Review of the ITC Grand Bharat Retreat, Manesar

To celebrate five years of marriage, my husband and I were keen on a luxury getaway near Delhi. We’ve already enjoyed staycations in luxury properties like the ITC Mughal, Agra (read here), the Imperial Hotel, Delhi (read here) and Beyond by Sula Retreat, Nashik (read here). After a thorough search online, we realised the ITC Grand Bharat Retreat in Manesar, Haryana, was our best bet. Read on to see everything this lavish property has to offer and my thoughts.

We were welcomed to the property with much fanfare

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Bookings and How to Get There:

Click here to book rooms for this place online.

Manesar is 56 km from Delhi with an easy and relatively quick drive.

One can travel to Delhi via trains and bus rides from other parts of the country. The hotel offers airport pick-ups and drops for a price.

Types of Rooms:

The hotel has three categories of rooms including Presidential Villas, Deluxe Suite with Semi-Private Pool and Deluxe Suite with Terrace.

The Deluxe Suites with Semi-Private pools are of two types. One category has two suites sharing a pool and the other has four suites sharing a pool.

Book your rooms well in advance to get the best possible rates.

Looking on to the semi-private pool attached to my deluxe suite.

THINGS TO DO:

Recreation:

The Grand Bharat offers a multitude of activities to keep your weekend packed and your children entertained.

Swimming and Water Activities

The main pool isn’t very large, but is a located in a picturesque square. The Apa’s Promenade restaurant is located next to the pool, so one can enjoy delicious food and drinks poolside. There’s also a jacuzzi which can be heated on request. Activities like aqua zorbing and water polo add to the fun.

Shatranj- Recreational Hub

A well-stocked activity center offers many indoor options like table tennis, squash, carom and even video games!

The Caterpillar Clubhouse

This play area will definitely keep your little ones busy!

Children’s Park

Swing sets and other playground staples abound in this green space for children.

Bharatvarsh Walk

This guided walk gives insights into the political, cultural and natural history of India.

Golf

There are three gorgeous 9 hole golf courses which are very popular with Indians and foreigners alike. Golf lessons can also be booked in advance.

Having a tour of the driving range

Adventure Sports

You’ll have many options to explore if you’re looking for some adventure! These include ATV rides, Segway rides, Cycling, Nature Walks, Archery, Croquet, Tennis, Cricket and Football.

Health & Wellness:

With an internationally renowned spa facility, the ITC Grand Bharat is a fantastic wellness getaway.

Kaya Kalp Spa

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the numerous spa services on offer. World class professionals give wonderful spa treatments at this luxurious spa. You can also use the warm pool, sauna and steam services after the massage therapies. You also have the option of couple’s spa services.

Salon Di Wills

Check out the salon for a pamper session.

Guided Meditation

Rejuvenate your body through meditation techniques immersed in the ancient traditions of India.

Aqua yoga

Fancy some exercise in the cool water? This is your best bet!

Holistic Lifestyle Session

Consult professionals on their team to make holistic changes to your lifestyle to reach your fitness goals.

Yoga

Yoga is the ultimate regime for relaxation and wellness.

Jogger’s Track

If you just want a cardio fix, a jogger’s track goes round the entire property.

Fitness Center

Fitness professionals and trainers will guide you through a grueling workout in their in-house gym.

Arti by Ghats of Yamuna

Spiritual wellness contributes to your overall mental fitness. Every evening, a beautiful arti (prayer ceremony) takes place at the water body known as the Ghats of Yamuna, and is a must-see spectacle.

Dining:

The ITC Grand Bharat has many dining options with different cuisines. Some of these are open only on the weekends. The price point is very steep at some of the restaurants but the food and experience offered are unique.

Aravali Pavilion

The 24 hour coffee shop is very popular with residents of the hotel and day-time guests alike.

Outside the Aravali Pavilion

Peacock Bar

The peacock was first discovered in this region, and this cocktail bar pays an ode to this gorgeous bird. The bar hosts an Aravali Sundowner in the evening where you can have unlimited cocktails for INR 2000.

The India Room

This fine-dining restaurant is inspired by the European powers that colonized India. You can choose from a premier a la carte menu, and four-course degustation menu. The food is beautifully presented and tasty, but very pricey!

Apas Promenade

We had our best meal in this pool-side Sufi inspired restaurant. The cuisine offered is local Mewati. The ingredients are locally sourced and the food is made with minimal items. The jungli maas is a must-try for non-vegeatarians. The jhinga prawns and Mewati dal were also delicious.

Sandpit The Club House

This restaurant offers a selection inspired by the colonial club culture.

Bharat Brasserie Pop-Up

This barbeque pop-up happens every weekend. It’s a lovely place to host an intimate party.

Gazebo Dinner

This is the ideal location for a romantic dinner. It’s especially popular with young couples for proposing marriage to their significant others’.

Picnic at the Farm

The hotel will gladly set up a picnic for up to 4 people in their beautiful grounds.

Aravali Sundowner

Enjoy unlimited cocktails for INR 2000 in the evening hours at the Peacock Bar.

Bar Theatre

Take a tour of the history of cocktail making and enjoy some samples along the way!

Cuisine Classica

If you’re interested in learning world-class cooking techniques, this certification program is for you.

Cakes & Bakes

Cakes can be ordered in advance. We were presented a delicious chocolate cake by the staff, to celebrate our anniversary dinner.

Breakfast Buffet 

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet at the Aravali Pavilion. A live barbeque serves delicious sausages and ham sandwiches. We ordered a plate of Eggs Benedict which was very good.

Miscellaneous:

The hotel is popular for large bookings for events and celebrations. They also offer competitive corporate packages. It’s also frequently used as a golfing retreat.

WHY YOU SHOULD STAY HERE:

The hotel’s proximity to the capital of India makes it ideal for a quick yet luxurious weekend getaway. The service is top-notch, with a willing and polite staff team that anticipated our needs before being asked.Extra attention was lavished on us as we were celebrating an occassion.  We were greeted with a beautiful bouquet of flowers along with a royal welcome. Our room was decorated with adorable extra touches like monogrammed towels and balloons. We were gifted a delicious chocolate cake after dinner.

I must thank Mahima Kumar who personally attended to us the entire stay and Trivikram Singh who aided me in my booking procedure, and worked out a good deal for us.

The food was fabulous, and I especially loved the local Mewati cuisine. I only wish the seating arrangement in Apas Promenade had been slightly different so as to be more private. The spa services were absolutely top-notch.

The design of the hotel is ostentatious, but the space is a bit cramped. The hotel’s pathways look on to the “semi-private” pools directly and guests and staff members frequently walk past. At the current price point, one expects a certain level of privacy and space. If this is an issue for you, choose terrace suites instead to get the most for your money.

Overall, if you’re looking for an easy and fun luxury vacation close to home, with your partner or family, I highly recommend a visit to the ITC Grand Bharat, Manesar. The fantastic service, splendid spa, myriad activities and outstanding food will ensure a memorable experience!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ROOMS AT THE ITC GRAND BHARAT FROM BOOKING.COM

 

Enjoying the various Instagram worthy spots in the hotel! 

With Mahima Kumar, who took extra special care of us, including presenting us with monogrammed towels with our initials! Watch the video below for a live and interactive experience of my stay at the ITC Grand Bharat.

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