Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa – Wellness personified — Reviewed!

Heaven! Just one word to describe this place in Shillim. Yes, I am talking about Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa, nestled in magnificent landscape of the Western Ghats. I was honored to be a part of the stay and the activities scheduled for us. The idea behind this retreat is "To Conserve. To Sustain. To Heal". A Wellness place, where you can come and find yourself. A magical place to connect with yourself and have a perfect balance of mind, body and soul. A place where you would want to get lost and get connected with the nature. I was so mesmerised to see this property that one day was not at all sufficient to me. Ha! The story will go on and on.

Let me brief you about my wonderful experience. It was a two day event starting with 'Cook-Along Thai Master Chef' session with world renowned ambassador of Thai Cuisine Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe followed by address by GM Mr. Bhagwan Balani, Live Thai Cooking class and lunch. Post lunch, were addressed by Mr. Pramod Mane, a note on Wellness and the award-winning Shillim Spa, In-person consultations at Green Table and proceeded by evening spa treatments. Dinner was healthy Thai menu. Next morning started with Yoga by Dr. Kaushal followed by breakfast and farewell.

I was quite excited about the event. As soon as we reached after good 1.5 hours drive from Pune, we were warm welcomed by the enthusiastic staff wearing earthy colored uniforms. They were positive with vibrant attitude. I could not keep my eyes off the serene, picturesque wilderness of the nature. But we had to reach at the activity area for the scheduled cooking session. You know the property is sooo huge that there are Nanos for pick and drop...:)

The stage was set with the counters of our name, big trays with raw materials to cook off with Chef Nooror. We started at around 11, the plan was made about what to cook. There were 3 awesome dishes we needed to recreate. Chef Nooror and her chef daughter Sandra showed us demonstration and we in a team of three did our homework and presented our style of dishes, which were not bad at all! ;-) After all, it was a different and authentic style of Thai cooking. We were proud of ourselves. Fun-filled session was of 2 hours.

We all headed for healthy organic lunch (organic farm grown vegetables) and post interactions and introductions, we were allotted our spa-inspired villas (details below). Our Spa-inspired villa was no. 514 and believe me it was a doorway to heaven. A dream private villa, one can ask for.

• Huge bed, 
• balcony with stunning view, 
• private deck
• Wi-fi
• open shower area were some of the star attraction.

Villas are amidst rice fields, bamboo plantations, valley and forest views. Each one has contemporary, simple decor with local designs, latest technology and a private deck. Overall there are 99 villas and one can choose from Valley Views to Deluxe valley view or Spa, or Forest View or Spa Pool or Presidential Pool Villas.  

We quickly unpacked our and bags and could not hold ourselves to unleash the adrenaline within us. We called on '0' and our nano was waiting outside for us to take us on the property view.

Here are the snippets of the property; while details of each are below.

• 320 Acres of magnificent landscape
• Award winning Spa
• Valley and Forest view Villas
• Five Dining Outlets
• Exclusive corporate and social gatherings
• Library
• Meditation Cave
• Infinity Pool
• Rain water harvesting
• Organic Farm
• Mountain Bar
• Valley Bar
• Activity Areas

Activities include..

• Forest Walk
• Bird Watching
• Yoga Session
• Pottery Demo
• Stream Walk
• Hiking
• Star Gazing
• Pottery Studio
• Umbrella Painting
• Tea Tasting
• Wine Tasting

All services are chargeable and can be asked for while reservation. One can see there are so many activities for everyone especially kids. They can enjoy and connect to nature all at one place.

Shillim Spa: The idea is to celebrate life to the fullest wherein allowing consultants respond and guide you on one-on-one basis. There are two things one can expect — Mental and Physical Wellness with range of rejuvenating treatments and holistic programmes like Ayurveda, Yoga, Pilates, Naturopathy, Acupressure along with guided food diet as per the body type. A personalised programme will be carved from vast Spa menu and the team will work focused with you to reach the personal health goal during the stay.

