The Fern Brentwood Resort: A luxury staycation in the mountains

Unveiling the charm of Fern Brentwood

As the car drove through Mall Road towards the Fern Brentwood Resort, I took in all the lively sights and sounds around me. When we arrived at the resort, I was impressed with what I saw. The facade, with its lemon-coloured walls and sea-green gabled roof, matched the pictures from the website. "So far, so good," I thought to myself as I continued to walk towards the building to complete the check-in process. Inside, the reception area greeted me with a blue checkered sofa with yellow cushions and an elegant ebony table. The decor seemed to harmoniously blend with the beauty of the Doon Valley. Sunlight streamed in through the canopy of trees outside and the air carried the earthy scent of damp soil and pine. The sky was clearing up after a downpour. While the staff completed the formalities, I settled comfortably on the couch with the welcome drink that came with my package.

Given the choice between Winter Green and the Fern Club rooms, I opted for the single occupancy Winter Green Premium Room. A fleeting thought crossed my mind... If Sanjeev (my husband) and my family were to accompany me, I would have chosen either the Hazel (Rs. 13,267 onwards per night) or the Fern Club Suite (Rs. 30,835 onwards per night). These suites accommodate a maximum of four to five people and are ideal for bonding with the family. I booked my room with the "Secret Deal Package", which comes with inclusions, such as complimentary WiFi as well as breakfast and dinner. With this booking, I received an additional discount of 20 per cent and paid only Rs. 33,964 (net) for my stay of three nights and four days. The Winter Green Premium Room can accommodate a maximum of three people and an infant below five years of age. For kids aged between 6 to 11 years, an additional charge of Rs. 2,000 applies to your booking. Please note that prices are subject to seasonal variations; remember to check the hotel's website before booking your stay.

A blissful stay

I immediately fell in love with the cosy interiors of my room. It was spacious and came with wooden fixtures and bay windows, framing a picturesque valley view. The cedar trees and the Garhwal Range painted a breathtaking view. A lovely arrangement of a delicately folded napkin (in the shape of a flower), peppered with rose petals, lay on the bed with a welcome card. I took a moment to appreciate the gesture, set the arrangement aside, and crawled onto the plush bed. Too lazy to brew coffee, I glanced through the in-room dining menu and promptly requested room service to send a cup of coffee along with a grilled sandwich. While waiting for my order, I explored the room, which was equipped with all modern amenities, including an LED TV, a tea and coffee maker, a heating system, and a digital safe. After the meal, I decided to take a stroll on the lawn. The light from the setting sun painted the sky in a smorgasbord of orange hues. Normally, during my travels, I would venture outside the hotel, but this time was different. With Fern Brentwood Resort, I had everything that I needed for my stay in Mussoorie—a comfortable room, mouth-watering food, and a never-ending supply of stunning mountain views.

Reminiscing the best moments

The Fern Brentwood Resort is renowned for its two top-notch multi-cuisine restaurants—The Whistling Pines and The Waterline Deck. I was yearning to soak in the views of the valley, so I decided to check out The Waterline Deck first. Here, only a glass palisade stood between me and the phenomenal Doon Valley, blanketed by a network of pine and oak trees. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment as I indulged in the buffet spread, which was a part of my Secret Deal Package. I polished off the creamy dal makhani and aromatic biryani, and ended the meal with a rich chocolate mousse. Dining under the dusky sky at the Fern Brentwood was an experience I will never forget! As I made my way back to the room, the drifting clouds cleared and the stars twinkled in the inky night sky. The Doon Valley shimmered with the scattered luminance of the city lights. The nights in Mussoorie, as seen from the glass windows, were as beautiful as the resort itself. I promised myself that the next time I would experience this would be with Sanjeev by my side. And since this is a pet-friendly resort, we would also bring Hugo along.

Perfect mornings in Mussoorie

The next morning, I ditched the option of eating breakfast at The Whistling Pines. Instead, I called room service and requested them to send it to my room. I was smitten by the urge to savour the allure of the hotel room and take in the gorgeous views a little longer. Soon, a tray laden with crisp waffles and maple syrup, a cereal bowl with fresh fruit, a butter croissant, a chocolate chip muffin, and a cup of frothy coffee arrived; I felt like a queen. As I sat peacefully on the cushioned chair to enjoy my beautifully arranged breakfast spread, I watched the bright rays of the sun engage in a battle of sorts with the dark clouds. My mind was already planning the day—a leisurely reading session in the resort's library, and later, contacting their travel desk for a cab to Landour. On another day, I visited the Tibetan Buddhist Temple which was only 4.5 km from the resort, and refreshed myself at Bhatta Falls, which is around 10 km from the resort. These experiences filled me with happiness and gave me ample opportunities to rejuvenate my senses. As I prepared to head back home, I was glad that I chose the Fern Brentwood Resort to spend a soothing weekend amidst the embrace of the Himalayas.