Escape to Paradise: Residency Lake Resort & Spa, Mulshi Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Residency Lake Resort & Spa, Mulshi – A Whirlwind of Whispers and Water
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged, blinking and slightly sunburned, from a weekend at the Escape to Paradise: Residency Lake Resort & Spa in Mulshi, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Think less "picture-perfect postcard" and more "slightly off-kilter, but utterly charming painting." This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel; this is a place with character, quirks, and a lake that could steal your heart.
Accessibility: (Hoping my Wheelchair Cousin Can Even Get in the Door!)
Okay, this is crucial. Let's talk accessibility. Right off the bat, Escape to Paradise gets some points. They do advertise facilities for disabled guests, which is a start. The website mentions accessibility, but my inner skeptic twinges because I’ve been burned by promises before. I’d absolutely call ahead and quiz them extensively if I had a wheelchair-using friend. See if they can give you specifics on the rooms, ramps, and (most importantly) the ability to navigate the entire property, especially the areas with the views. (I’d hate for someone to miss out on the pool with the view, wouldn’t you?) They've got an elevator, which is a BIG plus – but it's not enough to guarantee a fully accessible experience. They have that Facilities for disabled guests badge, but let's be real, that needs a heck of a lot more information about how it affects the real experience.
Rooms: Decently Comfortable… With a Few Quirks of Their Own.
So, the room. We went for the standard "lake view" – and it delivered. The view was the star of the show. Breathtaking. Truly. Waking up to that shimmering expanse of water? Pure bliss. Now, the room itself? Pretty standard. Got the Air Conditioning (thank the heavens!), a comfy bed, a mini-bar stocked with… well, the usual suspects.
Things I Loved (and Hated) About The Room:
- Loved: The bathtub! After a long drive, a soak in the tub was pure heaven.
- Hated: The Internet Access – Wireless. Okay, it was free (yay!), but the signal was…spotty. Half the time I was wandering around, desperately searching for a Wi-Fi ghost.
- Neutral: The bathrobes were plush, but I'm not sure I'm a bathrobe person.
- Loved: Blackout curtains. Oh, sweet, sweet sleep!
- Didn't Get: I don't use "scale" in my bathroom ever. What is the point?
The Spa & Relaxation Station: Bliss or… Just Meh?
Oh, the spa. This is where things got interesting. I'm a sucker for a good massage. And the Spa promised tranquility. The reality? Well, the massage was good, but the experience? A little disjointed. The Sauna was a welcome addition, and the steamroom was, well, steamy! The Pool with a View was breathtaking, and I spent a lot of time just staring at the water. The Foot bath was nice. I didn't touch the Body Scrub. The Gym/fitness was there, but I wasn't feeling remotely motivated.
The Restaurants and Food: A Culinary Rollercoaster (But Mostly Up!)
Food is where Escape to Paradise truly shines some of the time. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was actually pretty killer. The Western cuisine in restaurant was… well, it was there. The breakfast buffet was decent; the usual spread with an emphasis on "quantity over innovation" with the Asian breakfast. I found myself gravitating toward the Coffee/tea in restaurant – which were good, but nothing exceptional. The Poolside Bar was a delightful option. The service at the restaurants was generally friendly, but sometimes a little…slow.
Dining & Drinking: The Good and the Slightly Bewildering
I loved the Coffee Shop and spend a lot of time there. Breakfast service? I would rather eat breakfast in my room via Breakfast in room or Breakfast takeaway service. I appreciated having the Bottle of water ready in the room. The Happy Hour was a highlight! One night, we ordered Room service [24-hour] because, let’s be honest, sometimes you just don’t want to leave your room.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to Stay Safe
Okay, in these Covid times, safety matters.
- Anti-viral cleaning products were in use, which is good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas seemed to be happening.
- First aid kit was available, I hope.
- Hand sanitizer was readily available.
- They were doing some degree of Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, but not always enforced.
- Rooms sanitized between stays is a must.
- Staff trained in safety protocol – hopefully.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were in evidence.
