I’m on my way to a wellness destination just outside Delhi at a time when the headlines are screaming dire pollution readings. The irony is obvious. But by the time I arrive in Mangar, Haryana, the only thing in the air is the crispness of winter.
The LaLiT’s newest property is set on a narrow plot of land, on the edge of a hill, in the 677-acre Mangar Bani sacred grove, 45km from Delhi. It’s only fair to say that the property is rooted in this space, given that the very earth and stone it’s made of came from the land it stands on, using a technique called rammed earth architecture. Soil and stone dug up while laying the foundation was mixed with other materials such as chalk and gravel to create stark, industrial-style structure. It’s an expensive process we’re told, but the logic is to strictly adhere to a back-to-basics aesthetic.
In keeping with that thought, while the 35 suites are spacious, each with sit-outs, the décor is minimal. The only flourish permitted are the headboards and bedcovers, each fashioned with a different kind of Indian textile. Also, each suite comes with a view of the rolling Aravalis, dated to be one of the planet’s oldest mountain chains.
At the core of the hotel is its four-room Time Reversal spa run by integrated health specialist Dr Mosaraf Ali, whose clientele is said to include the likes Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Morgan Freeman, Sylvester Stallone, Samuel L Jackson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Claudia Schaffer, Kate Moss and the late founder of the The Lalit group, Lalit Suri. Trained in a range of traditional healing practices including ayurveda, marma and nadi, Dr Ali also employs a mix of massages, exercise (yoga + long walks) and food that suits your body type to help rejuvenate both flesh and soul. And the good doctor promises: follow his advice and the effect on your health will be equal to reversing time–hence, the spa’s name. While one didn’t quite get the opportunity to fully experience that promise, I can tell you the good food, clean air and chirpy birdsong certainly provide reasons to return.
Headquartered in New Delhi, the company opened its first hotel here in 1988 under the dynamic leadership of Founder Chairman Mr. Lalit Suri, who spearheaded the Group’s unprecedented expansion plans.
Rapid expansion and consolidation of its leadership position continues under the enterprising stewardship of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, who took over as Chairperson & Managing Director in 2006.
All hotels within the group operated under the brand The Grand – Hotels, Palaces & Resorts. It was re-branded as ‘The LaLiT’ on November 19, 2008 as a tribute to the company’s Founder Chairman Mr. Lalit Suri.
The company offers twelve luxury Hotels, Places & Resorts and two mid market segment hotels under The LaLiT Traveller brand offering 2261 rooms.
