At Khandala’s Athiva Resort & Spa, nature, thoughtful luxury, and soul-satisfying food come together
The Duke’s Bar allows you to find a cosy spot with a mesmerising view
Just two hours out of Mumbai, where the Western Ghats begin to stretch, breathe, and gently slow the world down, Athiva Resort & Spa, Khandala, feels less like a hotel and more like a soft reset. This is Athiva’s very first property, and it arrives with a simple, quietly confident idea that joy sneaks up on you when you finally stop rushing.
The journey itself prepares you. The air grows cooler, the greens deepen, and by the time you enter the property, the city feels like a distant rumour. Athiva is built around nature rather than over it, and that choice defines the experience. A natural lotus pond sits at the heart of the resort, home to fish and turtles that glide through the water as if on cue. Nearby, a 175-year-old banyan tree stands rooted and regal, silently reminding you how fleeting deadlines really are. From different corners of the resort, you can spot a waterfall slicing through the hills. At night, instead of horns or traffic, you hear insects and their layered chorus oddly soothing, almost meditative. The air feels lighter here, fresher, and the stillness invites you to do very little, and we were happy for that.
Athiva’s beverages always pay a subtle homage to the local ecosystems in Khandala
Sustainability isn’t treated like a buzzword, but is woven into the bones of the resort. The architecture uses eco-conscious materials throughout from furniture to the smallest details, including the bathroom slippers. Clusters of ayurvedic plants grow across the property, each carefully tagged. Scan the QR codes placed beside them and you’ll learn what they’re used for and why they matter. It’s the kind of learning that feels organic.
Activities here are designed to ground you rather than exhaust you. Pottery sessions invite guests to work with the earth — hands in clay, mind blissfully elsewhere. It’s less about making something perfect and more about reconnecting with the act of creating. For those who want to explore, the hotel staff also arrange nature trails, taking you deeper into the surrounding landscape and helping you notice things you’d otherwise walk past.
The thin-crust pizzas are delicious on a cold day
There is also indulgence. There’s a heated swimming pool for long, lazy dips and a mini golf court that adds a playful touch to the stay. Even small horse rides make an appearance. It’s unexpected, slightly whimsical, and surprisingly delightful against the mountain backdrop.
The food deserves special applause. The resort offers an assorted range of cuisines, each executed with care and confidence. One memorable highlight is the Maharashtrian thali — rich, comforting, and inspired by local spices and regional flavours. It feels rooted in the land you’re staying on, making the meal feel as much a part of the experience as the view outside. The dining spaces themselves elevate every bite. Panorama, the resort’s Italian restaurant, is aptly named. Every table opens out to sweeping views of the hills, making it impossible to rush a meal. The food is hearty, well-balanced, and perfect for long lunches that stretch into conversations.
The 175-year-old banyan tree that the hotel is built around; (right) Try the pottery class to connect with earthen elements. Pics/Tanisha Banerjee
Then there’s A Diner, an all-day breakfast spot that understands the true meaning of relaxation. As evening settles in, The Duke’s Bar becomes the natural gathering point. Overlooking the Khandala hills, it feels scenic yet familiar, ideal for winding down with a drink as the sky changes colour.
By the time you’re packing up, there’s a familiar resistance. You have disconnected from the hustle, and that makes leaving feel like the hardest part.
COST: Jan to Feb: R13,000 per night
BOOK YOUR STAY ON: bookings.athiva.com
CHECK IT OUT ON: @athiva_hotels on Instagram
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