- Shared stationery removed - a big plus.
- The hotel offered Doctor/nurse on call.
- Cashless payment service was available.
- Individually-wrapped food options in the restaurants.
- Safe dining setup.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Helpful and… Less So
- The Concierge was helpful with directions and recommendations.
- Doorman was always available.
- The Laundry service was efficient.
- Luggage storage was available.
- The Convenience store was…convenient.
- Cash withdrawal? Can't remember if I used that.
- Daily housekeeping was excellent,
- The Elevator was a lifesaver.
- Facilities for disabled guests – see my earlier plea!
- Invoice provided – yes.
- Air conditioning in public area – yes.
For the Kids & Babysitting Service:
- Family/child friendly is right on the nose.
- The Kids facilities seemed decent, didn't see them.
- I spotted some Babysitting service options.
- I saw a Kids meal.
Security and Getting Around: Safe and Sound (Mostly)
- CCTV in common areas
- CCTV outside property
- Front desk [24-hour] was reassuring.
- Safety/security feature.
- Smoke alarms.
- Security [24-hour].
- Fire extinguisher.
- Car park [free of charge] was a big win.
- I saw a Taxi service.
- Airport transfer.
My Verdict: Quirkiness with a View
Escape to Paradise: Residency Lake Resort & Spa isn't perfect. It has its flaws, its moments of "almost there," and a few areas that could definitely be improved. But the stunning location, the generally friendly service, and the delicious food (sometimes!) make it a worthwhile escape. If you're looking for a perfectly polished, utterly predictable luxury experience, this might not be your place. But if you're looking for a place with character, beauty, and a splash of adventure, then pack your bags. Just double-check about the accessibility before you go!
Final Score: 7.5/10 (with a potential boost if they up their accessibility game and Wi-Fi!)
Hilton Iowa City Grad: Your Dream Graduation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is me, possibly slightly unhinged, navigating the verdant (I think that's the right word? Doesn't matter) hills of Mulshi at Residency Lake Resort & Spa. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and probably some spilled chai.
Residency Lake Resort & Spa: My Mulshi Mayhem - A (Very Rough) Guide
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and the Great Chai Crisis of '24
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrival. Sun-drenched, slightly sweaty, and already plotting my escape. The drive from Mumbai… let's just say it involved a lot of honking, existential dread triggered by rogue potholes, and wondering if I'd actually remembered to pack deodorant. (Spoiler: I hadn’t.)
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The reception is gorgeous, all polished wood and hushed tones. I feel like a disheveled barbarian. They offer welcome drinks – mango juice. Delicious. I instantly feel less barbarian-y.
- 2:00 PM: My Room. A "Lake View Villa." Ha! More like "Lake-Adjacent Villa." But, okay, it’s pretty damn good. Massive bed. Balcony. And the blessed, blessed air conditioning. Immediately try to nap. Fail. Too excited. Too caffeinated (thanks, pre-trip coffee).
- 2:30 PM: Lunch. Buffet. Sigh. Buffets. The siren song of overeating. I vow to be "disciplined." Immediately load up on everything, including some suspiciously green-looking chutney. Regret. Delicious, but potent.
- 3:30 PM: "Relaxation." The plan was a swim in the infinity pool. Reality: I’m terrified of heights. I lean on the edge, staring at the vastness, a mild panic bubbling inside. The view IS incredible though, so I'm forcing myself to like it. (Spoiler: I did not swim.)
- 4:30 PM: THE CHAI CRISIS OF ‘24. This is not an exaggeration. I ordered chai. Lovely, I thought. A simple chai. What arrives is lukewarm, weak, and tastes vaguely of sadness. I flag down a waiter. He looks apologetic. Another chai. Same result. My internal tea-loving goddess is weeping. THEY DIDN'T HAVE GOOD CHAI. The injustice! The betrayal! This moment will forever mark my Mulshi trip.
