Escape to Paradise: Gangtok's Garden Retreat Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Gangtok's Garden Retreat Awaits! - A Review (and My Slightly Chaotic Thoughts)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause I just got back from a trip to Escape to Paradise in Gangtok, and let me tell you, my brain is still processing it all! This isn't your perfectly polished, robotic travel review. This is real me, post-vacation, still half-dreaming of momos and mountain views. Get ready for a rollercoaster.
First, Let's Talk Accessibility (and the Elephant in the Room: My Anxious Thoughts)
Look, I'm not going to pretend I went with a wheelchair. But I'm hyper-aware these days of accessibility. So, I asked – and the hotel seemed to have facilities. Apparently, they've got facilities for disabled guests. Which is, well, a good thing. They also have an elevator, which is a lifesaver given the Gangtok terrain, and also for getting to the upper floors which are definitely up there. I didn't personally experience it because I'm a capable gal, but good on them for addressing the needs. They claim to have things like ramps. Listen, I'm just putting it out there – always call ahead and confirm these things. Don't be like me, assuming everything's perfect on the web!
Oh, the Internet! (and My Digital Anxiety)
Okay, internet. Necessary evil, right? They've got Wi-Fi, which is a must. Apparently free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And Internet access [LAN], and internet. They did ok, considering the location. But let's be honest, in a place like Gangtok, the internet is a mood. Picture this: you're desperately trying to upload that amazing mountain selfie to Instagram, and… buffering for eternity. There were certainly moments where I wanted to throw my phone into the valley. It wasn't fast, guys. But it worked. And there’s Wi-Fi in public areas, so you can work, if you work.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Pandemic Shuffle (Because, Let's Face It, We're Still Living This)
Phew. Here's where Escape to Paradise really shone. They went hard on the hygiene and safety. I swear I saw a guy with a hazmat suit once, haha! They've got all the bells and whistles: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks, daily disinfection, all the usual suspects. They're also big on the "Individually-wrapped food options." So, no communal buffet, which is a relief. Rooms are sanitized between stays. I felt pretty safe there, which is a big deal these days. The staff are trained in safety protocols, which is a massive plus.
Food Glorious Food (and My Endless Hunger)
Okay, let's talk about the real reason we travel: the food. And Escape to Paradise does NOT disappoint. They have restaurants! Several restaurants! Plus the coffee shop, and poolside bars, etc. They've got multiple cuisines, including Asian (duh, Gangtok!), international, and a Vegetarian restaurant. I devoured the vegetarian momos. Absolutely divine. They have buffets which are ideal for a good filling breakfast every morning… I'm not judging! They also offer breakfast in your room and breakfast takeaway. Sometimes, post-hike, nothing beats a good breakfast in bed. They have a bar, too. They offer a la carte, alternative meal arrangements, and room service. Honestly, I ate like a king. Or, a queen. A very hungry queen. They did not offer food delivery, which is a shame, but the other options are good enough. Desserts? Coffee? Soup? Yes, yes, and YES.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and My Blissful Spa Experience (It's a Deep Dive, People!)
Okay, so you're in Gangtok. You're surrounded by the Himalayas. You need to relax. Escape to Paradise understands this. They have a pool with a view (that's a huge win!), a sauna, a steam room, a gym (I confess, I skipped that), and a spa! I spent, like, a whole afternoon buried in the spa.
Now, about that spa…
Okay, prepare yourselves. Here comes my rambling about the spa. It was incredible. They offered a body scrub (which felt glorious, scrubbing away my city-dwelling grime), a body wrap (which left me feeling like a newborn baby), and massages. Oh, dear sweet Jesus, the massages. I had the full-body massage, and I may have briefly achieved enlightenment. I started to feel the tension in my back unwind, and the muscles just…melted. The masseuse was incredible, finding every knot and working it out. The pool with the view was gorgeous. They also have a foot bath? I think I was so relaxed I forgot to experience it. Sauna? Oh yeah, and a steamroom? Yes. The spa. It's why you book this hotel. It's why you live. It's… it's just wow.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (And Where I Spent Most of My Time!)
