A Serene Getaway At Te Aroha By Shervani, Mukteshwar Is All You Need To Rejuvenate

In the peaceful village of Dhanachuli near Mukteshwar, Te Aroha by Shervani turned out to be exactly the kind of escape my family and I had been craving. Spread across stepped levels and surrounded by Himalayan calm, this boutique hotel effortlessly blends colonial-era architecture with modern comfort.

We spent two nights here, and from the moment we arrived, I knew this was no ordinary hill stay. The property exudes old-world charm- vintage wooden furnishings, warm decor, and inviting corners that make you want to slow down and breathe the mountain air.

Vintage Elegance Meets Modern Comfort

Our room was exceptionally spacious, almost surprising for a boutique property. The bathroom was huge, spotless, and stocked with all essentials, making it especially convenient while travelling with a child. True to the hotel's promise of cosy accommodations with modern amenities, the room was equipped with heaters, an electric bed warmer, plush bedding, and a living area complete with a dining table and comfortable couches. 

One of my favourite touches was the Marshal speaker and the vintage piano kept inside the room, details that instantly elevated our downtime. Honestly, even if you choose not to step out, the room gives you plenty to do.

Te Aroha has only 18 rooms and cottages, ensuring a peaceful and personal experience.  The stepped layout of the property allows for panoramic views from various levels, and navigating these charming little pathways felt like moving through a quiet hillside hamlet. 

A Library to Fall in Love With

Of all the communal spaces, the library is where I could spend hours. Stocked with a thoughtful selection of books, it became a delightful retreat for both my child and me. While my husband explored the surroundings, the two of us curled up with storybooks and travelogues, enjoying the sun streaming in through tall windows.

The Perfect Location: Quiet Yet Accessible

Located away from the chaos but close enough to Mukteshwar's popular cafes and markets, the hotel offers the best of both worlds. From here, the drive to the famous Mukteshwar Shiv Temple is short and scenic. As someone who loves hill drives, I found the winding roads, dotted with pine forests and open mountain vistas, an experience in themselves.

From our room balcony, we were lucky enough to spot the snow-capped peaks glowing in the early morning sun-a sight worth waking up early for. 

Cafe Flashback: A Culinary Highlight

The hotel's in-house restaurant, Cafe Flashback, is worth a special mention. There are several pictures of old advertisements and movies, which actually serve as a flashback to the vibrant 70s and 80s. The music from the same era adds to the vibe. The cafe offers a variety of multicuisine dishes with stunning Himalayan views, and it certainly lived up to that promise during our meals.

Every dish we tried over our two-day stay was delicious, but a few stood out:

Their traditional Kumaon thali was simple, hearty, and bursting with local flavours. A beautifully prepared grilled fish served with vegetables and mashed potatoes- my personal favourite. Evening snacks like the chicken sandwich paired with a cup of hot coffee, which became our go-to order after a day of exploring. Dining here never felt rushed; instead, it felt like being welcomed into a warm mountain home.

Exceptional Staff & Genuine Hospitality

The staff deserves full credit for making our stay seamless. They were attentive and thoughtful, always ready to help, whether it was arranging in-room dining, guiding us to nearby attractions, or ensuring the heater was perfectly set for the chilly Mukteshwar evenings. Their dedication mirrors the brand's commitment to offering personalised hospitality. 

While it's worth noting that the rooms are not centrally air-conditioned, the heaters and electric bed warmers kept us perfectly warm throughout.

Our stay at Te Aroha by Shervani felt like stepping into a quiet Himalayan storybook, complete with vintage charm, modern comforts, delicious food, and breathtaking views.

I left Mukteshwar wishing we had booked an extra night. And like its name, which means "The Love"- Te Aroha truly leaves you with a sense of warmth and affection for the mountains.