Escape to Paradise: Xanadu Resort Almora Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Xanadu Resort Almora: A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Xanadu Resort in Almora, and my brain is still buzzing like a Himalayan honeybee. "Paradise," they say. Hmm. Let's unpack that, shall we? Get comfy. This isn't a neat little brochure. This is the real deal, unfiltered and possibly a little bit messy.
SEO & Metadata Shenanigans (because, you know, algorithms): Escape to Paradise Almora Review; Xanadu Resort; Accessibility; Wheelchair Accessible; Spa; Pool; Restaurant; Wifi; Almora Hotels; Uttarakhand; Himalayas; India; Luxury Resort; Family Friendly; Couple's Getaway; Mountain Views; Review; Honest; Detailed; Pros and Cons; Xanadu Resort Reviews.
First Impressions & Ramblings about "Accessibility"
Right, let's get the accessibility stuff out of the way. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I'm always hyper-aware when travelling with friends and family. Here’s the deal: Facilities for disabled guests are listed. That’s… vague. The resort does have an elevator. BUT I didn't exactly see a ramp running up to every place. I did see staff helping guests in need which is a huge plus! So, call ahead, confirm, and don’t assume it’s perfectly 100% accessible. The exterior corridors were mostly clear, and that’s a good start, but yeah, check, check, check. My gut says it’s… trying, but needs a bit more work. There's CCTV in common areas and outside the property, which is reassuring.
This whole section makes me think of my Uncle Barry who, bless his heart, needs assistance getting up the stairs of his own house. I can picture him at Xanadu now, carefully picking his way around, and the staff rushing to help… So, maybe call ahead, speak to a real person, and get specifics. Don't rely on this review, or any!
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Circus!
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. Xanadu seriously tries. They have Anti-viral cleaning products. There's Daily disinfection in common areas. You're practically doused in hand sanitizer every five seconds. Hand sanitizer dispensers are everywhere. They've got Staff trained in safety protocol. They take it seriously. I even spotted a Sterilizing equipment station tucked away somewhere. The Rooms sanitized between stays promise is real. Individually-wrapped food options were common. And they’re following the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter rule… mostly.
I opted to Room sanitization opt-out available and I feel its great! I really appreciate that.
I will say the constant vigilance felt a bit… much at times. Like, I get it, you’re being careful! But sometimes it felt less like a relaxing getaway and more like a high-security bio-dome. I'm not sure what the Hygiene certification is, but I'm guessing they at least have a certificate.
Did it make me feel safe? Yes. Did it make me feel completely relaxed? Not quite.
Rooms: Almost a Paradise (With a Few Quirks)
My room. Where do I even begin? The Air conditioning worked a charm. The Blackout curtains were a godsend for my sleep schedule. Free bottled water was plentiful. It has an In-room safe box, which made me feel more secure!
But… and there’s always a but… the carpet. It’s Carpeting. And while I could swear the Daily housekeeping were doing their best (and they were lovely!), you could still sense the lingering presence of previous guests embedded in the fibers. I kept imagining what they were eating! One day I found a stray hair! (Shivers)
I had an Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Internet access – LAN seemed to be a bit dated. I'm guessing this is a holdover.
The Satellite/cable channels were, let’s be generous, limited. Mostly Indian channels. It felt a million miles away from my favorite Netflix.
The Soundproofing felt… patchy. I could DEFINITELY hear the couple in the next room, if you catch my drift. I was hoping they would go out for the day.
The bed was massive, so that was great. My room had the Seating area, so I was able to chill.
But the Smoke detector made me paranoid!
The bottomline? The room was comfortable, functional, and had a few luxurious touches. But not quite the pristine, "escape" I was expecting.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie Adventure (With Some Wild Cards)
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The food at Xanadu is… a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was fantastic, with a great Asian cuisine in restaurant. I’m talking fresh noodles, fragrant spices, the works. They serve a Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service. Get the Coffee/tea in restaurant! The Western breakfast wasn't quite as impressive, but okay. The Vegetarian restaurant was surprisingly good. International cuisine in restaurant was also available.
I had a Bottle of water, which I needed.
The Poolside bar had some decent cocktails - the bartenders were great!
The Snack bar was perfect when you don't wanna go anywhere.
The Desserts in restaurant were a major letdown – dry and seemed to be frozen.
But the Buffet in restaurant was amazing - I can't wait to go agian!
