connects you to a camera in the doorway, allowing you to see who’s outside before you remotely open it. And, you can check your bill, summon the butler, or book a treatment.
‘Oberoi E’nhance’ allows guests to control lighting, temperature and more at the touch of a button
Having settled into our rooms, we decided to cool off in the pool; a stunning, deep-blue tiled space overlooking the forest. As we swam, we again experienced the signature Oberoi service, as a member of staff discreetly placed towels, chilled water and slippers on our deckchairs. As the sun began to set, lights began to twinkle around the poolside.
Shiv Gurjar, a co-founder, taking a dip in the pool at The Oberoi Sukhvilas, Chandigarh
The pool looked stunning at dusk
Later, we headed to the resort’s restaurant – Anant Mahal – for dinner. We were seated at a cosy table on the terrace, and with a chill in the air, our table was warmed by a crackling fire-pit. The food and service were excellent as one would expect from an Oberoi hotel. We started by sharing an appetiser of Amritsari fish (white fish fried in a style local to the Punjabi city of Amritsar). For our main course, Madeleine opted for a smoked salmon risotto, while Shiv enjoyed Kadhai Pakoda (fried dumplings in a spiced yoghurt gravy) with Indian bread and pickles. We didn’t order a dessert, but the surprise complimentary chocolate cake ended the evening on an extra special note.
Anant Mahal restaurant is an all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant
Walking back to our rooms later that evening, we enjoyed the peace and tranquillity; this would be an ideal place to relax and recharge after the hustle and bustle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Looking up, the sky was full of stars – we were informed that the resort will soon be offering star-gazing activities.
The following morning our day began with breakfast in the restaurant. Shiv opted for traditional puri bhaji (fried flatbread with potato curry), whilst Madeleine attempted to counteract last night’s indulgences with the healthy option; scrambled egg whites. The restaurant offers a variety of Indian, Continental and Asian dishes, so there’s something to suit all tastes – if not, the chef is always keen to discuss your requirements and create something special for you.
After breakfast, we headed out with the resident naturalist on the ‘Wild Acacia Trail’ – a gentle walk providing an introduction to the natural habitat of the Siswan Forest. Along the way, the naturalist pointed out interesting flora and fauna, nilgai (antelope), and spectacular views. For the more adventurous guests, The Oberoi Sukhvilas offer the ‘Ridgeline Trail’ – a challenging two and a half-hour walk through the breadth of the Siswan Reservoir. Alternatively, The Oberoi also offers archery, cycling, mountain biking, badminton and city tours.
The nature trail leads through the Siswan Forest
Prior to leaving, we were taken on a tour of the property by Mr Magdum, in order to explore the various rooms, suites and facilities on offer. At Indian Excursions, we personally visit all the properties and experiences we provide in order to ensure your tour is nothing short of spectacular. Our first stop on the tour was the spa. The spa is not yet quite ready and will be fully functional in mid-April 2017. It is to be the true highlight of The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort and Spa. Mr Magdum explains that Sukh is a Sanskirt word that means ‘good space’ and upavasa: ‘to be near oneself’. With good space in and around us, we naturally experience wellness and happiness, and upavasa becomes the most beautiful space to be in. By spending time in upavasa at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa, guests can attain an abundance of sukh that will remain with them long after they’ve checked out. Wellness, Ayurvedic and relaxation programmes, from 1 – 21 days, have been specially curated to help each individual discover their inner sukh.
The Oberoi Sukhvilas is a destination spa, centred around wellness, relaxation and Ayurveda
We then proceeded to visit the Royal Tents, which are inspired by the traditional caravans that crossed the desert during the times of the Raj. These lavish tents offer all the comforts and facilities one expects from a 5-star resort; including teak wood floors, a spacious bathroom and four-poster bed. We did notice that the décor of the tents is somewhat similar to that found at The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambhore, so if you’re staying at both hotels during your tour we recommend going for the Premier Room (or Luxury Villa) for a more varied experienced. If Ranthambhore doesn’t feature in your itinerary, the Royal Tents here at The Oberoi Sukhvilas offer a wonderfully exciting safari-style experience. Best of all, a number of Royal Tents come with their own private, temperature-controlled pool.
The spacious Luxury Villa (1,500 sq ft.) boasts a separate living and dining room, in addition to a king-size bedroom and spacious bathroom. The private garden and temperature-controlled pool are accessed through French doors in the living room.
Royal Forest Tent with Private Pool
The jewel in the Oberoi’s crown, the Kohinoor Villa is truly palatial and spread over 4,200 sq ft. Its design is reminiscent of a traditional Indian haveli (intricately-carved stone townhouse), with a sun-lit courtyard connecting the three bedrooms, private pool and garden, and living/dining space.
Free-standing bathtub in a Royal Tent, at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa
Rooms at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa start from approximately ₹35,000 ($375; £465) per night. The property is open year-round but best visited from October – April.
Chandigarh is within driving distance of Delhi (it takes about five hours), else one can fly (an hour) or take the train (four hours). It’s an ideal stepping stone to the Himalayas and a stay at Wildflower Hall in Shimla (an Oberoi resort. Do take a look at our sample itinerary by clicking here), else its also a smooth gateway from Delhi to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Madeleine and Shiv, co-founders, at The Oberoi Sukhvilas in Chandigarh
If you’re considering a stay at The Oberoi Sukhvilas on your upcoming trip to India, please get in touch. As specialists in private, luxury tours of the region and as a preferred partner of The Oberoi Group, we have all the right knowledge, experience and contacts to ensure your journey is nothing short of spectacular.
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