The Retreat at Bhimtal is a charming, family-owned 19th-century colonial bungalow nestled in an ancient cedar, oak, and pine forest covered estate in foothills of the Himalayas in the Kumaon Lake District, Uttarakhand, India. Filled with old colonial furniture, cutlery, books, and knick-knacks, the house breathes the atmosphere of old style comfort and peace. The family strives consistently against all odds to conserve the forest and wildlife in the area. The perfect get-away for nature lovers, botanists and entomologists, bird watchers, yoga and meditation enthusiasts, trekkers, walkers, campers, couch potatoes, dreamers, artists, and writers.... Stress pots and workaholics - this is the perfect rehab for you. The warm, personal care of the Smetacek family will make you feel comple...The Retreat at Bhimtal is a charming, family-owned 19th-century colonial bungalow nestled in an ancient cedar, oak, and pine forest covered estate in foothills of the Himalayas in the Kumaon Lake District, Uttarakhand, India. Filled with old colonial furniture, cutlery, books, and knick-knacks, the house breathes the atmosphere of old style comfort and peace. The family strives consistently against all odds to conserve the forest and wildlife in the area. The perfect get-away for nature lovers, botanists and entomologists, bird watchers, yoga and meditation enthusiasts, trekkers, walkers, campers, couch potatoes, dreamers, artists, and writers.... Stress pots and workaholics - this is the perfect rehab for you. The warm, personal care of the Smetacek family will make you feel completely at home, nurtured, with not a worry in the world! However, there is free wifi, in case you do need to keep up with your work. And a TV in the sitting room. The delicious, fresh food is cooked by them with your tastes in mind. Crisp, fresh salads with lively dressings, great soups, lavish and delicious main courses, mouth-watering desserts; bountiful and varied breakfasts to start your day on the right foot; oven-fresh breads and cakes - you will need those hikes and walks in and around the estate! Non-vegetarian, vegetarian, Jain, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, anything else - all these dietary types all get great food, with alternatives for each case, so you don;t miss out on anything. And you might get a lesson in baking bread, making jam, or cooking up something new! There are lots of beautiful walks and hikes; and boating, kayaking and paragliding nearby. This is the perfect base for day trips - even as far as Corbett Park. A campfire barbecue under the spreading branches of a centuries-old deodar, then lingering round the fire till the small hours of the night, sipping and talking - it is an experience to treasure all your life. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the olden days and renew your energies with great food, sights, trips and activities for the entire family.More