Escape to Paradise: Hill County Resort, Manali Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into a full-on review of Escape to Paradise: Hill County Resort, Manali Awaits! Let's get real, shall we? I'm no travel agent, I'm just… me. And I like to be honest. So consider this your no-holds-barred, slightly-rambling, often-opinionated guide to this Manali escape. (Spoiler alert: I have many feelings.)
First Impressions & Accessibility (and My Slightly Panicked Search for the Elevator!)
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" sounds… well, it sounds lush. And the photos? Instagram-worthy, for sure. But let's talk reality. Arriving? That Manali air is THIN, folks. And getting around? Well…
- Accessibility: They say they have facilities for disabled guests. That's great! I spent a good five minutes having a panic attack because the reception looked like it was on a hill. I mean, seriously. I finally found the elevator (thank goodness!), but the initial climb… whew. It's not perfect accessibility given the mountain location, but they're trying, I think.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer is available, which is a lifesaver (trust me, getting to Manali is an adventure). Free parking is good news.
Rooms: Ah, the Sanctum…or Not Quite?
Okay, the moment of truth. Let's be real, the room is where you spend most of your time.
- General Feel: The room? Decent. Clean, mostly. The air conditioning in the mountains feels like a luxurious treat. The blackout curtains are a godsend. (I need my beauty sleep!)
- The Little Things: Free bottled water, a coffee/tea maker (crucial!), and a mini-bar? Check, check, and… well, the mini-bar was a little slim-pickings, but hey, they're trying.
- The Internet Saga: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! (Though, let's be honest, the Wi-Fi can be a little… temperamental. Sometimes the mountains just swallow up that signal, ya know?) Internet access – LAN? Didn’t even bother with that! And, let’s be frank, I’d rather stare at the mountains than stare at an ethernet cable, even if it gets me faster internet
- The Bathroom: They have separate shower/bathtub! Which is lovely. Bathrobes and slippers? That's a win in my book. (Because let's face it, I’m a sucker for a good bathrobe.)
- The Details: Extra-long bed? Woohoo! A laptop workspace? Okay, maybe I COULD work a little from paradise…Nah. I don’t think so. I went for a little work on the terrace.
Food, Glorious Food… with some caveats.
Seriously, food is life. So, the food situation?
- Breakfast Buffet: Breakfast buffet? Yes. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast? Also yes. It's a standard buffet, but, you have to manage your eating and be alert on finding the best places.
- A La Carte Chaos: The restaurant has a A la carte option. They had a "vegetarian restaurant". But I didn't go there.
- The Bar & Snack Bar: The poolside bar is a lovely idea, though it's a bit… quiet during the day. But the views make up for it!
- Room Service: 24-hour room service! This is a huge plus. Especially when you're tired.
Relaxation: The Spa, the Pool, and My Existential Crisis
Ah, the reason to go to the mountains. To relax. But…
- The Pool with a View: This is it. This is where your Instagram feed blows up. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. I nearly cried. (In a good way, obvi.)
- The Spa: The spa? Standard stuff. Body scrub, body wrap, massage - all there.
- Sauna and Steamroom: Yes and Yes.
- Gym/Fitness: You know, if you're into that. (I am not. But it's there!)
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID Reality
In this day and age, it matters.
- Safety Measures: They seem to be taking it seriously. Hand sanitiser everywhere. Staff in masks. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are a necessity.
- Rooms are sanitized between stays - Yes!!
- Daily disinfection in common areas? YES!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are a necessity.
The Extras: Services, Conveniences, and My Mild Fascination with Shrine.
- Services and Conveniences: Concierge, laundry service, dry cleaning, daily housekeeping… the usual suspects that try their best to make your stay easier.
- For the Kids: Family/child friendly. Babysitting service. Not my department, but good to know!
- The Shrine: There is a shrine. An actual shrine. I didn’t know how to interpret it.
- Cash Withdrawal: Because you will definitely need cash. I'm not even sure where it is.
Things to Do: Beyond the View
- Views, Views, Views: You'll find yourselves taking pictures.