One can opt for..
Shillim Endurance Programme for physical strength which is for 5 or 7 or 14 nights.
Shillim Yoga Experience for healthy mind for 5 or 7 or 14 nights.
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, an alternate to medicine emphasizes more on prevention than cure. The duration may vary from 5 nights to 21 nights.
Shillim Wellness Experience is for those who quickly want to take some time for themselves for spa, treks, yoga, meditations and health cuisine. It is for 3 or 5 nights.
Executive Health Programme is to destress and useful for executives who are under pressure. This Programme can be opted for 3 or 5 or 7 nights.
Radiance Programme is for the ultimate anti-ageing beauty enhancement with the holistic approach starting from 5 or 7 nights.
A perfect answer to expel the oxidants is the Shillim Detox Prog. wherein one can go for min. 7 nights to 21 nights to increase the concentration and overcome the mental burden.
The one that caught my attention was Purely for Men programme, which was kept to renew, rehydrate and reduce the stress level to maintain healthy life style. One can opt for 5 or 7 nights.

Aren't you tempted by the variety of wellness programmes they have to offer. If not, then you must visit them to experience it. I am sure, you won't be disappointed.

During our tour, we saw and learnt about some hidden gems like Meditation Cave, Spa Pool, Yoga Pavilion, Mountain Bar. Well there are around 5 eateries offering best of spa cuisine in continental, asian and local delicacies. Best part is they have organic and locally sources ingredients for added nutrition. You can choose from all the eateries, my favourite was The Mountain Bar which is a poolside bar with amazing view.

Terrazzo is all day dining restaurant while Valley Bar is the place to start the evening. Looking for spa-inspired organic cuisine go the Green Table. If you just wanna relax, read books, enjoy peaceful time, head to the Tea House, my one of the favourite place. Here, you can find selection of blend teas from around the world.

Looking for some wine? – The Reserve is for you where one can choose from wide range of wines around the world. They also host regular wine tasting sessions.

Haa, after having a quick look to the property, we headed to dinner which was healthy Thai menu. I did not want that evening to end but few things, you can not have control over. Though, I was equally excited about the Spa which I had to go for in the next morning. With thunder storms, torrential rains, heavy winds, outside the villa, unaffected, we slept peacefully in the lap of nature. 

Next morning, we woke up to the chirping of birds, waterfall noise, and cloud capped mountain view. What a lovely morning! What can one ask for. Post finishing daily chores, I headed towards spa centre. I was excited to be treated and like a kid eager to wait which spa is meant for me. Dr. Pramod asked me to smell three different types of oil and the one which appealed me most was needed by my body. Strange but true! I needed Revitalisation and I chose the same. That is again a therapy attached to our body senses. Fun to know about it.

I was taken by female assistant Julia for the spa treatment to a well managed spa-room and was given nice rejuvenation body massage for about an hour. I was feeling fresh and light as ever. I wish it could last for more! ;-) Not to miss kind of experience I had.

Post spa, we went to have breakfast and was in love with the menu. From Raw juices, to Detox, Smoothies, fruit platter, eggs, pancakes, south-indian, paranthas, poha, thalipeeth, I was just spoilt for choices. Being a big foodie, I ordered everything. And believe me, with every bite and sip, I was feeling good and not full. That guilt-free breakfast was so delectable.
Pineapple Juice, Papaya Yoghurt honey, Banana Yoghurt honey, Orange beetroot detox, Fruit plate, Ragi Idli, Green Moong Uttapam, Paneer Parantha, Kanda Poha, Thalipeeth was precisely my breakfast. I never had such variety of healthy food.
Ragi Idli was fluffy, soft and delicious.
Green Moong Uttapam, I still crave for it, it was that scrumptious!

Now was the time to bid adieu to the most amazing and memorable experience of my life. We had to leave a dream destination, which will be on top of my list for relaxation of mind, body and soul. I would like to thank you Sumitro for inviting us, Mr. Balani, D'Souza family, Chef Nooror and Sandra for giving us time, Akanksha for guiding us, Sanhita to knowledge us, Sree Jith to be on our side through out, Kiran for being helpful and co-operative, Dr. Pramod, Prashant, Yogesh, Rasikta, Ravneet and all the lovely staff. I have already started missing all! :( But its not far, so will see you soon! :)

Scroll down for some of the memories I carried from there...:)