Review: The Roseate Ganges, India - SilverKris

"Set in leafy oak forests on the banks of the Ganges above Rishikesh (about 250 km from New Delhi), this extravagant retreat comprises 16 sleek villas with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking forested countryside frequented by rhesus monkeys and spotted deer. The centerpiece is a 17-metre temperature-controlled infinity pool framed by the Himalayan foothills, while a private white-sand beach on the river provides space for yoga, candlelit dinners and sunset views over the multi-coloured rocks. Chef Chetan Singh Rana emphasizes authentic Uttarakhand mountain cuisine—highlights include soybean curry, potatoes tempered with whole spices, brown lentils and slow-cooked greens such as kafuli—with ingredients sourced locally from producers like Darima Farms and millet suppliers such as Bakri Chaap. Aheli Spa offers Ayurvedic therapies using medicated oils, cotton poultices and herbal scrubs (with products from Indian brands including Kama Ayurveda) and features tailored packages for stress relief, detox or weight management ranging from three to 14 nights. Guests can also enjoy curated outdoor experiences—hiking, trekking, river rafting, jeep safaris to Rajaji National Park (where elephant herds, wild boars, sloth bears and even tigers may be spotted) and visits to an organic farm whose harvest is turned into meals by the kitchen." - Jasreen Mayal Khanna