- The Fitness Centre : I’m not a gym person. But the views from the pool are amazing.
My overall experience I genuinely had a really nice time at Escape to Paradise: Hill County Resort. It wasn't perfection, you know? But the views? The pool? The sheer "get away from it all" vibe? It's enough to melt away the stress. I felt so much better. It's a good choice.
The Quirky, Opinionated "Are You Seriously Still Reading?" Marketing Pitch:
ARE YOU TIRED of the MUNDANE? The endless emails? The SAME OLD ROUTINE?
THEN SCREAM at the heavens and book your escape to Escape to Paradise: Hill County Resort, Manali!
Here's the REAL DEAL on why you SHOULD book now:
- Immersion in Nature: Forget the concrete jungle. The mountain air will cleanse your soul (and maybe your sinuses).
- Views to Die For (and Instagram): Seriously, the pool view alone is worth the price of admission. Prepare for your friends to be jealous.
- Spa Days & Chill Vibes: Body scrub? Body wrap? Massages that make your muscles sing? Yes, please. And did I mention the pool?
- COVID-Conscious Cleanliness: They're taking it seriously, so you can actually relax. (And maybe even eat from the buffet without a full-blown panic attack.)
- The "I Need This" Factor: You deserve it. Go. Book it. Thank me later.
But Seriously…
Escape to Paradise: Hill County Resort, Manali Awaits! is a solid choice. It's not flawless, but it's real. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Click here to book your escape from the everyday. Your sanity (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
Unbelievable Nepal Safari: Thakudwara Lodge's Untamed Wonders!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to get real with this Manali itinerary. Forget those pristine, perfectly-timed travel brochures. This is the raw, unfiltered, maybe-slightly-disorganized account of my trip to the Hill County Resort. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster!
Hill County Resort, Manali: My Beautiful, Chaotic Adventure (AKA, Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Meltdown)
Day 1: Arrival – And the Great Luggage Struggle of 2024 Begins
- Morning (ish): Landed in Kullu. The airport? Tiny. Cute, actually. Like a little bird's nest airport. That is, until you have to wrangle your luggage. Apparently, I packed for a month-long expedition to Mars. I swear, I thought I’d need that thermal underwear just in case. Anyways, the pre-arranged transfer from the airport… let's just say the driver looked like he’d seen a few things, which, considering the roads, was probably a prerequisite.
- Afternoon: The drive to the resort was… an experience. Winding roads, breathtaking views, and the constant, nagging worry that my suitcase was about to escape through the trunk. We passed by a LOT of apple orchards. Like, a lot. I mean, I love apples, but I started wondering if I could trade a few socks for some actual fruit. I also noticed a lot of construction. Hope they're building something cool!
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: FINALLY! Hill County Resort. It's… beautiful. Seriously. The pictures don't do it justice. I felt like I'd wandered into a postcard. Check-in? Smooth. They gave me a ginger tea (because, altitude!). Then the REAL struggle began: getting my luggage (remember the Martian expedition?) to my room. The bellhop (bless his soul) looked like he was about to weep. I offered to help, but I knew my strength was inversely proportional to the incline.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort restaurant. The food was AMAZING. I ate like a person who hadn't eaten in a week (which might have been true, given the airport snacks situation). I had what I think was mutton curry. It was spicy and delicious and I may have cried slightly from the sheer joy of it. And the view from the dining room? Unforgettable. Like, actually unforgettable. I swear, I'm going to have wallpaper of this view. Maybe I should start a scrapbook.
Day 2: Solang Valley – Thrills, Spills, and a Near-Death Experience (Kidding! Mostly.)
- Morning: Woke up feeling like a new person. The altitude hadn't completely destroyed me! Breakfast was perfect - and I mean PERFECT. And the view!
- Morning/Afternoon: Solang Valley Adventure! This was the day I was most excited about. It was supposed to be paragliding. Oh boy. Got to the top of the hill. The views were unbelievable. The paragliding… well, let's just say I got my money's worth in screams. The wind was a maniac, and I swear, I saw my life flash before my eyes. The pilot was calm. Too calm. I, on the other hand, was channeling my inner banshee. But then, we landed. Alive. And the view… the memory? Amazing. Worth it. I think. (Maybe?)
