Nestled amidst the mighty Himalayan ranges and famed apple orchards of Himachal, an exquisite stay experience awaits you at LaRiSa Manali.
“A medium-sized fish fry and Coke, please”, I place my order quickly just to go back to basking in the warm, autumn sun and taking in the view. The bamboo shack I’m sitting in is right in the midst of lofty cedars and deodars, with a roaring rivulet of the Beas gurgling right next to me. I’m at the Himalayan Trout Fish Farm in Haripur, a 25-minute drive from Manali, watching my lunch being caught fresh right in front of my eyes. The birdsong is filling the crisp mountain air, while the golden rays dapple through the leafy foliage overhead. The entire experience is surreal in its simplicity.
And that’s exactly how Priya Thakur, founder of LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts, envisions each of the experiences offered around all of her properties to look like — laidback, sustainable, and close to nature. Thakur started out in the boutique hospitality space with a 22-key resort on her ancestral land in the outskirts of Manali in 2015, and later expanded the brand to Shimla, Mussoorie, and Goa’s Morjim and Ashwem. I relish my fresh and spicy trout fish, as Thakur passionately talks about the challenges of building a responsible resort in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley, her latest project in the works.
LaRiSa Manali: A sanctuary of bespoke luxuries
I am spending my days at LaRiSa Manali at absolute leisure — taking long strolls in the property’s lush lawns, playing rounds of snooker under blue open skies, curling up on a hammock with a romantic fiction from the inhouse library, and sipping on tipsy concoctions from the stylish Chaang bar and lounge. Nestled amidst about 18 acres of apple orchards in the quaint village of Haripur in Naggar district, the serene property is at a remove from the main town, making it easier for me to unwind, away from the touristy chaos and clamour.
Spread out in two-floor blocks over four acres, there are four suites on the upper levels, 10 deluxe rooms giving out on to lawns, and eight classic rooms that are quite spacious and pleasing. My swanky suite at this pet-friendly haven in Himachal, promises true laidback luxury, featuring a queen-sized solid wood poster bed, carpeted living space, a little reading corner, abstract art on the walls, a classic fireplace, and a personal jacuzzi!
Step out, and you will find yourself in the middle of nature’s bounty an outdoor pool reflecting the surrounding snowcapped mountains, lush orchards, an organic farm, and a herb garden. Central to it all is the reception area on either side of which is a glass-fronted lounge and covered dining room. Their signature Khambir restaurant serves everything from a mean Arrabbiata, steaming hot spinach and cheese momos, to the traditional Kullvi Dham serving local dishes like maash ki dal, chana madra, aloo palda, and boondi ka meetha.
What to do around LaRiSa Manali
Help clean up the village: Thakur is actively associated with Healing Himalayas, a non-profit organisation working tirelessly for protection and preservation of the Himalayas. You can visit their segregation centre in the Mansari village to understand the process, and even be a part of the change they wish to bring by volunteering to help.
Go on a hiking trail: Hike up to Soyal and take a dip in the refreshing natural pools of water or take a longer trek to Chandrakhaini, if you’re feeling adventurous. You can even pick to hike to one of the secret spots in the village (ask the hotel’s concierge) to sit by a free-flowing stream and enjoy a steaming plate of Maggi!
Try paragliding: For thrill-seekers, the Kullu region also has places that offer paragliding. This is the perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping while enjoying the breathtaking views.
Visit Naggar Castle: Built in the ‘kuani’ architectural style with walls in alternate layers of stone and beams of wood, the castle’s windy courtyards and galleries offer sweeping views of the valleys below.
At a glance
Address: Kullu-Naggar-Manali Road, Haripur, Himachal Pradesh 175136 | Rooms & Suites: 22 | Restaurants & Bars: 2 | Tariff: Starts from INR15,000 plus taxes | Contact: 080 4876 6766 | Website: larisaresort.com
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