72 ReviewsThe Retreat, Bhimtal, is a cosy colonial bungalow amidst the Himalayan peaks and dense forests. This retreat invites the leisure travellers to spend a relaxed vacation in a serene setting. It also offers basic amenities, tasty meals and well-appointed cosy rooms for a comfortable stay. <br/>
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Mandir Marg, Near Town Office,Bhimtal,Uttarakhand,India The Retreat, Bhimtal, is a cosy colonial bungalow amidst the Himalayan peaks and dense forests. This retreat invites the leisure travellers to spend a relaxed vacation in a serene setting. It also offers basic amenities, tasty meals and well-appointed cosy rooms for a comfortable stay. <br/>
Rating from 72 reviews
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abhajn on 16/11/2017 14:13
Everybody has already raved about The Retreat, so i will just focus on some practical points.
1. Once you cross Bhimtal, you need to take a side road which is narrow and goes on for approx 2km. Don't be apprehensive (we initially were), it doesn't get worse, and the destination is well worth it.
2. Some people have mentioned the steps from the parking.. they are not at all worrisome for anyone under 60. But if you have difficulty climbing, just let Paddy know in advance, and she will get you picked up before the parking. It's hardly a 2 minute walk, but reduces lots of worries, especially for the elderly visitors ( true for us).
About the rest, you don't rate or review places which feel like home, and people who become friends. So I just hope to revisit some time.
Viddich D on 30/10/2017 11:41
Paddy's home is heaven. She and her wonderful family looked after us so much. They gave very clear instructions on how to get to her place from Delhi. When we arrived, we were greeted with lemonade and a lovely lunch. We had almost every meal at Paddy's because the food was honestly incredible, including multiple pots of tea and even a lovely bonfire one evening. The family have great stories to tell, and we especially appreciated her brilliant girls, who no doubt will rule the world some day, and her son who took us to a secluded waterfall one day. The walks around the homestay are excellent, lovely lakes to see and paths to walk along. I have nothing negative at all to say about The Retreat, it was 100% positive experience and I can't wait to go back!
Jugal P on 19/09/2017 07:29
Our journey was about doing nothing. And it does take a lot to achieve that.
The host ensured we got:
Amazing food (always made after discussing, so democracy exists)
Amazing ambience (lovely furniture, fresh air all around, books, coffee, tea, biscuits and a barbecue too)
Great sleep and rest (staff was supportive and warm and so was the quilt on an old piece of wood. There were no restrictions on breakfast time, tea time etc)
Lovely walk in the woods (for which she not only gave us a hand-made map but we were accompanied by two dogs of hers and one from the neighbourhood - it is the best trekking experience we've had)
Privacy (it wasn't compulsory to have all meals with the hosts or in one slotted dining table as is the case of other home stays)
Add to the list above interesting conversations about the history of the place, flora and fauna and more with our frank and sensitive host.
This was a 'home stay' in more ways than one.
One major issue we faced at the end of our stay here - and we duly informed our host about it - heightened expectations!
Hope this was helpful.
Anindya_911 on 14/09/2017 09:15
Named aptly, The Retreat is where you go back in time! The Old colonial bungalow retaining most of its originality takes the guests back in another era; for me it was being back in Tea Garden Bungalows. The rooms are deliberately set to be cozy, minimally functional and full of charms.
By staying here, you instantly become part of the lovely family of owner Paddy. She, her sons and obliging staff pamper and feed you beyond your expectation. Paddy does not misses any details, she will remember any mention, however small it may be. Hospitality is where she shines the most.
There are lovely walks in the hills starting right from the house. The view of lakes and variety of birds that can be seen makes the effort worthwhile. The superbly arranged Picnic lunch is another relaxing way to spend more time on the hills.
The food is always fresh, flavorful and some unique dishes made by Paddy, Robby and staff. As with the good food, the conversations on the table flows on for hours.
This is definitely a place to relax, detox or get your head clean of worries.
Sapna-Nair on 11/09/2017 08:15
It's like staying in the woods with giant spiders, small leeches, crickets and mosquitoes for company. None of which is particularly bothersome. Add to that wonderful hosts, finger-lickin-good food, a cosy room, adorable dogs, walks in the forest, and you have a quintessential holiday. This is perhaps the best homestay we've stayed in. And, needless to add, we are yearning to go back. The most striking bit is how Paddy, the host, makes you feel welcome, spoils you with delicious food and warmth. Wonder how she does it.
