Tarika Resort & Spa , Chail

Look, I’ll be straight with you about Tarika Resort & Spa in Chail – it’s one of those places that’s got stunning bones but feels like it’s not quite living up to its potential. The location is absolutely killer though, perched up in the hills with views that’ll make you forget to check your phone for hours. Chail itself is this quirky little hill station that most people skip on their way to Shimla, which honestly works in your favor because you’re not fighting crowds everywhere you go.

The resort sits in what they call Chail Blossom area, and when I say it’s peaceful up there, I mean you’ll actually hear birds instead of car horns – something of a miracle in India, you know? The property itself is sprawling, with these traditional Himachali-style buildings that look like they belong in the landscape rather than being dumped there. I mean, the spa is genuinely decent (they do this hot stone massage that’s perfect after a day of walking around), and the rooms are spacious with those big windows that frame the mountain views perfectly. But here’s the thing – and I’m being honest because I’d want someone to tell me – the service can be hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll get staff who are incredibly attentive and know exactly what you need, other times you’ll be waiting twenty minutes for someone to bring extra towels.

What really gets me about this place is the potential versus reality gap. You’re paying five-star prices (and trust me, it’s not cheap), but getting maybe four-star execution on a good day. The restaurant food is actually pretty solid – they do a mean butter chicken and their local trout is fresh – but the dining room feels a bit dated, like someone decorated it in 2005 and called it good. The grounds are beautiful though, especially if you catch them during rhododendron season when everything’s blooming pink and red. And here’s something most people don’t realize – Chail has the world’s highest cricket ground, which is just a short walk from the resort if you’re into that sort of trivia. The evenings are magical up there, with clear skies that city folks never get to see, and the resort’s terrace is perfect for just sitting with a drink and watching the sun disappear behind the peaks. Would I stay here again? Probably, but I’d go in with adjusted expectations and maybe book during off-season when the rates are more reasonable and the staff has more time to actually take care of you properly.