‘One weekend at a time’ is how most of us are living by these days. It’s amazing how we try to fit all of unwinding, relaxing, spending quality time with our loved ones and making memories all in a weekend. In our otherwise mundane and mechanical office lives, memorable getaways are the light we all hope for, but at the same time we are always on the lookout for something offbeat, something very unique in our weekend getaway experiences.
Recently, after a lot of ‘You-want-adventure-but-I-want-to-relax-why-can’t-we-do-both’ sort of debate and discussion, my husband and I planned a mini vacation of sorts and decided to explore this exclusive getaway which we heard about a lot lately. We finalized on venturing out to the D.A.T.A. Resort in Lonavala, designed by Mr. Jimmy Mistry – which is India’s First Military themed luxury resort, and also offers exciting military style training programs for civilians. Having experienced an overnight stay at D.A.T.A Resort ,I can safely declare it was a great choice to make because it definitely justifies the high ratings the themed resort gets and the unmatched military style experiences it creates for the guests.
We drove for a few hours from Mumbai to Lonavala. Around 1 pm that afternoon we made our way to the entrance of the resort and were greeted with expanse of this gorgeous luxurious property.Soon after, we were escorted by a military-style car, which was a full-sized camouflaged vehicle with D.A.T.A artistically shaded on the bonnet and a driver dressed smartly in a full army uniform; giving us a joyful peek into what was about to come!
We experienced the military adventure with a body roll as soon as we made our way on the off-road rut through the woods.We arrived at a serene and beautiful lake where a pontoon was waiting to escort us to the property further. Retired high commandos and trainers dressed in army uniforms, who all greeted us with a loud and enthusiastic “Jai Hind!” and invited us to come on board once we had reached. We felt like royals with a grand ceremonial welcome orchestrated especially for us – complete with horses and beautiful lighting of the lamps.
After our dreamy welcome, the keycards were handed over to us, and we excitedly stepped into one of the glamping tents. In no time we realised it was nothing short of extraordinary – the interiors were absolutely stunning, five-star amenities such as minibar, super comfy bed, and a magnificent bathroom with a jacuzzi and a steam bath cubicle. It was evident that the smallest of the details were paid attention to and was in sync with the military theme – such as a doormat with the unique signature of the property and grenade shaped cups and handles. All of it was literally in the middle of nowhere. Surreal is the word to describe the view with the mountains, the sky, and the lake to gaze at.
At lunch, we were surprised by the scrumptious food that we were served at the resort which is literally in the middle of nowhere. A big thumbs up for the Punjabi dishes which we tastefully savoured and ended up with a satisfied grin.
Training Courses and Activity:
D.A.T.A. Resort not only boasts about being stunningly beautiful and a luxurious property but also has a myriad of activity and training modules for families as well as corporate. These modules are crafted to inculcate essential skills that prepares one to handle any situation during times of crisis. We were briefed about the concept behind the resort and it’s theme by the high commanders who happens to be trainers themselves. One of the commanders was a part of the actual 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai himself. It was truly an honor to speak to the commanders, listen to their encounters and amazing stories of bravery of the real heroes of our country.
Some of these training modules include:
- Self-defense
- Hell Night
- Mental conditioning (Obstacle Course)
- Disarming a person
- Fire Ignition with the help of flint and identifying the direction with the help of nature, sky & moon
- Surviving natural calamities such as earthquake
- Giving out distress signals with smoke or torch
Post the training, we resigned to our luxury tents for some rest. In the evening we had the same tasteful experience with our supper but this time at the lovely pool deck. The night walk in the woods gazing at the stars, sitting by a bonfire that lit up the evening was the highlight of the day.
The next morning, as we woke up refreshed from a quiet, restful sleep, we had some nutritious and wholesome breakfast .The staff was extremely courteous throughout the service which is the best part.
Lastly,I wouldn’t describe D.A.T.A by Della Resort as just another holiday resort. It is a state-of-the-art, India’s first military-themed glamping resort with some amazing modules for everybody – be in families, individuals or corporates. It is also the first resort where the real-life para commanders and trainers get involved with you and strike a chord on a very personal level.
All in all, for me, the D.A.T.A Resort has been an experience of a lifetime and the memories I take back with me will be cherished forever.
Accommodation Cost – 16,000 ++ per tent
Training Package – 5,000 onwards
Stay – Luxurious Glamping Tents
Timing– Check in: 2:00 PM
Check out: 12:00 AM
Mumbai to Della Adventure – 2 hours, 90 km approx.
Food – Veg, Non – Veg food (Jain also available at request)
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