Karma Chalets – A Hidden Gem

Karma Lakelands, an almost 300-acre eco-responsible property situated in Sector 80, Gurugram, is carving out its own niche in the immersive and experiential travel industry. Creating bespoke experiences for its guests, Karma Lakelands offers a choice of stay options through its boutique Hotel Karma Chalets on one hand and its luxury residences on the other.

THE SPACE

‘A well-kept secret' is how a guest recently described Karma Chalets. And he was not too far off the mark! Nestled within 300 acres of greenery and fresh air, the Chalets are a welcome change from the box-like hotels that abound everywhere. There is an all-pervading sense of nature and flowers everywhere. A meandering path leads one to the rooms. There is an all-pervading sense of calm and tranquillity. It is a place that one feels one has come home to!

The charm of Karma Chalets, to a great extent, is on account of the personal touch that their Director, Anu Khurana, lends to the place. With a hunger for perfection, there is a constant effort to improve guest services, with a profusion of hammocks and lounge chairs and cute sit-outs everywhere. The staff are polite, well-mannered and exude a sense of ‘wanting to please’. The boutique nature of the rooms is supplemented with a wide range of facilities and activities that no other property in the Delhi-Gurgaon area can provide. Within the large open space are birds, farm animals, a bee apiary, cycling, a golf course, swimming, a children's park, outdoor adventure obstacles, an organic nursery and nature walks. The fauna consists of long-haired Hares, Indian Fox and Antelopes. If you are lucky, you might even spot a family of Porcupines making their way home at night near the Chalets!

THE ROOMS

The meandering path lit up at night lends the place the semblance of a virtual fairyland. The hand-painted and intricately designed room names, room number, room keys and DND sign are the first indication of things to come. The word ‘quaint’ comes immediately to mind. Instead of using paintings, the walls are adorned with photographs taken by Anu on the family’s personal holidays within India and abroad. Each room is different, with its distinct wallpaper, distressed finish, decals, curtains, cushions and more.

The design team has worked well to use the limited interior space in a skilful manner and provide spaciousness. With deft use of colours and decor, the feeling is one of cosiness, and in a way, very ‘English’ in a manner of speaking. Opening the door or lying on the bed with the curtains parted, one looks out onto shrubs, flowers, bamboo shoots and hammocks. It is virtually as if the Chalet rooms are ‘enclosed’ within nature.

The colour palette brings balance with a hint of intrigue. A blend of tints and shades of pastel adorn the walls. The decor is comfortably chic – it comes across as trendy but not too loud. Serenity is at the core of the design. Layered with curiosity and unique objects, the design details add to the visual appeal and bring warmth to the space. Each wallpaper, photo frame, and bed throw has been painstakingly chosen to make each room unique in its own way. No two chalets share an identical look and feel, making each visit a new and refreshing experience. No effort or money has been saved on the quality of condiments or the French Press coffee machine, and it shows!

‘UNDER THE NEEM’ | CAFE | KRAFT KITCHEN

Adjoining the rooms is their Café & Kraft Kitchen – aptly named “Under the Neem”. The daughter, Vanshika, has designed the interiors and even painted some of the walls herself. Warm and neat, with ample glass bay windows all around looking out onto the green outdoors, the interior and exterior merge magically into each other. Ideal for eating inside on summer days or alfresco dining on winter afternoons. Apart from the cosy nooks for two, there are four special ‘settings’ – ideal for special occasions with candlelight dinners. The farm-to-plate concept is being practised perfectly here with produce coming directly from their kitchen garden next door, and the menu specially curated by ex-Oberoi Chef Ravitej Nath.

Spend your time playing a game of outdoor chess, croquet or carrom, or simply sit by one of their windows overlooking the gardens and ‘knit’ your own story – a lovely concept introduced here whereby one can sit and knit while waiting for the food to arrive! They are quite sure that you will take home a bit of the ‘Under The Neem’ experience and lifestyle with you.

Their motto – Relax, Rejuvenate, Rejoice – comes together perfectly here at Karma Chalets!