At Amaya, guests will find themselves in a private sanctuary featuring stone-paved walkways, terraced fields, sustainably curated rooms, and mountain trails.
Looking for some tranquillity? Amaya, a peaceful luxury getaway to the Himalayas, is your answer this fall. Located a little less than two hours from the Chandigarh airport, this hidden private abode is where the urban world recedes and you begin your journey to rejuvenation quite instantly. Translating to ‘simplicity’ in Sanskrit, Amaya’s minimalist yet elegant appeal is at the heart of every thoughtfully designed structure and curated experience.
The picturesque road journey to reach the serene sanctuary gently winds its way to the privately owned and sustainably managed forest on an unspoiled ridge at 4,600 feet, offering remarkable views of cascading falls and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The boutique resort, with its small footprint and an undertaking to restore and preserve its 25-acre private forest, is an ideal choice for the thoughtful traveller.
A vision of responsibility towards local materials, people, and the environment are visible in Amaya’s landscape and design. Deepak Gupta, founder of Amaya, shares, “Amaya is the result of this yearning and a seven-year journey of discovery, innovation, and collaboration. It is a proof that a habitat can be traditional and contemporary, a modern mountain village of sorts, which embraces nature and its glorious beauty instead of displacing it.”
Amaya comprises an interesting combination of chalets, suites, and villas. Each of the five villas has a study or artist studio, dining and living spaces, a fully-equipped kitchen, and three independent en-suite bedrooms that centre around wrap-around porches hugging each structure and the angled terraces. Depending on how modern-day discerning travellers like to stay while on vacation, there is a choice of nine single-bedroom chalets and six suites comprising a bedroom and a study.
Seasonal produce and local ingredients are at the forefront of the unique culinary experience at Amaya. With Amaya’s commitment to minimise its carbon footprint and to reforest much of the remaining terraces, expect impeccable service and inspired haute cuisine at the elegantly styled, panoramic farm-to-table restaurant headed by celebrated Chef Prateek Sadhu.
With much private space to purposefully get lost in, the heart of the communal experience is at the top of the private ridge that includes the restaurant and dining area, aesthetically designed Finnish saunas for adults, a gorgeous library, and a naturally filtered, heated swimming pool that perfectly satisfies one’s longing for rest and relaxation on a vacation.
AT A GLANCE:
Address: Darwa Village, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh | Website: The Amaya Life | Rooms & Suites: 20 | Restaurants & Bars: 1 | Cuisines: Local, international | Tariff: Available on request.
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