The Room service [24-hour] was convenient, but the quality… varied. A la carte in restaurant was also available.
The Happy hour deals at the bar were pretty good, though.
Now for my confession. I am a Soup in restaurant fanatic! And I wasn't as happy with it as I could be!
I had a Salad in restaurant once.
The Alternative meal arrangement was a nice touch.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Fiascos
Okay, this is where Xanadu kind of redeems itself. The Spa is… well, it’s a spa. They offer Body scrubs and Body wraps. The Massage was heavenly – I practically melted into the massage table. They have a Spa/sauna which is amazing!
I would have loved to try more of their services, but I was worried!
The Pool with view is stunning, overlooking the mountains. Swimming pool [outdoor] is a treat! The Steamroom, and Foot bath kept me feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Now, the Fitness center. This is where things get… comical. It's tiny, crammed with equipment, and looked like it hadn't been updated since the eighties. I swear, one of the treadmills looked like it was about to spontaneously combust. I did, however, manage to use the Gym/fitness equipment and squeeze in a workout.
They have a Sauna, but it was a bit… dusty.
Things to do are available and the staff made sure to keep me entertained.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Questionable
Xanadu offers a mountain of services. The Concierge was incredibly helpful with booking tours and giving advice. Daily housekeeping was thorough. They have Cash withdrawal so you can get money. The Dry cleaning was fast.
Laundry service was available.
They have Doorman, and Elevator.
The Front desk [24-hour] was extremely helpful.
But some things were just… strange. The Gift/souvenir shop had a limited selection of, well, stuff. The Convenience store was closed. The Ironing service was nice, but I hardly need it.
Invoice provided was great for business!
They allow Pets allowed unavailable.
I can't stand Smoking area, so I'm glad that place existed!
**For the Kids & Extra Curios
Les Baux vs. Sanary: The ULTIMATE French Riviera Showdown!
Alright, buckle up Buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my potential Xanadu experience. Consider this less a perfectly polished itinerary, and more a rambling, emotional rollercoaster of a thought process about how I, specifically, would tackle The Xanadu Resort in Almora, India. Get ready for some chaos.
Day 1: Land of the Mist and Misunderstandings (Probably)
- Morning (Pre-Dawn, because jet lag): Wake up in my own bed (probably slightly disoriented, thanks to the time difference). Curse the alarm clock. Seriously, why do they even have those things? I'd probably be in a foul mood, needing about four cups of coffee and a serious pep talk to convince myself I'm even capable of leaving the house.
- Mid-Morning (Finally, Departure!): The Uber should arrive, and it would be late. If I am going to do this trip, I always miss my alarm clock by a good amount of time, and then get to my destination late. Flights, trains, or whatever mode of transportation I've chosen (which changes depending on how much I'm willing to spend on my trip) will make me more excited.
- Afternoon (Arrival, possibly with a "Woah…" or two): Land in Delhi. I'd be that tourist, the one gawking at everything, feeling simultaneously overwhelmed and utterly thrilled. The sheer smell of Delhi, the chaos, the colors… it'd be a sensory overload in the best possible way. Take a train to Almora. I'm envisioning mist-shrouded hills, maybe some friendly goats (or is that just me hoping?).
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Xanadu Arrival, Expectations vs. Reality): Arrive at Xanadu. Breathe. Deeply. This is what I've been working towards. First impressions: the reception. Is it how I imagined? Is it beautiful? Am I going to be underwhelmed? (I’m a chronic under-imaginer, so probably not). Immediately search for the best view. The internet promises Himalayan vistas, so I’m going to hold my breath. Then, the room. I'd check for a good view, preferably with a balcony from which I can stare into the abyss and contemplate my life choices.
- Evening (Dinner & the Great Unknown): Dinner. Oh, the food! I would eat anything and everything. Spicy? Yes, please. Mild? Sure! I'm anticipating the flavors, the aromas, the sheer experience of eating something completely new (or, at least, new to my palate!). But. What if it's a disappointment? What if I don't like anything? Worry. Worry. Worry. Stare at the stars from the balcony. Try not to think about the massive pile of laundry I left at home.