The rooms themselves are lovely. All rooms are non-smoking, and you can easily open the window. They had everything: air conditioning, a coffee/tea maker (essential!), a hairdryer, a mini-bar (a must for late-night snacks), a safe, and a lovely seating area. The beds were comfortable, the linens were crisp and clean, and the views… well, the views. They also have a room with additional toilet. And they do offer extra-long bed. Definitely choose a room with a view of the mountains. You won't regret it.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
They offer all the usual amenities: laundry service, dry cleaning, daily housekeeping (thank god!), luggage storage, a concierge, and a gift shop (where, yes, I bought all the souvenirs!). They also have a currency exchange, which is handy. And good for the kids. They have a babysitting service.
For the Kids
They are family friendly, and have kids facilities.
Getting Around (Because, Seriously, Gangtok is Hilly!)
They offer airport transfer and a taxi service. I used both, and they were efficient. They also offer valet parking. There's also car parking, which is free of charge.
Overall Vibe (My Honest Take)
Escape to Paradise in Gangtok is a truly wonderful place. The staff are friendly and helpful. The views are stunning. The food is phenomenal. The spa is pure heaven. The COVID protocols are strong. It is not perfect, but nothing ever is.
But here's the BIG question: Would I go back?
Absolutely, YES. I'm already dreaming of returning for another massage, another plate of momos, and another chance to lose myself in the beauty of the Himalayas.
Here's My "Escape to Paradise: Gangtok's Garden Retreat Awaits!" Offer (Because You Deserve a Piece of Paradise!)
Tired of the City? Craving a Mountain Escape? Then, Honey, This is Your Sign!
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Gangtok's Garden Retreat NOW and get ready to be pampered!
Here's the Deal:
- Book for 3 nights or more and get a FREE welcome drink at their poolside bar! Sip your drink, feel the mountain breeze, and let your worries melt away.
- Indulge in their heavenly spa and receive 10% OFF all spa treatments. Book that massage! Your body (and your sanity!) will thank you.
- Plus, as a bonus, you'll receive a complimentary breakfast in bed on your first morning. Because, let's be honest, who doesn't love breakfast in bed?!
Why Escape to Paradise?
- Breathtaking Views: Wake up to the majesty of the Himalayas. Seriously, the views alone are worth the trip.
- Unforgettable Relaxation: The spa is legendary. Get ready to unwind.
- Delicious Food: From mouthwatering momos to international cuisine, your taste buds will thank you.
- Safety First: They take COVID-19 precautions seriously. You can relax and breathe easy.
Don't wait! This offer is valid for bookings made before [Insert a date – e.g., the end of the month].
Click here to book your escape to paradise: [Link to Booking Website]
(P.S. Tell them the review lady sent you! You might get an extra cookie…)
Raj Resort Kelwa: Your Dream Indian Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just visiting the Garden Retreat Hotel in Gangtok, India, we're inhabiting it. This ain't your meticulously planned, sanitized itinerary. This is a diary of a slightly frazzled (but deeply enthusiastic) traveler, ready to eat, pray, and possibly trip over a yak. Or, you know, the lobby furniture. Let's see…
Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization (aka "Breathing is Hard, Apparently")
- Morning (Who knows what time it is? It's Mountain Time!) - Landed at Bagdogra Airport. The air…it's thinner than my patience after a long flight. The pre-booked jeep transfer to Gangtok was a rollercoaster. Literally. Those mountain roads? Sheesh! I swear, the driver was part mountain goat, part race car driver. We arrived at the Garden Retreat, finally. Check-in was thankfully smooth. The reception staff? Delightful, and miraculously un-judgemental of my disheveled appearance.
- Afternoon (aka "The Oxygen Mask Phase") - Luggage unpacked, I tried to do a little sightseeing, but it was clear I'd underestimated the altitude. I took a few steps, and I felt like I'd run a marathon. The hotel's views, however, are mind-blowing. The Kanchenjunga is just… there. Like, right outside your window, judging your inability to breathe. I spent a solid hour just staring. I have got some great pictures from here.
- Evening (aka "Mom, I'm Eating Dhal Bhat, and It's NOT Like You Make It") - Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Tried the Dhal Bhat. Let's just say, Grandma's best recipe? This one is completely different. But it felt so good to be eating a hot meal after the flight. I took a slow walk around the hotel garden. The air was crisp, the flowers vibrant. I got a bit lost and found myself gazing at the Himalayas which made me feel so small for a moment.
