Westin Sohna Resort and Spa: A Real ‘Quick’ Getaway

When you check into a hotel usually it’s a front office manager who greets you. But at Westin Resort and Spa we were welcomed by a beautiful Emu (yes the bird), and that very moment I knew this will be a holiday in the lap of nature away from the concrete jungles next door where most of us work and live.

Emu came first and then the welcome drink- a refreshing apple and cinnamon shot. The check-in was smooth and we were escorted to our room- a Premier Villa (room rate of about Rs 16,500), which is a category above the base category of rooms. Since I checked in with my husband the staff member guiding us to the room was prompt to ask if we were there to celebrate some occasion. We were not there for a celebration but it sure felt nice and special. Little things go a long way in enhancing the guest experience.

In the lap of nature

I loved the villa- a cosy living room, just about right for two people, gave way to the bedroom which had a four poster bed. It was a picture perfect room with an inviting hammock peeping from outside. But the best part was the bathroom. Hotel bathroom matters- while many hotels understand this, some just don’t! Westin Sohna Resort comes in the former category. The one that came with our premier villa is one of the prettiest hotel bathrooms I have come across with a glass ceiling that allowed ample light to come in. A small bathtub, shower area and two sinks- it was designed the way just a resort bathroom should be! I am sure I am visiting this resort property and checking in at the Premier Villa for its bathroom. The bathroom amenities by Biotique are done thoughtfully too- aloe vera soap, green apple shampoo and skin lightening serum instead of a run-of-the-mill body lotion.

Shower With a View: Bathroom with Skylight roof (Premier Villa)

The hotel has inspiring outdoors and it encourages you to spend more of your time out in the open. So there is the very innovative walkathon- a walking track complete with milestones and fun things to do while you burn those calories walking. Ride a bicycle that is available on the premises for free, visit the mini animal farm or just laze around on the grass to hear the chirping sparrows. There is a fitness centre and indoor game rooms as well.

The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa houses three restaurants – The Living Room which is the all day dining restaurant, Chinese dining venue Xiao Chi and Pavilion for intimate dining experiences. Guests also have the option of spending their evening at the Mix Bar and Lounge or lounge poolside munching some great food. The Living Room with outdoor seating is perfect for Sunday Brunch and plays host to many walk-ins too. During my stay I noticed that the Chinese restaurant has its own patrons and is quite popular among repeat guests. If you are ever here you must try the Chinese greens and fried rice with shrimps. The F&B staff at the resort is attentive and helpful. They walk that extra mile to serve guests.

Suite Pleasures: Couple Suite at the Spa

I was really looking forward to my time at The Heavenly Spa and had high expectations from it as I had read some rave reviews about it. Well the spa exceeded my expectations and was undoubtedly the high point of my stay at this resort. I opted for the signature- Heavenly Massage. The massage starts with a hot compression on the back followed by a full body and head massage. The therapists at Westin are well trained, the treatment rooms spacious and menu quite exhaustive. The changing area has steam, sauna and Jacuzzi but its outdoor shower area of the couple suite that I loved the most about the spa. (You can see the Vine video here http://t.co/12IJ9T2Rna )
The latest addition to this resort is the Westin Lake, just outside the premises where one can enjoy fishing, barbeque or a romantic dinner (on request). The recently restored water body adds to the charm of the resort. This property is great if you are looking to spend some time with your kids or spouse. Here is a tip– the road that leads to the resort from Gurgaon is bumpy so don’t expect a great drive and make sure your vehicle is in a good shape.

The check-out was fast and hassle-free. Emu was running freely, happily in the vast gardens of the resort as I bid adieu to my weekend destination.

Fast Facts

• Westin Sohna Resort and Spa has 97 rooms and villas spread across 37 acres.
• It has rooms in three categories: Premier Room, Premier Villa and Luxury Villas. Luxury Villas have two bedrooms and a living room.
• The resort also has a Presidential Villa that comes with a private pool, garden and butler service.
• The Westin Sohna Resort is 60 minutes (by road) from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and 40 minutes from the central business district of Gurgaon.
• The resort features a Spa, Kids Club and Fitness Centre. It also has a walking track.
• The dining options at Westin Sohna include The Living Room, Xiao Chi, Pavilion, Splash (poolside) and Mix Bar and Lounge.
• Westin is a Starwood Hotel brand.