Where Nature never fails you
In fast-paced urban cities, it can be challenging to find true peace and wellness. Amid the bustling streets, people struggle to find a moment of calm. This is why wellness retreats and resorts have become increasingly popular, offering a chance to escape the hectic lifestyle and recharge. Fazlani Nature’s Nest stands out among the many wellness options in India. Located near Lonavala, Maharashtra, this retreat offers a holistic wellness experience that goes beyond just a leisurely vacation. Unlike other properties that blur the line between wellness retreats and resorts, Fazlani Nature’s Nest prioritises the rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul. During our visit, we were fully immersed in a wellness journey that left us feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Nestled in Nature
We were welcomed to Fazlani Nature’s Nest with a bouquet of colourful roses grown in the farm’s in-house garden. Nestled within 68 acres of lush greenery and breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain range and surrounded by the tranquil backwaters of the Indryani river, the resort offers a rejuvenating experience that embraces the power of Nature.
Our arrival was greeted by the friendly front office manager Garvit Arora and a seamless in-room check-in, followed by a tour of the resort’s facilities. Our Premium Lake View Suite boasted magnificent views of the river and mountains, and our stay was made exceptional by the 24/7 assistance of our devoted butler, Chandan.
The retreat’s wellness journey starts with a consultation at the Amarine Wellness Hub with Dr Shubhada Thorat who conducts a pulse check and recommends customised treatments based on your health history, body type, and current concerns. The spa offers a range of Ayurvedic and international massages, as well as naturopathy treatments. Each day begins with a guided yoga session and the retreat provides a distinctive form of therapy that utilises animal interactions to enhance emotional wellness and foster psychological growth. This is achieved through the presence of numerous thoroughbred horses which participants may interact with. The retreat also has customised wellness modules such as the art of cleansing, detox and revitalising retreat, immune resilience retreat, optimal weight retreat, and healthy natural living.
“The retreat has been designed to be in complete sync with the natural surroundings. Our aim is to help our guests rediscover themselves through a combination of serene surroundings, customised wellness treatments, and immaculate service. We guarantee that everyone who walks through our doors will emerge a better person as a result of their experience here,” says Dr Abdul Kader Fazlani, Chairman, Fazlani Group.
“We believe that wellness is not just a luxury lifestyle, but a necessity and we strive to provide our guests with an experience that is both luxurious and valuable to their overall well-being. We offer a range of wellness programs that cater to specific health concerns, such as weight management, stress management, and detox programmes. Our team of experts works closely with guests to create a programme that addresses their specific health concerns and provides ongoing support and guidance to ensure that our guests are able to maintain their wellness goals even after they leave our retreat,” adds Asif Fazlani, Managing Director, Fazlani Nature’s Nest.
A mindful dining experience at The Hive
The Hive restaurant at Fazlani offers a unique dining experience with a focus on wellness. With stunning views of the sloping farmland leading to the lake bed, guests are encouraged to disconnect from their devices and enjoy the food and in-person interactions with loved ones. The menu features a range of Indian, Asian and Continental dishes, including Jain food, with options for both, vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners. Guests can choose from a buffet or a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant also serves wellness cuisine recommended by the in-house nutritionist and doctor.
All ingredients used in the meals are fresh and organic, grown in the resort’s own gardens and farms. The dining experience is mindful, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The staff ensures high-quality food and the resort’s Ayurvedic diet takes into account the guest’s personality, stress levels, weather and season to create a custom-balanced diet.
Guests can also experience the farm-to-fork approach firsthand by picking their own vegetables from the retreat’s organic farm and giving them to the chef to be prepared in their desired dishes. This allows guests to have a deeper connection to the food they are eating and understand the process of how it is grown and prepared. This approach promotes sustainability and supports local agriculture while providing guests with a unique and enjoyable dining experience. “Our approach to food is tailored to guests’ preferences and designed to promote wellness,” informs Asif Fazlani.
Experience an abundance of flora & fauna, organic farming and more
Fazlani is a verdant property that showcases an abundance of flora and fauna. Explore the organic farms that grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables, and enjoy picking some produce. The property features numerous walking and cycling trails, and there are bikes available for all types of riders. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, this is the perfect place to spot several bird species.
Additionally, guests can engage in the relaxing practice of forest bathing, which involves being mindful and present in nature, immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. Fazlani blends seamlessly into the surrounding unspoiled landscape, surrounded by the backwaters of the Indryani river and the distant Western Ghats, with a stunning sunrise view behind the hills.
Guests can interact with the farm’s friendly resident animals including goats, horses, pigeons, cockatoos and macaws. The “Villagery” wellness centre is modelled after a local village and offers activities such as a farm school, pottery and others. At Stallion Castle, you can feed the horses and even take one for a ride. Finally, the property offers the Flora Tour, showcasing the largest rose farm in India, Soex Flora, which exports fresh cut flowers including roses to Europe. The tour is grand and fragrant, leaving guests with a lingering scent of roses long after their visit.
“Entrepreneurship had a larger meaning for me from the very start of my journey. I had a humble beginning in 1980 under my father but quickly learned the tricks of the trade and expanded one step at a time. I had a very clear vision to expand the meaning and purpose of business and trade beyond profits, balance sheets, and margins. I had promised myself early on that whatever I do, it should have a positive social impact and even today it reflects in every activity of the Fazlani Group,” says Dr Abdul Kader Fazlani.
Verdict
The resort experience highlights the central theme of wellness, evident in its activities, accommodations, and cuisine. Fazlani combines luxury and wellness seamlessly, enhancing both without sacrificing either. Our stay at Fazlani was a haven of peace and rejuvenation, offering modern luxury and serenity. It is a rare gem among retreats in India, with friendly and accommodating staff providing exceptional service. The three-day visit revitalised us and the positive impact will last until our next visit. If you’re seeking a stress-free and revitalising escape, treat yourself in 2023.