- Afternoon: After my near-death experience, I decided to take it easy. Went ropeway (much safer). The views from above were so good. I also tried some local street food. It was… interesting. I think. Honestly, my stomach was still recovering from the paragliding.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort again. This time, I opted for something milder. (My life insurance policy was still fresh in my mind after paragliding.) I spent the evening staring out at the stars. The air was so clear, I felt like I could almost touch them.
Day 3: Exploring Manali – Chaos and the Power of Thukpa
- Morning: Spent the morning exploring the local market. I'm not a shopper. I'm terrible at it. But the smells! The colors! The sheer CHAOS! It was sensory overload, but in the best way possible. I ended up buying a scarf that's probably twice my size. No regrets.
- Afternoon: Visited the Hadimba Devi Temple. It was peaceful. And beautiful. I lit a candle. I might have accidentally knocked over a few others. Sorry.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Thukpa. I’d heard tales of its magical powers. Specifically, the ability to cure all ills. So I searched for the best Thukpa in Manali, and found it. It was the perfect balance of brothy, flavorful and warming. I ate it and felt my soul slowly become warm. Incredible.
- Evening: Quiet night. I sat in my room, on the balcony, watching the sunset. I felt a sense of peace. (Maybe the Thukpa was that powerful?)
Day 4: Riverside Relaxation and Unexpected Reflections
- Morning: Found a spot by the Beas River. The water was so clear and the sound was so beautiful that it was almost meditative.
- Afternoon: Honestly? I just chilled. I read. I napped. I did absolutely nothing. (And it was glorious.) I'd been feeling really out of it on the days, really, like the altitude was messing with my brain. So this day of doing nothing was awesome.
- Evening: Packing. The dreaded task. Reflecting on the trip, I realized that I came with expectations – views, adventure, relaxation. What I got? A messy, chaotic, often-hilarious adventure with some profound moments of beauty and reflection. And that, my friends, is what made it perfect.
Day 5: Departure – Farewell, Manali (and My Sense of Calm)
- Morning: Another stunning sunrise. One last breakfast. Said goodbye to the resort (and the view).
- Morning/Afternoon: The drive back to the airport. Another rollercoaster of winding roads. Another chance to reflect on how crazy, how messy, but how wonderful the trip was.
- Afternoon/Evening: Flight. Back home. Already planning my return. I miss the Thukpa. I miss the mountains. I miss the chaos.
The Verdict: Hill County Resort, Manali? Go. It's an adventure. It's beautiful. It's messy. It's real. Just pack light. Unless you plan on going to Mars.
Escape to Paradise: Apple Inn's Causeway Bay Oasis
Escape to Paradise: Hill County Resort, Manali - Let's Get Messy!
Okay, spill the tea. Is Hill County Resort *really* as dreamy as those Instagram pics make it look?
Ugh, Instagram. The bane of my existence and the reason I booked this trip. Okay, fine, the short answer? Mostly. But let's be real. The photos? They're... *enhanced*. You know, the lighting, the angles, the strategically placed flowers strategically *not* showing the slightly dodgy patch of chipped paint on the balcony railing.
The view? Spectacular, absolutely. Like, genuinely breathtaking. I spent a solid hour just staring at the mountains, feeling all zen and 'one with nature' and then promptly spilling my coffee all over my new white sweater. So, yeah, beauty and chaos. It’s the whole package, folks.
So, yes, it's dreamy-ish. But pack stain remover, you'll need it.
The food! Tell me *everything* about the food. Was it worth the price tag?
Alright, buckle up, because the food situation is… complex. The breakfast buffet? Pretty solid. Dosas, parathas, the usual suspects. Pro-tip: get there *early*. Because vultures… I mean hungry tourists… descend on the buffet like it's the last feast on Earth. I swear I saw a woman physically *fighting* for a piece of toast. A piece of toast! It was… memorable.
