Della Resorts in Lonavala: The amazingly picturesque, Luxury Retreat in India that effortlessly combines elegance with adventure. Home to one of India’s finest adventure parks, this gorgeous resort redefines experiential travel, elevating it to exhilarating new heights.

…As the Editor-in-Chief of TheGlitz and former Editor of the iconic Stardust magazine, I’ve had the privilege of travelling to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations – from the storybook charm of Bruges in Belgium, the majestic castles of Dublin, the rainbow-hued landscapes of Vallée des Couleurs in Mauritius, the awe-inspiring luxe of AlUla in Saudi Arabia or the regal beauty of Jag Mandir Palace in Udaipur amongst many others. Yet, I must confess, my recent visit to the picturesque luxury Della Resorts in Lonavala completely stole my heart. I found myself falling hopelessly in love with its magical allure and immersive experience.

My Story, My Words

Setting off on a quick one-day escape to Della Resorts in Lonavala with my lively mother and my energetic Pomeranian, Champ, I felt a mix of excitement and a touch of apprehension. Could I manage to make this trip as seamless as I wanted it to be? We had heard a lot about this amazing resort in Lonavala, a destination that promised luxury, adventure, and everything in between, but travelling with an elderly parent and an exuberant dog left me wondering if it would all go as smoothly as planned.

However, the moment we arrived at this gorgeous resort, all my worries melted away. We were warmly welcomed by the ever-effervescent Saki Chhakchhuak, Della’s dynamic Guest Relations Manager, who instantly put us at ease. The level of personalization in the service was impressive from the get-go. A personal butler, the eternally smiling Bipasha Ghosh, was assigned to us, and her magic words – “Certainly” – in response to every request, ensured we felt pampered throughout our stay. It was the little things, like the genuine care and attention they showed my mother and the love they showered on Champ, that spoke volumes about the resort’s ethos.

One of the standout moments for me was seeing how Della Resorts didn’t just accept pets but embraced them. Champ was treated like a VIP guest, receiving more warmth than I could have ever imagined! In fact, I was really touched when the ever-smiling Sanjay Negi at Cafe24 brought Champ a steaming bowl of rice and chicken, apologizing that it took a little time as he wanted to make sure that it was the right temperature for the frisky dog to eat. Indeed, the resort’s impeccable staff made both my mom and my dog feel completely at home, creating an atmosphere filled with care, compassion, and joy.

Spectacular

The property itself was magnificent. An epitome of luxury and adventure, nestled amidst the lush green hills of the Sahyadris, this stunning resort boasts an array of lavish, beautifully designed villas and suites that redefine opulence, offering a serene blend of modern design and natural beauty. Each villa is beautifully designed with plush interiors and personal gardens, perfect for those seeking an indulgent escape. The Presidential and Luxury Villas, in particular, stand out with their expansive layouts, designer cutlery, private pools, and butler service, ensuring guests experience the pinnacle of comfort and privacy.

The suite we stayed at was truly amazing, spacious, luxe yet comfortable and replete with all modern amenities. The resort’s architecture too is truly fabulous as it seamlessly merges with the landscape, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re lounging by the infinity pool, dining at one of their award-winning restaurants, or simply soaking in the tranquility of your villa, Della Resorts offers you a sanctuary that feels both exclusive and intimate.

I personally thought that the property with it’s intricately carved statues was a visual treat – beautifully designed with just a dash of quirky humour. In fact, I had an “aha’ moment of surprise (and amusement) when I walked into the women’s washroom at the all-day Cafe24 only to be startled by a mannequin of a man using the urinal (Ha Ha!) – proof that Della likes to keep things, quirky, fun, light and playful!

Finger-lickin’ Good

Though our stay was only for a day, the Della experience was so immersive and heartwarming that it felt like much longer. The culinary journey across the resort’s numerous dining options was a revelation. From the finger food at Sports Bar, mouthwatering authentic Parsi dishes at the Parsi Dhaba, the delectable offerings at Cafe24, the pure veg (even Jain) food at Creme Della and the delectable Villa Bistro, the Italian café, where every meal was an indulgence in gastronomic excellence.

The Dynamo

Meeting the dynamic Jimmy Mistry, the visionary behind Della Resorts, was another highlight of the trip. His passion for experiential travel and design radiates through every corner of this picturesque property. His attention to detail, from the layout to the guest experience, is what truly sets Della apart as one of India’s finest luxury resorts. No wonder, he has been called the “Pioneer’ of experiential travel by top magazines.

I met him at Villa Bistro where he was seamlessly multi-tasking – instructing his staff, getting a project done and talking to me. He was warm and extremely hospitable, and to top it, promised TheGlitz an exclusive interview too.