Day 2: Monastery Madness & Momos of Mirth
- Morning (aka "The Thukpa Tsunami") - Woke up surprisingly well-rested. Altitude is slowly, slowly, losing. Breakfast was a buffet bonanza - a mix of local delicacies and familiar comfort foods. The Thukpa, a noodle soup, I discovered, is a life-saver. Absolutely drowning in it, but delicious.
- Late Morning/ Early Afternoon (aka "Prayer Wheels and Personal Space Violations") - Visited Rumtek Monastery. Breathtaking architecture. The air feels filled with an otherworldly sense of peace. I spent an hour here just wandering, taking in the sights, and learning how to spin a prayer wheel (badly). So many people! But everyone was so kind and welcoming. The monks – their robes were a fiery red and golden, making me feel underdressed in my travel clothes.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (aka "Momos, Momos Everywhere!") - This is where things got…messy. Wandered into a little hole-in-the-wall eatery, drawn in by the smell of steamed dumplings. Ordered like twelve plates of momos (pork, vegetable, even a spicy chicken one). They were absolutely incredible. The spice level? Let's just say I was hiccuping fire for a good hour. But it was worth every fiery moment of my mouth. I was lucky enough to have a local show me how to eat them correctly which made the eating experience even more special.
Day 3: The Tsomgo Lake & Yeti Whispers (or, A Day of Highs and Lows)
Early Morning (aka "Jeep Adventures, Part Deux") - Hired a jeep to Tsomgo Lake. The drive, well, let's just say I considered a career change to professional nail-biter. The roads are a joke. The scenery, again, is spectacular. The driver had stories of yak, and of course, Yeti sightings! I didn't see anything.
Mid-Morning/Early Afternoon (aka "Lake of Dreams (and Frozen Toes)") - Tsomgo Lake. The color of the water? Jaw-dropping turquoise. It's a sacred lake, and the feeling is tangible. I spent hours simply standing there, gazing at the beauty, and feeling a sense of peace I haven't felt in, well, forever. Note of caution? Dress warm. Even in the "warm" months, it's COLD. I'd say my toes went numb in the middle of the day.
Late Afternoon/Evening (aka "The Great Hotel Room Meltdown") - The journey back was a bit rough. I started to feel unwell on the road. Once back in the hotel, I had a massive crashing headache, and just wanted to crawl in bed. I got a fever and couldn't eat my dinner. So to bed with me. Day 4: Garden Garden, and Goodbyes
Morning (aka "Rest & Recovery") - I woke up much better. The headache was gone, and I felt well enough to enjoy a simple breakfast. The hotel staff was concerned. and brought me some home-made tea.
Mid-day (aka "The Garden Retreat") - I took time to stroll around the hotel gardens. The flowers were vibrant. I took time to enjoy the moment and relax.
Afternoon (aka "Farewell, Gangtok") - Time to check out of the hotel and start my journey home. I am sad to leave. I tried to soak in the last of the views, the smells, the sounds. This trip wasn't perfect but it was an amazing unforgettable experience. Until next time, Gangtok.
Escape to Paradise: Gangtok's Garden Retreat Awaits! (But, Like, is it *really* paradise?)
So, is this "Garden Retreat" actually a GARDEN? Because, honestly, marketing is lying to us these days...
Okay, the garden thing? It's...present. Look, I'm not saying it's the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, alright? Let's set expectations appropriately. There are definitely plants. Lots of green things. Some flowers that I could barely name – a gardener's delight, maybe, but a botanically challenged traveler's 'hmm, pretty, moving on' zone.
The real trick, and trust me, I fell for it, is that the *retreat* part? That IS true. It's peaceful, especially if you can snag a room away from the, shall we say, *enthusiastic* early morning birds. (Seriously, Gangtok wildlife has NO respect for your sleep schedule). The air smells… different. Clean, but also, like, slightly earthy? It’s all very… zen. Until the yak butter tea kicks in.
I heard the views are supposed to be amazing. Did you, like, actually *see* anything? (I've been burned by mountain views before...)
