The perfect urban resort in the Aravalis
Staycation is the buzzword in the world of travel and hospitality in the post-pandemic era. Most workplaces still remaining hybrid is only augmenting the trend of staycations, workations and weekend getaways. As brands are rushing in to fill this gap in different parts of India, Marriott International has also come up with a beautiful property quite literally in Delhi’s courtyard.
Elegant. One word that can be used to best describe Courtyard by Marriott’s first resort in India. Just a 45-minute drive from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the National Capital, beyond Badkhal and Nawada villages, takes you to the Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort, a hidden gem of the NCR. The trademark Marriott service begins as soon as the guests disembark from the car with happy smiles greeting them. A tulsi mala (basil garland) along with a refreshing drink welcomes them while they enjoy the unhindered view of the three-tiered pool from the sunken lobby itself.
The resort, launched in July, has been conceptualised as a 360-degree structure, with a circular pathway running around the pool and connecting different wings with each other. This seems to create an atmosphere of its own inside the resort, completely cut-off from the outside world. Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort, hence, becomes the perfect spot for off-sites, weddings and staycations.
Instant attraction
The feature that captures the attention of the guests from the word ‘go’ is the pool which happens to be quite literally the centre of attraction. One of the largest in Delhi-NCR, the pool has a separate section for kids to enjoy. As many as 12 rooms on the ground floor have individual pathways leading from the room to the pool, and the lounges surrounding the pool form the perfect way for guests to spend their days at the resort.
While the pool remains the main attraction at the resort, the aim is for the property to act as a getaway, be it for the corporate travellers, families or weddings. Though the resort is actively adding to the array of activities it offers, a family play area, a kids’ indoor play area and a dedicated game room are already a part of its offerings. It also allows guests to bring their furry babies along during staycations.
Rajneesh Kumar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort explains how, post-pandemic, there has been a trend of people wanting to getaway to spend more time with the families which has led to an increase in demand for the resort space. Then there is a trend of revenge travel which, he believes, will continue to grow with people wanting to get to the nearest destination. It is here that Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort makes a difference in their lives. Considering the fact that the property is promoting itself majorly as a getaway destination, the location, layout and amenities at the resort seem like an elegant solution for the denizens of Delhi and nearby areas.
In fact, the resort has already been performing well. Even before the official launch, the resort was hosting guests through its Marriott Bonvoy programme. “We were operational for only 18-odd days in June but managed profits. We delivered 20 per cent occupancy, and with just that, we managed 14 per cent Gross Operating Profit which is remarkable,” shares Kumar. These stats, he explains, were driven by weekends, B-Leisure segment and a buyout wedding.
Good night’s sleep
Offering 158 rooms spread over eight acres, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali assures that guests get a good night’s sleep. A unique concept at the resort is the family room – having a king bed and a separate annexure to the room which contains bunk beds for two kids. This concept aims to provide families with sufficient room for all members while allowing parents to keep an eye on their young ones.
“Our base category of rooms starts with an area of 36 sq m and the family rooms with bunk beds have an area of 41 sq m to spaciously accommodate a family of four while ensuring adequate space and also privacy,” Kumar explains.
Guests can choose between Deluxe Rooms, Premier Rooms, Studio Family Suites, Junior Terrace Suites and Executive Suites. While some of these rooms offer a view of the pool, others allow guests to look at the Aravali mountain range. Premier Rooms, on the other hand, have sit-out areas on the ground floor with a garden view. Balconies or sit-in spaces are a key feature of all the rooms. The rooms have been divided into three separate wings, allowing the resort to assign a particular wing to a large party if required, informs Kumar.
Foodies’ day out
The food at the resort is par excellence, be it international cuisine, Indian dishes or the Pan-Asian spread. The dining area is in a transitional layout. Guests can head from the lobby into Glaze, the premium lobby lounge, which serves tea and coffee during the day and turns into a bar in the evening hours. They can also choose to binge at The Aravali Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant inspired by local cultures and offers regional as well as international delicacies. The North Indian fare is exceptional, comprising Tehtar Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Jheenga, Ballabgarh ki Shaami, Butter Chicken, Maa Ki Dal, Amritsari Chole, Paneer Makkhan Wala and Bhuna Gosht, and the dessert options umpteen - Chocolate Banana Caramel, Apple tart tatin, Mango Crème, choux craquelin, Nougat and Coffee Crunch to name a select few. Live stations, deli counter and indoor and outdoor seating complete the restaurant’s ambience.
The Pan-Asian restaurant, Huang, serves authentic Asian dishes like Signature Sushi, Prawn Cucumber Tempura Roll, Veg. California Rolls, Shiitake Mushroom Water-chestnut Crystal dumplings, Pan-Fried Vegetable in banana leaf, Chili Sauce, Cucumber Relish, Seared sea Bass, Singaporean Noodles and Sweet & Sour Portk. It also has a live station set on a cart to resemble Asian food markets. A tea stall and an ice-cream cart complete the indoor F&B offerings.
The resort has a poolside bar called Olive Groove to allow guests to indulge in refreshing beverages and cocktails while lounging beside the pool under the open skies. However, it is something else that sets the resort apart. In the banquet wing is what the staff calls the “Tree of Life”. Hanging from a tree-inspired installation, just inside the doors of the banquet wing, are bottles of juices. Guests have the option to choose which one they want and the staff “plucks” the juice bottle from the tree for the guest to enjoy while attending the event.
“The menu for the hi-tea is inspired by an English hi tea with flavours and ingredients which are timeless classics with a touch of modern presentations coming to play. The Brunch at The Aravali Kitchen was a confluence of multiple cultures and dinner was a touch of what rural Haryana offers,” explains Executive Chef Shibendu Ray Chaudhury.
And more…
Apart from staycations and weekend travellers, corporate and wedding parties form an important target audience for the resort. As a result, 21,000 sq ft of banqueting space is available for all sorts of socials – events, meetings, conferences and weddings. This space is split between indoor and outdoor spaces, including a 6,275 sq ft ballroom. Apart from this, two meeting rooms, a wedding studio and sprawling lawns are also available.
The resort has a fully equipped gym and a spa by Levo with six treatment rooms for guests to relax and rejuvenate. Then there are wet areas including steam and sauna that guests can enjoy. What’s more is that but a couple of treatment rooms at the spa have been converted into salons for wedding parties for a holistic offering.
“Moreover, near the venue, we also have a green room – a mini suite kind of concept with one living room for the family to relax and a makeup room and washroom attached to it for the bride to get ready,” Kumar shares.
As the first resort in India under the Courtyard by Marriott brand, Marriott has clearly started strong. The resort is upping Marriott’s staycation game and is doing it well!
