Mussoorie is one of those destinations you keep returning to - for the fresh mountain air, beautiful views and relaxed pace of life. I've been to the hill station many times over the years. But on my most recent visit, I discovered a resort that made the trip feel entirely new. My stay at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa turned out to be one of the best resort experiences I've had in Mussoorie so far.
Surrounded by lush greenery and walnut trees, the property blends luxury with the quiet charm of the mountains. The expansive lobby, filled with elegant decor and artworks inspired by Mussoorie's colonial past, makes you want to slow down, sit with a book and a cup of tea, and simply soak in the surroundings and majestic Himalayan views. Over the next few days, between memorable meals, nature walks, cultural experiences and relaxed family time, the resort made this familiar hill station feel refreshingly special again. The resort is conveniently located near all popular attractions - a short drive to the Mall Road, Kempty Falls and Landour, which houses 'Chaar Dukaan' and some really nice cafes and bakeries.
Our room was spacious, tastefully designed, and came with a private balcony that opened to fresh mountain air and serene landscapes. Waking up to the sight of hills and snow-capped peaks in the distance was one of the most memorable parts of the stay.
Food, of course, was another highlight. Lunch at the Mediterranean restaurant Wisteria was a delightful start. The outdoor setting filled with greenery created a relaxed vibe, and the food was exceptional. Their burrata salad was incredibly fresh, and the pizzas were easily among the best I've had in the hills.
Evenings at the resort have their own charm. One of the most unique experiences was the traditional Garhwali tea ritual called Kachdi. With live music in the background and cups of tea and coffee being served with local snacks, it felt like a warm cultural moment that brought everyone together. Guests also indulged in games like Tambola.
Dinner at Trout House Grill & Bar was another memorable meal. The grills and kebabs were delicious. I loved their kebab platter and gosht gilawat, but the dish that truly stood out was the creamy fish curry, Meen Moilee, which was rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced. Dining outdoors with soothing live music, I could finally eat under the stars, which were actually visible.
The next morning began with a generous breakfast spread at JW Cafe, offering everything from regional favourites to continental dishes. The large spread offered a variety of local, north Indian, continental and Indian fare. Everything was fresh and delicious. I loved their avocado toast, regional dal parantha and cheese spread.
When I had lunch there, it was again amazing. We decided to go for Indian fare. We tried the famous Jhakiya aloo - a pahadi special aloo dish, Pahadi gosht and the dish that impressed me the most - Lehsuni palak. The fresh spinach dish was super flavourful, and the rotis and naan were soft and perfect to go with the curries.
Later, the hotel organised a guided nature walk through a pine forest. The experience ended at a scenic picnic spot where we were treated to hot Maggi, sandwiches and snacks - simple pleasures that felt wonderful in the crisp mountain air.
Perch, the lobby area of the resort is perfect for a relaxing evening. The backdrop of panoramic views of the mountains made my evening snacking a lot more splendid. I chose to sit in the large balcony with a selection of premium teas and local confections.
However, the highlight of the day was The Den. This 12,000-square-foot entertainment zone includes a bowling alley, gaming stations and play areas. My daughter happily explored the kids' zone, which had many interesting gaming arcades, swings and activity stations. Meanwhile, my husband enjoyed bowling, and it was great to see everyone having fun in one place.
After the adventurous evening, we were famished. We chose to dine at Teppan, the hotel's Pan-Asian restaurant, and the experience was thoroughly enjoyable. The menu brings together Chinese, Japanese and Thai favourites, and it was interesting to see how seamlessly the flavours worked together. The highlight of the evening was the live Teppanyaki counter, where chefs cooked with impressive speed and precision, turning the meal into a bit of a performance without it feeling over the top. The dim sums stood out for me; they were delicate, well-seasoned and full of flavours. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared.
One of the most meaningful moments of the trip came on the last day when we planted a sapling as part of the hotel's sustainability initiative - The Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy experience, contributing to Himalayan soil conservation. Having our names attached to the tree made the experience feel personal, and I look forward to returning someday to see how it has grown.
One thing I really appreciate is how they took special care of children. From surprise gifts to specially curated meals, a family stay here is comfortable and enjoyable at the same time. Beautiful views, thoughtful experiences and warm hospitality make this Mussoorie resort a stay that is both luxurious and heartfelt. It is definitely my go-to resort to stay in Mussoorie now. If you ever visit, you'll know why.
