Top 5 Destination Resorts for an Epic Family Summer Vacation in 2020

With summer catching up quickly and school holidays around the corner, it’s time to head to exotic destinations across the country. We handpick five destination resorts perfect for creating delicious experiences you are likely to cherish for a long time to come.

Tree Leaf Grand Oak Manor, Binsar

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Tucked away in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kumaon Hills in Uttarakhand, this resort was once the home of the British Commissioner of Kumaon, General Sir Henry Ramsay. Today, this is an exclusive boutique hotel with nine rooms that ooze old-world charm with bright bedspreads and armchairs by the fireside, urging its guests to slow down. With porches and windows offering breathtaking views of the snow-peaked mountain ranges, the Tree of Life Grand Oak Manor is truly a place for those who want to savour nature’s calm. Delectable ‘pahaari’ cuisine prepared with garden-fresh produce is served at Acorn, their all day dining restaurant.

Summer Story: While this resort is a perfect place to read, write and catch up with family, it also offers a variety of interesting walks through forests and hills, villages and local terrain. With a naturalist to help you identify wild animals like ghoral, martens, barking deer and wild boar, these hikes through the dense forests of pine and oak can be a whole lot of fun.

Costs begin at: Rs 5,840* per night for a couple

Location: Jhandi Dhar - Binsar Sanctuary Gate Rd, Regariya, Uttarakhand 263628

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The Ibnii Spa Resort, Coorg

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A luxury resort spread over 125 acres of wooded area with lakes and swatches of lush green, the Ibnii Spa Resort was once a coffee estate. Guests can stay in their Pool Villas with exquisite interiors and a private plunge pool and Jacuzzi, or in their Wooden Cottages that promise a tree house experience. Meals are fine feasts offered at The Fig—their multicuisine restaurant; Baalelle—their pure vegetarian eatery; and, Masi Kande—their open-air BBQ diner that’s well-known for its seafood delicacies. The Ibnii Spa Resort offers a multitude of relaxing spa therapies for those looking to rejuvenate further.

Summer Story: A great place to spend leisurely days, this resort also promises adventures for the explorers amongst you. While nature walks through the verdant forests and fishing trips to the fresh water lakes are part of the hotel’s offerings, what you cannot miss are their coffee sojourns. It begins with a guided tour through the plantation with coffee experts letting you in on the bean-to-cup adventure and culminates in a bespoke coffee brewing session at Coffee Escapades—the picturesque coffee shop.

Costs begin at: Rs 15,300*

Location: 123 Ibnivalavadi Village, Boikeri, Madikeri, Madikeri, Karnataka

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Read more: 8 Pristine Hotels in Coorg for an Unforgettable Stay

Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort and Spa, Mahabaleshwar

This serene resort nestled in the tranquil hill station of Mahabaleshwar offers its guests rooms done up in a chic modern style with views of the wooded area around. Meal times present memorable gourmet adventures here with several in-house restaurants like Latest Recipe, Chingari, and Longitude. For your sundowners, you can head to the Plunge Bar, where you can sip your beverages while swimming in the Infinity Pool.

Summer Story: You can’t leave Mahabaleshwar without visiting a strawberry farm and filling up a basket with strawberries that you’ve picked yourself. And if you’re here during the Easter weekend, do hop over to the Mapro Strawberry Festival at the Mapro Garden, an annual event that the locals look forward to.

Costs begin at: Rs 8,550*

Location: 211/212 Mahabaleshwar Medha Road, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

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SpiceTree Munnar, Munnar

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Ensconced between the lush Kannan Devan Hills and Bison Valley Hills, SpiceTree is a niche mountain resort with 14 luxury suites and two pool-villas. The interiors are earthy with ample wooden accents and warm tones—a perfect blend of traditional Kerala decor and modern accents. Each room offers ethereal views of hills, forests and the valley around. Apart from a fine dining experience, SpiceTree also offers its guest a host of activities and experiences to choose from, including tea tasting, yoga and meditation, cooking classes, treks and photography expeditions.

Summer Story: The one experience you must claim this summer is a stay at their Pool Villa. A cosy suite designed like a brick and timber cottage, this villa has its own little Infinity pool and a private deck. And as if that’s not enough, there’s a Victorian copper bath tub in the bathroom to soak in.

Costs begin at: Rs 9,700*

Location: Muttukad-Periakanal Road, Nadukkurissu, Chinnakkanal P.O, Idukki, Munnar, Kerala

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Read more: Tourist Places In Munnar You Must Visit

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam

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Right beside the Arabian Sea, Surya Samudra offers its guests a choice of 31 Kerala heritage cottages with French doors, opening up to the azure oceans all around. Traditional yet contemporary, the rooms are aesthetically-pleasing with open-to-the-sky showers and verandahs on the beach. While you can enjoy your meals at Essence and Cafe Samsara, and your cocktails at Madira, don’t miss the chance to relish a candlelit dinner on the sandy beach through the resort’s ‘destination dining’ experience.

Summer Story: A trip to Kovalam must include cruises to explore the backwaters. You can ask the resort to help you book an excursion to Poovar, a small coastal village that’s famous for its estuaries and pristine beaches. You can also visit the many mangroves here, and indulge in a spot of photography or bird watching.

Costs begin at: Rs 8,924*

Location: Pulinkudi, Mullur PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 

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*Prices may vary