Growing up in Delhi, my most pleasant summer memories have been associated with spending time in the hills. However, since the last couple of years, my summer months had been dominated by work commitments and were disappointing (travel-wise) to say the least. But this year, I got to do it right as a friend was to get married in the hill town of Dehradun and I had insider access to the whole hullabaloo. What I didn't know was that this quick wedding trip to Hotel Regenta in Dehradun would also turn out to be the best staycation of my life.
All About Hotel Regenta Dehradun
Ever since I got the invitation, I had been mentally preparing myself for wedding chaos, mediocre food and a plain accommodation. However, as I pulled up into the the venue's grand driveway, I knew that this was no ordinary affair. All my remaining doubts were also put to rest as I entered the magnificent lobby area that resembled the modern version of the Rajput palaces I so adore. Within a few minutes, Regenta LP Vilas had ALL my attention. Read on to find out why it deserves yours too!
About the property
Situated on the Chakrata Road highway, just 12 km from the main city, Regenta LP Vilas conveniently hushes out the noise and chaos of present-day Dehradun, without making you work too hard to get to it. It is just the right amount of far from the main city.
Coming to the look and feel, Hotel Regenta Dehdradun displays a unique mix of Mughal and Rajput architecture and seamlessly combines the opulence of the bygone era along with modern hospitality. During my three day stay, I discovered that it is not only a fabulous one-stop wedding destination, but also a great choice for a luxury staycation that won't cost a bomb.
There are 66 spacious rooms and six beautiful suites at the Hotel Regenta Dehradun, each designed to get you into that lazy vacation vibe while making you feel right at home. Pick from the tastefully decorated Club rooms or Executive Rooms, Suites or Family Suites and enjoy the sprawling scenery of the Doon forests right from your balcony. When I wasn't caught up in the wedding festivities, I'd sit down with a cup of chai in my balcony and simply take in the breathtaking views.
The Wedding
The six wedding functions took place over six (of eight) grand venues of the property. So even though all ceremonies took place under one roof, the variations in the theme and decor kept each affair fresh and non-repetitive.
The engagement party at Mewar, the Rajasthani style royal court, was a true display of grandeur with dreamy chandeliers and intricate murals. The haldi ceremony saw the cozy Courtyard done up in various happy hues with quirky decor elements and tongue-and-cheek props for the photo-ops. The pheras took place in the Royal Gardens, the magnificent lawns at Hotel Regenta overlooking the Doon forests. The beautiful floral decor and the warm sunlight created a magical ambience as I joyfully watched my friend take her vows. But the best was yet to come.
The grand reception at Rajputana, the property's largest indoor space, easily accommodated the huge turnout of about 700 guests. Spectacular Rajput-style archways, traditional carvings and royal mashals on the wall together gave the ceremony an old-world charm that I had only seen in Bollywood movies.
We then proceeded for a well-serviced sajjan court at Vindhya, a cozy setting in the basement that was perfect for an intimate dinner with the closest friends and family. The celebrations concluded with a crazy, adults-only after party at the Terrace Garden, complete with an open bar, live band and the jacuzzi of my dreams. Lets just say, I couldn't have imagined a better end to my weekend.
Everything right from the decor to the catering was taken care of by Regenta's in-house team of experts. There's also a salon at the property that took care of all our beauty needs.
Best time to visit
The monsoon period, from July to September when the forests are lush green as well as the cold months, from November to February to enjoy the Dehradun winters.
How to get here
Hotel Regenta Dehradun is located in the outskirts of the city and the nearest metropolis is Delhi. Here's how can reach here from the national capital.
By flight
There are several daily flights that connect Delhi to Dehradun, starting at approximately Rs 2,000. The property is an hour’s drive away from the airport.
By train
Delhi is well-connected to Dehradun through the Indian rail network and it takes about six hours via Shatabdi to cover a distance of 305 km. The property is a 30-minute drive away from the Dehradun Junction railway station.
By road
It takes about seven hours to complete reach Dehradun from Delhi via Saharanpur Road.
Things to do
De-stress at the open-air rooftop jacuzzi
Get ready to make your jacuzzi fantasies come true with the views of the urban cityscape on one side and the Doon forests on the other.
Surrender your senses at their spa, Amara
Pick from a host of relaxing therapies from the spa menu and watch your worries fade into oblivion. I thoroughly enjoyed my 60-minute Swedish massage and woke up to a calmer version of myself–one that I hadn't met in so long!
Pamper your taste-buds at Zaffran and Coco
Zaffran, the multi-cuisine restaurant at the Hotel Regenta Dehradun brings you the best of Indian and Continental with the warmth of a great service on the side. For coffee and light bites, count on Coco, Regenta's cozy bistro serving delicious sweet and savoury delights (all under Rs 200, YES!).
Explore the nearby tourist spots
The property is located in close proximity to sightseeing spots such as Sahastradhara and Robbers Cave in case you're feeling outdoorsy.
Go for a day trip to Mussoorie or Landour
Both these charming hill stations are conveniently located a couple of hours away from the property so you can easily include a day trip in your itinerary.
For more details about the event venues and packages at Hotel Regenta Dehradun, click here.
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This is post is in association with Regenta LP Vilas by Royal Orchid Hotels
All pictures by Regenta LP Vilas
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