- 5:30 PM: Desperate measures. Sneak out, walk around, see some birds. They are unimpressed by my chai story.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. More buffet. I make better choices this time. Mostly. I finally try the promised “authentic Indian dishes,” which are all amazing and more than make up for the Chai Crisis.
- 8:00 PM: The resort is quiet. The stars are out. Actually, it's beautiful, and I get the feeling things are going to be okay until the Chai Crisis haunts my dreams.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep… eventually.
Day 2: The Trek of the Trepidatious & Spa Shenanigans
- 7:00 AM: Wake up naturally. No alarm needed. The air is fresh and the birds are singing.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. The Chai Crisis's shadow still looms, but the dosa saves the day.
- 8:30 AM: Trekking. Yes, I signed up for a trek. Me. The woman who avoids anything remotely resembling exercise. This is where the humor comes in though, my fear of heights, and the fact I am wearing the wrong shoes. My guide tries to reassure me, telling me the "scenic" views. The "scenic" views were absolutely breathtaking. We reached the peak, and there, the valley stretched, a tapestry of greens and blues. I did it. (And almost died, figuratively. No goats.)
- 11:30 AM: Spa Time. The massage. Oh, the massage. I went for the “deep tissue.” Think ancient rituals and the slow unraveling of knots I didn't even know I had. I almost fell asleep, a rare and blissful experience.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I order a small salad: a victory over the buffet. It’s delicious, but I’m still thinking about my trek.
- 2:00 PM: Pool. I managed a dip this time! The sense of accomplishment is vast.
- 3:00 PM: Chai. I will not say it. Instead, I order coffee.
- 3:30 PM: Reading on the balcony. Just…decompressing.
- 6:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks. The view is amazing, as is the sunset.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I finally try the “authentic Indian dishes,” and all of them are amazing and more than make up for the Chai Crisis.
- 8:30 PM: Sleep. Dreaming of green hills and the distant memory of that massage.
Day 3: Farewell, Mulshi (and the Elusive Perfect Chai?)
- 7:00 AM: Another incredible breakfast, and I don't even mind the Chai crisis lingering in the back of my mind.
- 9:00 AM: Check-out and Departure.
- 9:30 AM: Start of the long car ride, contemplating the meaning of life and if the Chai Crisis of ‘24 was all I had to look back on, or if Mulshi will stick with me.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Home, slightly sunburnt, with a heart full of memories, and an undying quest for perfect chai.
So there you have it. A chaotic, imperfect, utterly human account of my time at Residency Lake Resort & Spa. Would I go back? Absolutely. Chai crisis or no chai crisis. Because sometimes, the mess is where the magic truly lies. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a kettle and a very specific brand of tea… Wish me luck.
Unbelievable Medina Luxury: New Madina Hotel IHG Experience!
Okay, so, Escape to Paradise… Is it *actually* paradise? Like, real-deal, Instagram-filtered heaven?
Alright, let’s get real. Paradise? Hmm. Depends on your definition. I mean, the brochure *definitely* made it look like a tropical oasis. And yes, the views of Mulshi Lake? Stunning. Seriously, jaw-dropping. But... and there’s always a but, isn't there? My room? Not *quite* the glossy perfection. Think slightly less “idyllic villa” and slightly *more* "charming with a hint of 'maybe they renovated in the 90s.'" The air conditioning, bless its little cotton socks, had a personality all of its own. Sounded like a disgruntled robot trying to take off. On the bright side, the lake view *did* kind of forgive it all. Worth it for the view, absolutely. Paradise? Maybe paradise-adjacent. Or perhaps, "Paradise, but with a slightly dusty fan."
How are the rooms? Seriously, are we talking clean sheets and fluffy towels or… motel chic?
Okay, the rooms. Deep breaths. Let's be frank. Initially, a brief wave of panic washed over me. "Is that… a stain?" I muttered about the carpet. But then! The view. Again! Seriously, that lake view, it's like a magic charm for any minor imperfection. The linens? Fine. Clean. No evidence of previous occupants staging a rave. The towels? Fluffy-ish. Not spa-grade, you know, but did the job. The bathroom? Functional. Slightly dated, but clean. Basically, it's a room. A room with possibly the best view of Mulshi Lake you could ask for. So, Motel Chic? Nah. "Competent with a side of stunning vista." That's the official rating.
