Aarish Mountain Retreat with Farm to Table Meals

Sprawling hills and beautiful scenery give way to Guniyalekh, a sleepy little hamlet, deep in the lap of Kumaon. Barely 30 kms Bhimtal, this remote village is the ideal escape from the bustle of everyday life.​ Perched on a ridge in breath-taking natural surroundings at 6900 ft, overlooking terraced fields and the snow-covered Himalayas, Hushstay x Aarish is an exclusive 04 bedroom "Do-nothing" Mountain Retreat that offers the enviable opportunity to disconnect so as to connect deeply. The space Aarish, which literally means "The First Rays of the Sun", is not just a home but a warm hug: it's wooden interiors exude love and passion while it's expansive views are soup for the soul. The sublime interiors flow seamlessly into the outdoors creating a zen-like atmosphere. At Aarish, it's all about switching off, letting time catch up with you and doing something you haven't done in a while: Absolutely Nothing. Located in a remote yet reachable village and spread over 4 acres, Aarish is an opulence of the absolute: the silence of nature, a soul-stirring ambience, fresh mountain breeze, unhindered views of the world beyond and a mellow retreat built in wood and stone that blends in seamlessly. The singular structure of the house derives its inspiration from the traditional rural dwellings, found in the Kumaon region, called "Baakhli". ​ An inviting front porch with stone columns connects the 04 bedrooms and the living / dining space that overlooks a wondrous scenery across an open sit-out area which acts as a great vantage point to be mesmerised by the rugged beauty of Himalayan peaks like the Trishul and Nanda Devi. While the exterior facade reflects an old-world charm, its pine-clad interiors combine sophisticated modernism with a minimalist design aesthetic. Once you enter the property, you are home. A soothing colour palette and textured walls add to its comforting vibe while hand-picked furniture, upholstery and expansive mountain views complete this elegant mountain hideaway. There are plenty of nooks and corners to unwind with a book or watch birds from the large glass windows of the common living room while a wood-burner keeps the room warm and cosy. Fishermen's baskets that have been converted into hanging lamps highlight the dining space. The 04 tastefully appointed bedrooms come with exquisite beddings and interiors. Each room has oversized windows that offer 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape and a promise of peace and tranquility. Other things to note Getting to Paradise: - As with all great places, getting to this paradise-of-a-location requires a beautiful 600 metres moderate walk through a beautiful forest path. Our staff will receive you there, assist you with parking and help you out with your luggage. Meals: - All meals (Veg and Non Veg) are included in your booking. - Meals at Hushstay x Aarish consist of multiple cuisines like Indian, Kumauni, South Indian, continental, Chinese, soups and salads. - We also bake our own homemade biscuits, bread, and cakes. - A menu is shared upon booking confirmation. We request all our guests to inform the staff about their meal preferences well in advance. House Rules: - Slow and soft music is okay, but please do not play loud music. You are in the middle of nature. - Services of the staff are available until 10:00 PM Please adhere to the meal timings: Breakfast - 8.30 am to 10 am Lunch - 1 pm to 2.30 pm Dinner - 8 pm to 9.30 pm - We have a pet at our property and have many visiting from the surrounding villages. We love pets, however, do not allow guests to get their pets due to several challenges. - We follow a strict no-smoking policy inside the house. You may ask the caretaker for an ashtray and smoke outside the house if you need to. - Sustainable Travel: We do not provide mineral water bottles or aerated drinks and encourage our guests to avoid or take back their plastic garbage. Clean drinking water in bottles is provided. - Water: At Aarish, we've tried our best to preserve the natural fauna, native trees, and plants. Water is gold! We recycle our grey water and harvest rainwater. Guests are requested to use water judiciously and ensure that there aren’t any leaks or taps dripping. If you do notice something, please let the staff know immediately. We do not have showers in our bathrooms. Accommodation: - This place is offered exclusively to only one group at a time, the price varies depending on the number of guests. Please select the exact number of guests while booking. Rooms are offered on double occupancy up until 08 guests and other rooms are locked. We will offer extra beds if you are a group of more than 08 guests. - Electricity: Electricity is usually not a problem, however, being at an offbeat location, if there is an unprecedented power outage, we have inverters as power backup to keep the lights and some power points running. This might also offer you an opportunity to switch off and gaze at the starry night sky. We promise you will not regret it. - Please note that like any other home in the mountains, we do not have an air conditioner at the property. Aarish has been designed in such a way that there is proper wind circulation if the windows are opened in the afternoon. Besides, we also have some table fans if you feel the need for the same. - We do not have separate accommodations for House-helps or Drivers. Please talk to the hosts in advance for arrangements - Outside guests are not allowed during the stay. The property is only accessible to guests who have booked with us.