Vegas Show

Though I sadly missed the much-anticipated Vegas Show, even though I was personally invited by the visionary Jimmy Mistry himself to watch it. However, its reputation had already preceded, as I had heard whispers of its breathtaking blend of culinary mastery and world-class performances – a fusion of artistry and luxury that elevates dining into a multi-sensory spectacle. From London-trained performers to fiery dancers lighting up the night sky, it’s no wonder this show has become the jewel of Della Resorts’ entertainment offerings. Though I couldn’t be there, the allure of all what I had heard, left a lasting impression.

The Thriller – Della Adventure Park

For thrill-seekers, Della’s Adventure Park said to be India largest Extreme Adventure Park, is a haven of heart-pounding experiences, from bungee jumping and quad biking to zip-lining and India’s longest Flying Fox. Yet, there’s something for everyone, no matter their pace. Even with a more laid-back agenda, I couldn’t resist indulging in the enchanting Della Sky Garden – an unforgettable high-tea experience suspended 150 feet in the air. Sipping orange juice with the world at my feet was nothing short of breathtaking, though I must confess, I didn’t quite muster the courage to turn my revolving chair. But I did have an incredible time taking in the breathtaking 360-degree view as the sky-high table slowly rotated, revealing every angle of the stunning landscape – including the striking sight of a huge ‘Jai Shree Ram’ sculpted into the hills. It was truly a sight to behold!

The staff here too were truly welcoming. Chef Shambu and the stewards were wonderfully attentive, even doubling up as my personal photographer, taking memorable photos and videos of my awe-struck moments, making the entire experience both exhilarating and memorable.

However, Della Sky Garden wasn’t the only thrilling attraction at the Della Adventure Park. Sprawling across a vast, scenic landscape, India’s largest Extreme Adventure Park at Della Resorts elevates the concept of adventure to extraordinary new heights. As the premier destination for thrill-seekers and leisure enthusiasts, it seamlessly blends heart-pounding excitement with impeccable luxury. With world-class safety standards and cutting-edge infrastructure, this adventure haven caters to every adrenaline junkie’s dream, offering over 50 pulse-racing activities, from India’s longest Flying Fox to the country’s only Swoop Swing. The breathtaking ziplines and challenging rope courses test both physical strength and mental stamina, making it a must-visit for those who crave extreme adventure.

With ATV rides, archery, horseback riding, and a delightful petting zoo – there are kennels for dogs, there’s something for everyone, from children exploring supervised zones to adults indulging in more extreme experiences like dirt biking and sky cycling. I could experience for myself that at Della Resorts, adventure was more than just an experience – it was an unforgettable journey.

Luxe Spa Time

And let’s not forget the Luxury spa. After a day of excitement, I found solace in the luxe spa at 9 p.m. – the Della luxury spa is open 24/7, which is such a boon especially when your day is super packed with activities. With soft music playing in the background, I relaxed at the spa as my therapist, Jessica, worked wonders, offering me a rejuvenating Swedish massage. The refreshing treatment was the perfect way to end a fabulous day at Della.

I Love You, Della Resorts!

Della Resorts for me, will always stand out as a testament to sophisticated yet comfortable hospitality, blending opulence with heart. The swanky villas and suites – each equipped with open-air Jacuzzis, mini-bars, and the latest in-room technology – offer an elevated experience for guests seeking luxury and comfort.

But what stood out was the service and the resort’s dedication to detail that extended beyond accommodation – from Saki caringly helping my mother, Bipasha chatting with my mom and dog when I was at the spa, telling the staff to recheck if I had left behind anything before I left – I had left my gold ring – and thanks to my pixie faced butler, I got it back, safe and sound; Sanjay Negi pampering my pet to Chef Shambhu taking photographs and videos of me at Della Sky Garden… all beyond the call of duty.

TheGlitz Verdict

What do I say? Della Resorts, a beacon of luxury and innovation, seamlessly blends hospitality, adventure, and fine dining across six distinct resorts with over 300 rooms. Catering to luxury travellers, corporates, and families, its offerings range from India’s largest extreme adventure park to award-winning cuisine at eight diverse restaurants, including the nation’s first 24-hour fine dining experience. A leader in MICE services, luxury weddings, and township development, Della stands out for its visionary approach, spearheaded by Jimmy Mistry, as a comprehensive luxury destination in India.

However, what makes Della truly exceptional and a stand-out is its warmth, its attention to detail, and its commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for every guest, regardless of age or needs. My trip, though short, was full of memorable moments, and I left Della with a deep sense of appreciation for the incredible hospitality. The warm hospitality, thrilling adventures, and unparalleled luxury of Della Resorts have completely captivated me. It’s a destination I’m definitely going to revisit, for an extended escape to soak in even more of its charm and splendour.

My verdict? If you’re a traveller who craves unforgettable experiences wrapped in luxury, Della Resorts is a bucket list must – consider this your official stamp of approval!