August has a handful of long weekend opportunities. The long weekend isn’t just an extra day off; it’s a rare pause button. A chance to step away from routines, from constant notifications, and from the
everyday noise that crowds our thoughts. Increasingly, travellers are using these short breaks not to pack in more sightseeing, but to slow down, recharge, and realign.
Across India, a new wave of getaways is emerging that blends the comfort of boutique luxury with the grounding power of nature and wellness. These are places where mornings might begin with guided meditation or the scent of mountain air, afternoons invite you to explore local culture or simply linger over a slow lunch, and evenings close with the soft hush of unhurried conversations.
From the Himalayas to the coasts, here’s a curation of properties perfect for your next long-weekend escape.
1. Araiya Palampur
Set against the Dhauladhar Range in Himachal’s Kangra Valley, Araiya Palampur blends British hill-station charm with Punjabi and Pahadi influences. It’s 25 spacious rooms open to mountain views, manicured gardens, and crisp alpine air. Guests can spend the day exploring tea estates, walking nature trails, or simply watching the light change over the peaks. An ideal choice for those seeking a short yet immersive Himalayan reset.
2. Kinwani House
Perched high in the Himalayan foothills at Narendra Nagar, Kinwani House is a regal boutique stay that fuses heritage architecture with modern sophistication. Its six suites offer sweeping valley and mountain views, while amenities like a temperature-controlled pool and curated cultural experiences make it an intimate yet enriching escape. Ideal for travellers who value privacy, history, and panoramic landscapes.
3. Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa
Bordering Rajaji National Park, Aalia offers 11 colonial-style luxury tents that open to uninterrupted forest views. Days here might mean a guided safari at dawn, slow breakfasts with local flavours, or spa treatments that draw from regional wellness traditions. The atmosphere is quiet, restorative, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the wild.
4. Araiya Gir, A Mavintara Resort
A luxury all-villa retreat in the heart of Gir, this property is as much about the wilderness outside as the comfort within. It’s 46 elegant villas that pair contemporary design with earthy textures, while curated experiences include wildlife safaris, cultural immersions, and holistic wellness sessions. Perfect for travellers who want to pair adventure with unhurried downtime.
5. The Orchid Hotel Passaros, Goa
Just steps from Benaulim Beach, this adults-focused eco-luxury retreat is designed for unhurried days and quiet indulgence. Choose a Bulbul Haven with its jacuzzi or a Treepie room with a bathtub and private balcony. Mornings here begin with the sound of waves, afternoons might drift by at the pool or the spa, and evenings unfold at the poolside bar or over multi-cuisine dining. Sustainability runs through Orchid’s philosophy, ensuring your break is both luxurious and light on the planet.
6. VILEEN, Rishikesh
Perched 170 meters above the sinuous Ganges and enveloped by Himalayan forest, VILEEN rises out of Singtali village like a contemporary sanctuary for the soul. Its five-star design blends nature and therapeutic programming with intentional grace. At its heart, the Samagra Spa offers integrative therapies rooted in Indian tradition and modern wellness science. Couples can enjoy synchronised treatments, joint breathwork, and aqua fitness under the mountain sun.
7. Vana, Dehradun
In the sal forests of Dehradun, Vana offers a serene immersion into Ayurveda, Sowa-Rigpa, and yoga. It’s a space for couples to exchange words for stillness—through forest bathing, sound healing, and deep silence. Here, the long weekend becomes a rare pause, a cocoon for recalibration.
8. Shreyas Retreat, Karnataka
A boutique wellness haven near Bengaluru, Shreyas blends ashram living with refined hospitality. Couples can take part in partner yoga, mindful gardening, and Ayurvedic cooking – activities that centre not on pampering but on practising presence together.
9. Atmantan, Mulshi
Overlooking Mulshi Lake, Atmantan’s “Couples Connect” program is designed for emotional and physical realignment. Think partner physiotherapy, chakra balancing, holistic spa sessions, and life coaching.
10. SwaSwara, Gokarna
On Gokarna’s Om Beach, SwaSwara offers art therapy, nature walks, and Ayurvedic healing in a WiFi-free sanctuary. The days flow with the tide – slow, sensory, and entirely yours.
