As soon as we stepped into the main foyer of the Marigold Sarovar Portico, Mashobra- a premium resort near Shimla, we understood what was so regal about it: the view. The property overlooks the serene hills and the clear sky stretching out beyond the green lawns in the back.

The same vista welcomed us in our room (suite) on an upper floor, where a large glass window made up one wall. The pure breeze and soft sunrays on the hills reflected the mood of Shimla during the month of November. Colored in shades of wooden brown, beige and white, the suite was simplistic yet beautiful and very modern. The geometric patterned rugs, the soundproof windows, the comfortable bed, a bathroom bigger than our apartment bedroom; we wanted to stay here forever. We decided to sip on a cup of green tea by the window to watch the picturesque view and know more about the property that offers 47 premium superior rooms and 6 cottages. “The resort is perfect for family vacation and for the couples who wish to have their own time,” said Sidharath Jain, the owner of the property. As the wind blew through our hair and sunshine touched everything around us, we suddenly felt at peace. After relaxing for a short while we realized that our stomach had started grumbling.

Our first meal at the resort was in the open space of Craignano. This in-house restaurant also offers sprawling views of Mashobra’s famous greens and blues. Manoj Dev, the general manager, joined us for a leisurely lunch, as chef Vipan took us through the local cuisine of the place and the cooking techniques they follow. Here the local food has more of local produces that have high nutrients and are meant to keep the body warm. It is also believed that these foods are easy to digest and have immense health benefits.

The chef presented a series of local dishes, beginning with Chana Madra- a Himachali style curry where chickpeas are cooked in a yogurt sauce along with spices. Next was Sepu Vadi, that was made with lentil dumplings along with spinach curry. For this, urad dal is first fermented and then later shaped in form of dumplings. The next two dishes in form of Himachali Mirchi Korma and Himachali Dal made us realize the variety the place offers in form of flavors. The real surprise for the taste buds came in form of Badane ka Meetha. Made with gram flour, sugar, and dry fruits, this dish is an integral part of Himachali Dham and is served either with rice or as a dessert.

There’s nothing better than an afternoon siesta post a scrumptious lunch. Thoughts of work emails went out our head the moment it touched the soft pillows. And then, later in the afternoon, it was the perfect time for us to begin rhapsodizing about their spa, which took us deep down into inner harmony and tranquility. The spa offers both traditional Indian and international therapies. And the treatment definitely did not disappoint.

Although it was tempting to stay in and watch the beauty in and around, we headed out towards The Mall Road the same evening. One of the stated aims of this resort is to promote Mashobra as an interesting destination in itself, rather than just a gateway to this part of Shimla, as it is perceived today. And so, a multitude of experiences are on offer, from market walks to Himalayan Bird Park. The place offers so much in its narrow lanes and antique shops, that one can never get tired of. And in the company of Akul Kumar Gupta, a dear friend who belongs to the place, history, and heritage of its various communities come alive.

Back at the hotel at night, we opted for dinner at Glen, a classic pub that offers great food, great drink and great times. As we came back to the room and decided to call it a day while looking at the clear sky and silhouettes of the hills we could easily see why they came in droves to this tiny dot on the map in Shimla through the ages.