Lunch and dinner at the in-house restaurant? Mixed bag. The Indian dishes were generally pretty good – especially the mutton rogan josh. Worth a try, but the quantity? A bit skimpy for the price if you intend on just ordering one dish. The 'Continental' stuff? Best avoided unless you have a serious craving for lukewarm pasta and suspiciously rubbery chicken. I swear I think I saw them use the chicken leftovers for the next day's omelette. It was a bit disappointing. My recommendation? Stick to the local flavors unless you're feeling brave or you really enjoy gambling with your tastebuds.
Was it *worth* the price tag? Hmmm. Depends. If you love convenience and mountains, mostly yes. If you're on a budget? Maybe smuggle in some instant noodles. Just sayin'.
How's the vibe? Is it all honeymooners and families, or is there some variety?
Vibe check! Okay, brace yourselves and take a deep breath. Expect a healthy dose of honeymooners, glowing with freshly-minted love and probably trying to take a million perfectly posed selfies. There were also a *lot* of families, sometimes with small kids who seemed to have a special skill for shrieking at the most inconvenient moments, like when I was trying to meditate. Then a few older folks, and a few of my kind of solo travelers and a couple of friends. So: a mixed bag.
Honestly, it depends on when you go. I went during peak season and saw the honeymooners, loud children, and the slightly bewildered, and frankly, probably *over* paying, families. If you hate screaming kids, maybe go during the off-season? But then you might get the *other* kind of screaming: the wind howling through the mountains. You can't win, can you?
The rooms! What are they actually like, beyond the pictures?
The rooms... Okay, let's talk rooms. My room? It was... fine. Cleanish. The bed was comfortable enough (although I suspect someone had been jumping on it before me. I could feel the springs a bit). The view, as I mentioned, was ridiculously stunning. The balcony was a decent size, perfect for sipping tea and contemplating your life choices (which I did... a lot).
The bathroom, though… that’s where things got a bit… real. The water pressure in the shower was… a suggestion. And I am pretty sure the hairdryer was older than I am. It took about fifteen minutes to dry half my hair, and by then, I was sweating more than if I'd spent an hour at the gym. But then again, the view from the bathroom window was pretty good, so minor inconveniences.
I'm not going to lie, for every little problem, I remembered I was in the freaking Himalayas and relaxed somewhat. I just learned to embrace the minor imperfections.
Tell me about the staff. Were they helpful? Annoying? Somewhere in between?
The staff? Honestly, they were lovely. Generally, they were incredibly helpful and polite. They were very patient with my terrible Hindi and always greeted me with a smile. I accidentally locked myself out of my room (don't ask) and they got me back in with impressive speed. They were polite but not annoyingly so, which I appreciated.
I did have *one* slightly awkward experience with the room service guy, but he was very apologetic. I ordered something in the middle of the night, he had no idea where to put it, and I had to explain to him the room number. So, they're definitely earning more experience, but the service was pretty good!
Overall, the staff were probably the best part of the whole experience. They genuinely seemed to want to make sure you enjoyed your stay, which is a big win in my book.
Activities! What is there to *do* at the resort and nearby?
Activities! This is where things get a little... scattered. At the resort itself, there's a spa. I didn't go (see: budget, see: chipped paint incident). They have activities like yoga, but I slept in instead. You can also just wander around the grounds, which are quite pretty if you're into manicured lawns and well-positioned flowerbeds, which, let's be honest, I am.
Nearby? Manali itself is buzzing. You can hike, you can go paragliding, you can visit temples, you can shop for souvenirs (although be prepared to haggle like your life depends on it). I spent a day exploring the city but got a bit overwhelmed by the crowds. It really depends what your priorities are: Adventure? Spirituality? Shopping? Eating? The resort can help book tours, arrange transport, the usual thing. Then I spent *another* day just staring at the mountains. You will never *not* see the mountains.
Pro-tip: Be prepared for altitude sickness! Take it easy on your first day, drink plenty of water, and avoid running up and down the stairs. Which I completely failed to do, and ended up feeling like I was going to die. Seriously, it's not fun. Don't be like me.
