Westin's Sohna Resort

The doors were closed, all windows were locked and heavy curtains drawn, still he managed to creep into the privacy of my villa, and that too, at such an hour when I wanted to enjoy the last few minutes of the past night's sleep. Nothing new, he does it with everyone, so was it for me. Lazily I rubbed my eyes and pretended to get off the thick mattress bed on which I dreamt the whole night, snoring comfortably.

After all I had to obey his command, because he is my ruling planet, the one who shows light to the world - the sun had heralded its arrival with the early rays shining into the sitting area of the villa.

I still lay on the bed, listening to the music of nature, a herd of parrots were chatting, could also hear the blue throated barbet making calls to its mate, the shrill notes of the wagtail were also audible -- every note in perfect harmony. I was gazing at the canopy of the bed blankly as the rays of the sun became stronger entering the bedroom through a ventilator in the hut shaped villa of the Westin Resort and Spa in Sohna near Gurgaon. The villa was equipped with all comforts one would seek on a lazy weekend vacation.

Green teas for the connoisseur, kiwis on the fruit platter, muesli bar to energize you almonds, cashew nuts and hazel nuts to welcome you and, of course, a good brand of wine for the evening, fruit juices, beer among others in the mini bar. A usable fireplace adorns the sitting area. Even the minute details have not been ignored. The cupboard also has a pair of umbrellas and a rechargeable torch to help you out in case it starts raining or you need to take a walk late evening.

The bed tea is replaced here by balcony tea, where you sit in your private balcony looking over a garden full of birds and trees.

The best I discovered in my villa was the bathroom - spacious with a shower area separated from the triangular tub, all lit up with natural light. There was a glass ceiling above. Jump into the tub for a quiet Sunday bath, relax as you see the bamboo trees sway in the breeze above your glass ceiling. And this I did, for almost one hour I lay in the tub looking at the open sky above. The pathway outside my villa was flanked by trees and shrubs, many in full bloom at this time of the year. A number of villas are spread all over the resort interspersed with restaurants, conference halls, bar, swimming pools, gym and even a helipad. Walking is indeed a good exercise at the resort from your villa to the Indian or Chinese restaurant, but there are the golf cars to pamper you, if you so wish.

As my villa was just opposite one of the two swimming pools and close to 'The Living Room', an all day dining restaurant serving Indian and continental delicacies, I preferred to burn some extra fat, which I was bound to gain more after my heavy breakfast. The breakfast spread offered more at Westin than I had expected. Start off with choice of juices, cut fruits, some from Thailand, at least 12 assortments of breads, all baked in-house, Emmenthaler and Edammer cheese, the usual cereal selection, vada-sambhar and poha for the Indian palate, or broccoli, sausages and ham followed by a hot cup of best of Assam or Darjeeling teas.

'The Living Room' remains busy from morn to night; the potions are good be it lentil soup or chicken breast and the desserts, of course, combine the Indian Gulab Jamun with ice creams of one's choice. Though the resort offers 24-hour in-room dining to its guests, few would like to remain confined to their bedroom, unless consummating.

For those fond of Chinese authentic, 'Xiao Chi' is the place some yards away from the pool. But I discovered that 'Mix' was a big draw in the evening. A collection of fine wines, spirits and cocktails keeps everyone in high spirits at this lounge bar which appears abandoned during the daytime.

Westin maintains its high standard of food and beverage. The well trained restaurant staff pampers you and offers you personal attention politely and dedicatedly. The entire staff at Westin, be it at the reception, restaurant, bar or the golf cars, keep up the Westin standards. Their service is almost flawless.

Westin's Heavenly Spa is a big attraction. It cannot be explained in words, it has to be experienced. I decided to try the 'Marma abhyanga' massage, one of the several ayurvedic treatments at the Heavenly Spa. The head to toe massage with herbal oils relaxed each muscle of my body. During the hour long treatment I was almost in a trance induced by the masseur's rhythmic movements on the body, oblivious of the worries of the world. The massage was followed by a steam bath which made me sweat profusely to cleanse body pores, ending with a hot shower. The Heavenly Spa offers a numbers of ayurvedic massages and other herbal treatments for the body and meditation courses for the soul.

Westin Sohna Resort and Spa is not a resort for a one night stay. I would have loved to stay for at least two nights to enjoy the nature around, unfortunately my assignment completed, I had to return.

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