The food! What's the grub like? Do I need to pack emergency rations?
Food. Ah, the age-old question. Look, I went with a healthy dose of skepticism, I have to admit. Hotel food can be… well, let's just say it can be bland. But! Surprise! The food at Escape to Paradise was actually pretty decent. Especially the breakfast. That dosa… my god. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, perfect with the chutney. I may or may not have had three. Lunch and dinner were good too, with a decent variety. Indian, Continental, all the usual suspects. They had a chef constantly wandering around, asking for feedback. He seemed genuinely interested in whether you were enjoying the food. (Which, let's be honest, you rarely find!). Emergency rations? Maybe pack some trail mix, just in case you get a serious dosa craving at 3 AM. But overall, the food passed the "hangry traveler" test with flying colors.
What are the activities? Can I actually DO things, or will I be staring at a lake for three days?
Right, activities! Definitely not just staring at a lake, thank goodness. Although, to be fair, staring at the lake is pretty darn pleasant, especially with a cup of coffee in hand. They have a swimming pool. Lovely. Refreshing. Perfect for doing absolutely nothing. They also have a spa! I had a massage, which, let's just say, it was *divine*. After a hard day of eating dosas and gazing at the lake, a massage is pretty crucial, IMHO. They claim to offer watersports, but I was there during the off-season, and that wasn’t available. There were board games, if you're into that. I'm not. I prefer staring at the water. The more you know! There were supposed to be nature walks which sounded enticing, but, alas, I was recovering from dosa overload most of the time. So you CAN do stuff, but mainly, it’s a place to chill and recharge.
Is it good for couples? Or, you know, for escaping *from* your partner?
Couples? Oh, absolutely perfect for couples. Romantic. Secluded. Beautiful views. Plenty of opportunities for hand-holding and gazing into each other's eyes (or at least, gazing at the lake together). And the spa! Couples massages! Come on! It's practically designed for romance. Escaping *from* your partner? Hmmm… Well, there are plenty of quiet spots to retreat to. The pool's nice, and you could easily pretend you’re oblivious and engrossed in your phone. The resort does have a decent amount of space, so it offers a bit of breathing room, which can be helpful in "escape mode." So, I'd say both. Romance and a little me-time, as desired. Either way, everyone wins.
What about kids? Family friendly?
Kids... Okay, here is where I was conflicted. I was there without children, and I'm not usually a kid-friendly kind of traveler, sorry kiddos. However, I did see a few families there, and it seemed like it worked. They seemed able to swim in the pools with the kids no problem and the resort seemed to have space for the kids to run around. There's a bit of open space. I did notice a few kids getting a bit restless, and the resort isn't exactly jam-packed with kid-specific activities. No dedicated kids' club or anything. The pool is safe, but, realistically, it's not a water park. However, the open space gives the kids room to move. The area is not super crowded. Overall, I'd say it's *okay* for families. Especially if your kids are happy playing together, with the stunning scenery or just chilling out with the family. But if your kids are the “need-constant-entertainment” type, maybe think twice.
How's the service? Are the staff helpful, or do you feel like you’re constantly chasing down someone to get a glass of water?
Service... this is always a big one. And honestly? The service was pretty good. Not flawless, mind you. There was this one time I waited an *eternity* for a towel by the pool. I was practically turning into a prune before one appeared. But generally speaking, the staff was attentive and friendly. They smile a lot. Sometimes a little *too* much... like, the kind of smile that says "I'm desperately hoping for a tip." But hey, I get it. They were willing to help, eager to please. The language barrier created some challenges at times, but they managed to understand my (admittedly terrible) attempts to order breakfast. Overall, though, no major complaints here. They make an effort, and that counts for a lot.
Okay, tell me about the spa. Was it worth it? Did I mention I'm REALLYHotel Whisperer
