My Stay at Swosti Chilika Resort, India
Many of us need a break, whether that is because of staying at home since last 3 months or locked in a small apartment or need to reset. For travellers, it is wanderlust and for me; it is Fernweh.
It reminds me of a quote by Sheda Savage "Travel expands the mind and fills the gap".
I have been speaking with people and getting a request to help with options to travel within India, which makes sense - many people want to stay close and international travel will remain closed for the time being and if opens it will be complicated to travel. This reminded me of a destination which is less explored and kind of excluded from our bucket list for many years because of unknown reasons and now it is the right time to uncover this destination.
Last monsoon I was fortunate enough to visit Odisha, the untouched culinary Cockaigne. During my visit to Odisha, I had a chance to visit Chilika lake, the name I learnt in my geography book in class 4th. Chilika Lake is the biggest costal lagoon in India and the Second Largest brackish water lagoon in the world. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on Indian Subcontinent.
I booked my stay at Swosti Chilika Resort, bagged many awards since its commencement, I was eager to check it out. It is not everyday you stay at such an opulent resort. Swosti Chilika Resort was my first stop in Odisha. Had never been to Odisha before! I arranged for the hotel to pickup at the Bhubaneswar airport (Swosti Travels is a big name in Odisha and provides complete travel solution). On the way, lush green forest on one side of the road and a fleeting glimpse of Chilika Lake on the other side, thrilled me. It was about an hour and a half drive to the resort.
On the outskirts of the resort, it doesn't look like much but just wait until you get inside! Swosti Chilika Resort perched on the bank of lake Chilika away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with the most amazing sunrise and vibes, the resort is an epitome of contemporary design inspired from its natural surroundings.
I stayed in the Millpond which included a living room with a sofa set and dinning space, a bedroom with a queen-size bed, a sit-out to enjoy your morning and evening tea/snacks and en-suites plunge pool, ensuring an enticing stay with private, intimate and exceedingly memorable experience and a romantic getaway or even a perfect family trip with kids. The best part of the room itself? The bed. So freaking comfortable and the silky smooth pillows - I never wanted to get out of the bed. The toiletries in the bathroom were all custom made to match the color scheme, branded to match the insignia of the hotel and smelled delicious.
Side Note: The Odia people are some of the nicest people I have ever met, and that especially includes the staff member, extremely friendly and helpful. Attentive service regardless of situation: in room, by the pool, at the spa, at check-in, in the restaurant, at the bar. Seriously, I was floored by how quick and efficient any and all concerned were addressed. It was TOP NOTCH.
Other accommodations at Swosti Chilika Resort include Midlake County, Wind Chimes, The Sanctuary. The Wind Chimes has a view of Pool and Lake, The Sanctuary has a private garden and a private pool and insane view of Lake Chilika.
Dine
The breakfast buffet was incredible, and it represented nearly every breakfast food staple for every country and a private chef serving up any egg preparation you might want.
Orana
This multi-cuisine restaurant offers an captivating decor and ambience. Orana offers both air-conditioning and open seating facility. Well known for seafood delicacies, Swosti Chilika also offers many famous local delicacies, one of which was my favourite Daab Chingri, (Daab means tender Coconut, Chingri means Prawn), Prawns cooked in tender coconut.
Bean Hive
Situated in the center of the resort, the Bean Hive has all side open walls and green spaces all around. Each meal is prepared with the freshest ingredients (some grown on site and some bought locally).
Bar (The Harbour)
Find a seat at a bar overlooking the largest lagoon on the northern hemisphere. Whether you are into mocktail or cocktail, you will find plenty of options to quench your thirst in THE HARBOUR.
Ekayaa - The SPA
To be honest, the spa is what first caught my attention about the property. No visit to Swosti Chilika is complete without a visit to its luxurious SPA and health center. The signature Ekayaa classical massage, Aromatherapy, Deep tissue and Abhayangam were highlights. After you indulge in one of their treatment, take a dip in their iconic pool to unwind. Such a treat.
Activities at the Resort
There are several activities available at the resort, like, Game zone, bicycles, Dolphin watching trip, bird watching tours (November to March), Jet skies, Kayak.
A quote from Helen Keller - "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart".
This 9-acre and 78 keys modern tropical architecture takes the proverbial cake, there is no corner of this property that won't visually stimulate you. One of my favourite part of the Hotel was the swimming pool surrounded by gable roofed Wind Chimes rooms.
In my opinion, it was well worth the money to experience this alluring resort; it's exceptional in every way.
16 Comments
Well written bro..i just as felt I actually visited the place. Now I am curious to go there...
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteWow I love it, so dreamy, I love the little houses.
ReplyDeleteLake is also amazing..
Thank you so much for sharing your comment.
DeleteExcellent Intiative
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteYou had me at ensuite plunge pools 😍 loved every bit of this place and will definitely be saving this recommendation. Beautiful review.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and sharing the comment.
DeleteWell written full experience of the stay specially options of local cuisine to enjoy sea food under the sky.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteLovely description. I have been there and I could feel each word of your's
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteHai... Good Photos and well written
ReplyDeleteThank you
Deletevery nice photos goes well with the blog. Love the work keep it up
ReplyDeleteThank you
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