Day 2: The Hiking Hysteria and the Great Coffee Quest
- Morning (A Rude Awakening…Or Not?): Actual hiking. Sigh. I love nature, but I also love my bed. I'd force myself up, fueled by willpower and the promise of Instagram-worthy photos. The guide is probably overly enthusiastic. That's a problem…
- Late Morning (Hike Part 1: Regret and Respite): The hike itself. Sweaty. Out of breath. Complaining (internally, mostly… unless I’m with someone I’m comfortable with, in which case, full-on complaining). The views, though. The views had better be worth it! The air in the mountains will be so much better than the air at the hotel. I'd probably stumble on a hidden temple or something, and feel a fleeting moment of connection to something greater than myself… before my stomach starts growling and reminding me about lunchtime.
- Afternoon (Lunch and the Pursuit of Perfect Coffee): Lunch. Hopefully, something delicious. This is where the real challenge begins. I am a coffee snob, and the Xanadu’s coffee better be up-to-par. I would explore the vicinity and find the best coffee. I would probably find the best coffee shop to write in. I probably didn't get enough sleep last night, and this is going to be a problem.
- Mid-Afternoon (A Single Experience: The Meditation Mishap): So, Xanadu boasts meditation opportunities, right? I'd be all, "Bring it on, enlightenment awaits!" (Famous last words). Picture this: me, cross-legged, trying to achieve inner peace. But my mind? A hurricane of anxieties. Did I lock the front door? Are my houseplants getting enough sunlight? Is that a weird noise outside? Ten minutes in, I'm fidgeting, scratching an itch, and wondering if anyone can see me squirming through the window. Ultimately, I’ll end up with a giggle fit, ruining any chance of actual meditation.
- Evening (Sunset and Serenity…Mostly): Sunset. This, I'm banking on. If I can find a good spot, overlooking the mountains, I'd just sit there, and quietly be amazed.
- Bedtime…Sleep? I'm going to be exhausted. I should sleep well, but if I can't, that means staring at the ceiling.
Day 3: Culture Shock, Shopping, and the Inevitable Meltdown
- Morning (The Local Flavour): I will have a desire to learn more about the local culture. Exploring Almora town. I'd be trying to embrace the chaos, the crowded streets, the smells, the sounds. Visiting a local market.
- Mid-Morning (Shopping Spree): Buying souvenirs. This is where things get messy. I’ll absolutely overspend, get talked into “amazing deals” that probably aren't, and end up with a bag full of trinkets I don't need, but that I'll feel deeply attached to anyway.
- Afternoon (The Inevitable Meltdown): Reality check. Culture shock is real, and it hits hard. The constant staring and the fact that I don’t know the language. I would overthink everything. This would lead to an emotional crash. Find a quiet corner somewhere, preferably with Wi-Fi, and just… breathe. Remember, it's okay not to be okay. Call a friend, maybe?
- Evening (Back to the Respite): The hotel again. It's a safe haven. Enjoy the hotel. Maybe a nice hot bath, and then… dinner. Again.
- Bedtime (Hopeful Vibes, Again): Try to sleep again.
Day 4: Farewells and Reflections (With a Pinch of Regret)
- Morning (Departure Day Blues): Saying goodbye. I'd be filled with a bizarre mix of relief and sadness. Relief that I'm going home to my own bed, my familiar routines. Sadness that it’s all over.
- Mid-morning (Memories…and Maybe a Little Shopping): One last look at the view from Xanadu. One last cup of coffee (hoping it’s the good stuff this time). Maybe try to buy some of those spices from yesterday to take home.
- Afternoon (Travel): Transportation back to Delhi.
- Evening (The Final Countdown): Flights, trains, whatever.
In Conclusion:
This itinerary is a messy, subjective, and probably completely unrealistic account of how I would experience The Xanadu Resort. It's riddled with anxieties, moments of genuine wonder, and the occasional existential crisis, but it's me. And honestly, if I came back from Almora without at least a few of these imperfections, I'd feel like I'd missed the point entirely. It's not about having the perfect trip, it's about embracing the mess, the discomfort, the unplanned adventures. And, of course, the coffee. The coffee is non-negotiable.
Golden Palace Gwalior: India's Most Luxurious Hideaway?
Escape to Paradise: Xanadu Resort Almora Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, Xanadu. Sounds...lush. But is it actually worth the trek to Almora? I mean, is the journey even *safe*? I've heard horror stories.
Alright, let's be real. Almora? Beautiful. The road *to* Almora? A rollercoaster. A very, very slow rollercoaster that might involve some hairpin turns and a near-miss with a rogue yak. My own journey? Okay, maybe I packed way too many bags, which I realized about 3 hours into the drive. Did I throw up? Possibly. Did the driver look concerned? Definitely. But the point is, YES, it's worth it. The views? Unreal. The air? Crisp. The yaks? Surprisingly docile (mostly). Just...book a sturdy car. And maybe bring some motion sickness medication. And maybe a rosary, you know, for good measure.
