Who doesn't know about this stunning hill station in India, by the banks of river Beas, surrounded by snowcapped mountains on all sides? Manali has always been a renowned getaway destination for all types of travelers. Whether you are looking for a quick trek, a honeymoon, or simply want to wind up and relax, Manali has all the vibes.
But recently, with Covid-19 taking over our lives and work-from-home becoming the new norm, Manali has also become home to work vacays, or “workations” if you may. Today, you can spot travelers from different corners of the world, seasoned and beginner trekkers, and tech folks working in different homestays, hotels, and hostels across the town.
I have been to Manali over five times before, but this time was slightly different. Every other time, it was mostly about doing a trek, family trips, or a quick getaway with my girls.
But this time, Manali was like a romantic adventure getaway for me. It was my husband’s first and I wanted him to experience the best of all worlds. We stayed in multiple properties across Himachal for over 10 days. From five-star to homestay, to hostel, and my favorite, a swiss cottage tugged away in the heights of Vashisht, we did it all.
This is my review of my stay at Chalet Windflower, a quaint little swiss-like experiential property 30 minutes away from Manali.
Location
Chalet Windflower is located about 30 minutes away from Manali, towards Shanag village. You need to head towards Vashisht village, cross Bahang village and head uphill toward Burwa bridge. You need to cross the narrow one-way Burwa bridge and you’ll find the property on the opposite side, just 5 minutes uphill.
Stay options
This is a quaint little property that has three cottage options.
1. Orchard cottage: this is the lowest category and the price starts from 9000 INR. It hosts a bedroom, bathroom, a small study, and a living room. It is perfect for a couple.
2. Alpine Cottage: this is the middle category cottage, it has a room, a bathroom, a kitchen, a dining, a living, a balcony, and a small study-like gazebo. Each of these spaces comes with a heater. The kitchen is equipped with basics like a kettle, some sugar, coffee, and salt. There are also some utensils and a bread toaster you can use. The gazebo comes with a glass ceiling and glass walls overlooking the snowcapped mountains and the property’s apple orchards. The living room has ample seating for up to four people, and 4-seater dining. The study has a diwan seating and a collection of books for you to enjoy. This is perfect for a couple or a small family.
3. Condo cottage: This is the highest category of the cottage. It is a four-bedroom house, with one separate gazebo, a large balcony, a bar setting, a kitchen, dining, and attached bathrooms. This house overlooks the entire valley, the apple orchard, and the snowcapped mountains. The gazebo is a small sunroom with glass walls and ceilings. This is perfect for a big group of people.
Property Amenities
• Heaters
• Parking
• Common dining
• Chef on call
• Food prepared if ordered
• Two caretakers
• Library gazebo
• Games terrace area
• Bar setting
• Sunroom
• Steam, sauna, and jacuzzi
• Massage chairs
• 3 Music systems
• Kids play area
• Gym, yoga gazebo
• Private and public gazebos
• Ensuite cottages
• Hairdryers
• Ironing machine
• Electrically heated bed covers
• Microwaves
Dining
Dining facilities aren’t included. But the property has a chef who cooks almost every type of food. All you need to do is order the previous night and your food will be customized accordingly. The food once prepared will be served in your respective cottages. Microwaves are available in each cottage and can be used to reheat food.
Things to do around:
This is a property in a hideout. So it is good to take a break from the city hustle and relax here. However, old Manali is about 30 minutes downhill, and there are a few smaller treks that can be done around the village. Restaurant 1947 is less than 10 minutes on foot and serves some delicious multi-cuisine food and live music.
Key takeaways from my experience at chalet:
• I could plug into the speakers in my room, common dining as well as the jacuzzi and enjoy my own music
• The bar setting in the common area is free for public use. So if you’re a big group, you could come down and make some drinks for yourselves
• The host Sakshi is a darling. She will help you with everything, at any time of the day. She even knows the city inside-out. So feel free to ask her for treks around the corner
• The personal gazebos were my favorite. I love reading and with a view like this, I loved waking up early and grabbing a book with my coffee every morning
• The library gazebo is also a gorgeous setting. Again a paradise for book lovers. It is cozy and very bookish
• The Jacuzzi is their star seller. The Jacuzzi and massage room overlook the mountains and are especially perfect on the snow-filled cold winter days
Check out the live video reel I made on this property here!
#Whereizmyboardingpass
So what are you waiting for? Book this property now and enjoy your staycation amidst beautiful apple orchards, snow-capped mountains and a blissful swiss experience.
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