Her last vacation to Neil Island at Andamans, with spectacular pictures of snorkelling, white sand beaches and rich coral reefs had taken Instagram by storm. No wonder Ira Khan, Aamir Khan’s daughter, also a theatre actor and travel junkie, is a huge favourite among insta followers (383k).
This time she has chosen somewhere quieter and more scenic, and closer home to Mumbai-Lonavala. At the Machan Tree House at Lonavala, Ira is enjoying a much-needed break from the grime and dust of the city, soaking in the beauty of nature. And she has chosen well for herself. The Machan which sits prettily in the middle of mountains and forests is an eco-friendly luxury resort, with unique tree houses rising 30-45 feet above the forest. From making use of solar energy, parabolic solar cookers, recycled grey water, organic flowers, pure mountain water consumption to insisting that guests make maximum use of green space, the Machan Tree House is an exceptional experience.
Guests can choose from accommodations listed under woods, canopy machan, forest machan, jungle machan, sunset machan, heritage machan and starlight machan. Depending on your choice, there are facilities like a bathtub, private deck, open to sky shower, loft, hanging room and extra guests. (themachan.com)
There is a spa with some special Aroma, Ayurvedic, Deep tissue, Thai massages and the foot, shoulder and back therapies are even available as room service. In case you are planning to huddle inside your room and simply watch TV, think again, because there are no Television sets in this resort. And why not? The whole idea was anyway to savour the outdoors-trekking, birding, stargazing, cycling, and exploring surrounding historical sites (Karla and Bhaja caves, Koraigad and Lohagad Fort). Or you can rest on that precious hammock with a book and a drink.
Honeymooners/ Couples can ask for their private dining experience, under the stars with a candle-lit dinner or a private bonfire. Oh wait! They even have a private cooking class with their chef.
Featured in every lifestyle magazine as well as being recognised by Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Tripadvisor and National Centre performing arts, this tree house is also a favourite weekend rendezvous of celebs. How about next weekend?