The website shows those gorgeous rooms – the ones with the fireplaces and the mountain views. Are they *real*? Or is it all Photoshopped Instagram perfection? (Don't lie to me. I've been burned before.)
Okay, so the rooms. Yes. They are real. The fire places? Functional, thank god, because Almora gets *cold*. It's like, bone-chilling cold. The mountain views? Oh. My. God. The pictures? They don't even do it justice. I sat on my balcony for hours, drinking chai, just staring at the Himalayas. It was... honestly, a bit embarrassing how much I loved it. Like, I started getting actual feelings for the mountain. The only minor thing I'd complain about is my room's water pressure. I mean, it was practically a dribble. But honestly, at that point, I was too busy being in love with the vista to even care. Small price to pay, people. Small price to pay.
What about the food? I'm a foodie. Is it just the same old bland hotel fare? Or is there something *delicious* to look forward to?
Right, the food. Ah, the food. Okay, full disclosure: I'm a *massive* foodie. Like, I plan my entire day around meals. Xanadu's restaurant? Not bad. Not amazing. But not terrible either. The North Indian dishes were pretty solid - the butter chicken was what you'd expect. The thing that truly blew me away? The *breakfast.* It wasn't just the food, it was the *ambiance*. Imagine this: sun streaming through the window, the scent of fresh coffee and something spicy, (probably Chole Bhature, I could never confirm it) and the sound of the mountains. And then I saw him, the goat cheese omelet with some weird chutney. And that, people, that changed my life. Seriously. Best breakfast ever. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration... but it was *really* good. Avoid the continental food and stick to the local stuff. Believe me.
What's there to *do* at Xanadu? Is it all just sitting around looking at mountains? That sounds...boring.
Okay, listen. You *can* just sit around looking at mountains. And, honestly, that's a perfectly valid option. I spent like, a full afternoon doing *nothing* at the pool, I even jumped in, and I hate swimming! However, there *is* more. They offer guided hikes, which I chickened out on because... well, I'm lazy. There's a spa, which I regrettably didn't even go to because I was too busy admiring the goat-cheese omelet. And, of course, you can explore the surrounding area, the main town is nice enough, or head out on a trek through the forest. Just...pace yourself. Don't try to do everything. Embrace the sloth. That's my advice. After all you are there to chill.
I saw something about a 'cultural experience'. What's that all about? Does it involve dancing in a ridiculously-tight costume?
Okay, the 'cultural experience.' Look, I'm not going to lie, the thought of this was causing me some stress. I'm not good with groups. I'm not good with forced fun. But I did it anyway, because I wanted to tell you about it. It turns out, the 'cultural experience' involved a local dance that... well, yes, the costumes were pretty tight on some of the participants. But it was beautiful! The music was amazing, and the people doing the dance, and everyone was so enthusiastic. Also there was some sort of ceremony that involved a lot of offerings. And I even got to try some local food. And I'm not sure if I enjoyed it, but I felt a part of something. Definitely a worthwhile thing.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Can I actually, you know, *work* from there? Or am I going to be completely cut off from the world, frantically refreshing my email every five seconds? Because I need to do something remotely.
Wi-Fi. Ah, the modern traveler's dilemma. Look, it's not *great*. It's not *terrible*. Let's just say it's... intermittent. There were times when I could stream Netflix. There were other times when I was staring at a spinning wheel of death. You *can* work. You *can* send emails. You *can* probably do *most* things. But be prepared for some occasional digital exile. Honestly? That's not necessarily a bad thing. I found myself actually *relaxing* a lot more when the internet was down. Just embrace the slow internet and enjoy a break.
Anything to watch out for or any hidden fees? I don't want any nasty surprises when it comes to the bill.
Okay, hidden fees. Always a worry, right? So, I didn't get hit with any *major* surprises. The mini-bar *is* a bit pricey, so maybe skip the imported chocolate bars. And the laundry service... well, let's just say it added up quicker than I expected. Oh, and watch out for those tempting "special events." They can be pricey, but are a good experience. Other than that, it was pretty straightforward. No extra charges. Just be sure to check the terms and conditions. Always is good. It'll save you from crying later.