Okay, this is where it gets complicated. The *potential* for amazing views is definitely there. Like, Everest-level potential (I didn't say I *saw* it, remember?). One morning, I woke up and for a glorious, fleeting 3 minutes, the Kanchenjunga was just… there. Majestic, shimmering, postcard perfect. And then? BAM. Cloud city. Gone. Poof.
So, yes, the views *can* be breathtaking. Just be prepared for… cloud cover. A healthy dose of it. Pack a flask of patience, a camera, and maybe a prayer for clear skies. I highly recommend praying to the mountain Gods. My prayers? Let's just say they need a little work in getting answered.
The food... is it all just… momos? Because I love momos, but, you know… a girl needs variety.
Right? Momos are a blessing, but a diet of momos *only* would probably send me, screaming, back to civilization (or at least, a very large, slightly-too-hot pizza).
The good news: there's more! The hotel restaurant offers a decent selection. Think thukpa (noodle soup – perfect for bracing the cold!), some surprisingly good Indian dishes (the butter chicken was a moment), and the occasional (blessedly) non-momo option. However, and I'm being honest here, the breakfast buffet was… a bit repetitive. Eggs, toast, the usual suspects. By day three, I was plotting to sneak out for some street food. Which, by the way, you should definitely do, but maybe bring your own hand sanitizer.
Oh, and the yak butter tea? Prepare yourself. It's… an experience. Let's just say my first sip was a moment. A slightly oily, salty, *intense* moment. I did eventually come to appreciate it, albeit in small doses. It's an acquired taste (and, let's be honest, probably an acquired smell too).
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they all cozy and romantic, or, you know… are they actually just tiny and slightly depressing?
It depends on the room, honestly. Some are definitely more romantic/cozy than others. Honestly, I'd describe my first room less as 'cozy' and more as 'compact'. The view was amazing, though, when the clouds decided to play nice. The bed was… well, it was a bed. Comfortable enough after a day of exploring.
I'm a bit of a diva and requested a room to be switched. I did get a better one on the third day. The second was slightly more… spacious. Balcony was a plus for the fresh air. So, research room options when booking. Look for things like a balcony, a better view, or if you're like me, access to room service. This is a must. You deserve to have breakfast delivered to your face after a long day of being a tourist!
Okay, let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or do they secretly hate tourists?
Mostly friendly! Honestly, the staff at the retreat were lovely. Always smiling, always helpful, and incredibly patient with my terrible attempts at speaking Hindi. They genuinely wanted you to have a good time. Did they always understand my requests perfectly? Not always. Did they sometimes mix up my order? Yep. But it was always with a smile, and honestly, that went a long way.
One particular waiter whose name I've unfortunately forgotten (sorry, buddy!) went above and beyond. I was having a bit of a meltdown (mountain sickness, cloud-induced disappointment… long story), and he brought me an extra pot of ginger tea and just… listened. Seriously, that level of service is priceless. So, yeah, they're pretty great.
Is it actually a "retreat," or are there a bunch of noisy people running around ruining the zen?
Well, it's not a silent monastery, let's put it that way. You'll encounter other people. Families, couples, solo travelers—a whole motley crew of folks looking for a relaxing getaway. The noise level fluctuates. Sometimes, things are blissfully quiet, perfect for sipping tea and contemplating the meaning of life (or just napping). Other times, you'll hear children's laughter echoing through the halls, or the clatter of a particularly boisterous group.
The retreat tries to create a peaceful atmosphere. However, reality has a funny habit of intruding. Peak season? Prepare for a full house. Consider bringing earplugs, just in case. And, embrace the little moments of zen when they appear!
Activities! What's there to *do* besides… you know… look at mountains (maybe) and eat?
Okay, so, Gangtok itself offers plenty. The retreat can arrange excursions. Day trips to monasteries (the Rumtek Monastery is a must-see! Stunning!), the Tsomgo Lake (a bit touristy, but the yak rides are Instagram gold), and various viewpoints are all available.
Inside the retreat itself? They often have yoga classes (I went… once. Let's just say my flexibility needs some work). They sometimes have cultural performances. Honestly, sometimes the best activity is just… doing nothing. Reading a book on your balcony, getting a massage (highly recommended after all that walking), or just staring at the sky hoping the clouds will clear. It's your retreat, after all! Do what makes you happy. Even if that's just napping.
