Indian spiritual experience – Hotel Hilton Shillim Estate & Retreat / Mumbai / India

To Conserve, to Sustain and to Heal – The Shillim state of mind – contributed by Jens Hoffmann.

House & Hotel Magazine features a new destination, the Hilton hotel in Shillim on the outskirts of Mumbai. This rather unknown new Shilim in the mountain village is where the Hilton’s new spa retreat is located.

The location that it resides in could as well turn out to be one of the best things.
If you have ever been in Mumbai, sooner or later you will start relating to the need to get out of the city, away from it all.
Jumped in the car on Mumbai airport, the windows rolled up and Mumbai was drowned out.
Shillim is a little town past the commercialised chikki capital that is Lonavla, on the route from Mumbai to Pune. It’s hard to believe we are just 100km outside Mumbai, and a mere 80km from Pune. The hotel—and its sylvan setting—make a perfect retreat for both Mumbai crowds who are hungry for more getaway options, and international travellers looking to experience the countryside.
Three hours drive from Mumbai or 30 mins by heli.
The scenic drive takes you through the Sahayadri Mountains, where the landscape changes with every season.
The Hilton’s retreat at Shillim occupies more than 300 acres and is part of the Shillim Institute and Resort that is 2,500 acres large.
The institute is an attempt to conserve the ecologically sensitive area that is nestled among the Sahayadri hills.
In fact, the entire retreat is built to be environmental-friendly and an addition to the Shillim Institute that gives guests a chance to appreciate nature.
Walking in to Hilton Shillim, the first thing that strikes us is the wild and natural state of the foliage. Not for them, the well-manicured lawns and perfectly trimmed flowerbeds around exotic shrubs – here, it seemed to be really about getting back to nature, and yet it is not unkempt.

The vegetation is left untouched and the natural flora and fauna is undisturbed, giving the place a very earthy feel. I am told that while planning the resort, instructions were given that no trees were to be cut or displaced and the architects, instead, ensured that more trees were planted. The grey stone and wood buildings seem to fit right into the ambience, and the well-chosen subtle colours and materials give the place an uncluttered and laid-back feel.
Luxury at the Hilton Shillim is in the little things – like the personal butler who comes with every villa or the little buggy that he will ferry you around in.

We took a spacious villa, the villa comes with its very own private pool.

The glass walls covered by sheer white curtains make you feel like you’re about ten steps away from being in the lap of nature.

The biggest draw for the Hilton Shillim would be the well-equipped spa on offer and spread over 70 acres; it’s sure to impress. The resort has, in fact, a dedicated spa zone with consulting areas, treatment rooms, relaxation rooms and a pool spread over the entire zone. I went in for a special Swedish massage, recommended by the spa’s doctor, who picked it from over 70 types of massages on offer here. An interesting option on the spa menu was personalised Yoga classes.

You could choose between beginner level class, a sun salutation series or even a 90-minute pranayama session and you could also have the class in the privacy of your own villa. Definitely a great option if you hate missing your exercise routine while on holiday.

House & Hotel Magazine loves the India huzzles and hectic but we enjoyed very much to be here.

The Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa has been rated as “The Best Luxury Resort” in Asia by Business Destinations magazine and has also been rated as one of Top-5 new luxury resorts in India for the year 2013, by Conde Nast reader’s Choice Awards. The retreat was also award the HATT award for “IT Innovation” for the year 2014.

Meditate in the uniquely designed Meditation Cave or relax and enjoy the breathtaking nature of Shillim on the Relaxation Terraces. Shillim Spa offers you a range of opportunities to relax and heal, guided meditations are conducted by our masters and sunset yoga conducted every day at the Yoga Pavillion, located in the bowl of the mountains, help you discover wellness in the most conducive environment. Guests can also retreat to our tranquil Tea House.

Its worth it.

If you travel further up north in direction Pakistan, you should not miss the border ceremony.