Lonavala, IndiaShilimb
Dharana at Shillim
Ayurvedic mountain estate
Ayurvedic mountain estate
Doctor-led Ayurvedic diagnostics and therapeutic regimens set the daily rhythm across this 2,500-acre mountain estate.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Ayurvedic pulse diagnostics and restorative watsu floating set inside an acoustic meditation cave.
Notable
Brooklyn practice Khanna Schultz built indigenous stone pavilions terraced into the Sahyadri slopes.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
It benefits from memorable, masterful architecture by the Brooklyn-based Khanna Schultz, whose low-slung modernist stone villas complement the landscape beautifully.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Walking paths wind through the Sahyadri hills down to the Pawna reservoir, surrounded by dense indigenous forest.
The rooms
Villas are built from local stone with outdoor showers, and select categories open to private plunge pools.
The infinity pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The infinity pool stretches along a timber deck, looking out across the forested ridges of the Sahyadri range.
Spa and meditation
Treatment villas open into private garden courtyards for Ayurvedic therapies, and a domed chamber hosts acoustic meditation.
At the table
Dishes draw from the retreat's organic farm, served on a sheltered terrace beside an open stone fireplace.
The highest and most expensive on the property, it was designed…in full eco-style by landscape architect Margie Ruddick, New York-based Steven Harris, and a team of Yale architecture students.
How it began
The de Souza family spent over two decades reforesting degraded Sahyadri hillsides before opening the estate in 2013.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.