Guest User
July 21, 2025
As you approach the destination by road you negotiate hairpin bends and narrow roads before arriving at these massive gates and see uniformed guards. Satnav says “You have arrived”. The inscription on a large rock on the left says, Canary Islands Resort and Spa. One expectantly anticipates the experiences and adventures that awaits. As one continues the drive inside, four granite statues of the upright Buddha displaying different hand gestures (mudras) come into view. And round the bend is a granite reclining Buddha too. Obviously, someone may have been influenced by the Buddha. Or are these mere artefacts with just artistic interest? And as the car reaches the porch.you are greeted with garlands. The car keys are handed over for valet parking and luggage is moved to an electric buggy to be taken to the cottage. The guests on the other hand descend some 38 steps and get into the motor boat on the lake for a short ride to the cottages. We were allocated to the Dove Cottage (reminder of Wordsworth in Grasmere?). There are also Flamingo and Woodpecker cottages. These are built into the mountain side and supported on steel pillars. Part the massive curtains in the cottage for a panoramic view of lush greenery across the lake. There are palms in the distance, and planted around the cottages, gently swaying in the breeze. They are not coconut palms but appear to be areca catechu (betel nut/ areca nut) palm. The vegetation around is obviously planted but gives one a feeling of being in a verdant, tropical rain forest. The cottage has ample space for two adults. It is well furnished with a king-size four poster bed. The mattress and covers are most comfortable, allowing for much needed restful repose after the long car journey. Lonavala had the rainy season with intermittent showers interspersed with sunshine when we were there. Large umbrellas were thoughtfully placed outside each cottage door. There is a large flat screen television and a Tata set top box which would not work. No instructions were available. And when the helpful guy came down from Reception it became obvious there was nothing worth watching anyway. Besides, would it not be literally ******* to come to a resort like this and sit in front of the box! Coffee and tea making facility with a kettle is provided. There is a locker in the wardrobe which like most of the cupboards and tables in the cottage appear distressed. Branded dressing gowns, towels and toiletries are available. The bathroom is actually a wet room. There is plentiful hot water in the rain shower though it was observed that the hot and cold tap convention was reversed, possibly inadvertently. Within the grounds, one could use the spa by appointment and a few yards away was the games room where you could play pool, table tennis, poker and carroms. And beyond the games room there was a lovely outdoor infinity pool. Next to it was a bar though we had to wait awhile for a bartender to be summoned and then to