Affably known as the house by the river, Neeralaya was born out of owner Muneer Suri’s desire to showcase the region of his childhood. Over a period of time, he sourced the land from a number of different people and planted fruit trees to create an orchard of plum, walnut, apple, peaches, crab apple as well as berries. It is in this fruity space of four acres that the guest rooms reside amidst numerous natural alcoves and breath-taking scenic views.

In keeping with the natural rhythm of things, Neeralaya is built using the age-old technique of timber bonded architecture of the Western Himalayas. The villas are designed with recycled timber from the old houses in and around Raison village, stone and slate and some have balconies with access to private gardens. Every room is ensconced in wide rolling space, fruit trees, the forest and of course, the softly gurgling river.

Neeralaya has 2 Two Bed room Villas, 4 Deluxe Suites, 2 Junior Suites and One Super Deluxe Suite. All the rooms have comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms with mod-cons and either an indoor or outdoor seating area. Some rooms have fireplaces and balconies as well. The rooms are set around their own patch of green ensuring privacy. Each room accommodates 2-3 people, with one extra bed. The colour scheme brings in the outdoors with furnishings in green and brown to compliment the stone and woodwork.
             

The food experience at Neeralaya promises to tantalise your tastebuds. Fresh home-made jams and chutneys accompany every meal. Organic vegetables are grown in the property and poultry is also raised in house. And as fruit abound in the orchard, you will be spoilt for choice having to pick from freshest of juices, fruit platters and desert. Home-style dishes using natural spices adorn the table ranging from local Kullvi, Punjabi, Tibetan as well as popular Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. For a light supper or a treat, a crisp pizza from the applewood-fired oven can be made to order with toppings of your choice.

While there are set menus to choose from, the chef and hosts ensure they speak to each guest about their preferences and plan meals accordingly, which are served in the Dining Room from 8am to 11pm. Room Service is also available during these hours. One can also dine in the gazebo overlooking the river. And alfresco picnics can be set up within the grounds for afternoon tea or lunch. For that special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, Chef Rajan will be only too happy to create a bespoke menu and a candlelit venue for your celebrations.

Great for

An escape from the city, nature and bird lovers, family gatherings, small celebrations, active and adventure travellers.

Operational status
Open throughout the year

60+ is the new 40+
There are quiet spots all around the property for reading, writing, self-guided yoga and meditation or to simply enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views. You may have to appeal to the sweet nature of the ladies of the house if you would like to learn a spot of cooking or jam-making after a meander around the property to pick your own seasonal fruit.

For the Young
Neeralaya suits children and adults of all ages. In house activities include board games and good old-fashioned outdoor games that can be played in the garden

A vacation in its true sense is a luxury but cannot be experienced without burning fossil fuels and some amount of social, economic and environmental impact. However, given the positive impact of tourism and hospitality, especially with concepts that are a part of the RARE Community, we believe every vacation has the potential of being a conscious choice and also a transformative experience through learning. These then have the power to balance carbon footprints accumulated through travel. One of the key differentiators of every RARE hotel is their commitment to the community and focus towards being conscious of the impact of every tourism and hospitality activity.

Conservation of heritage and nature, no-motor activities, community engagement and positive impact on their livelihood, intangible cultural heritage highlights and transformations, sensitive land and resource use etc. are some constants that serve as the common thread that connect all members of the RARE Community.

The RARE Touchstones are used by the hotels to self-evaluate on parameters that look at:

Eliminating Single Use Plastic
Safe Garbage Disposal
Water Conservation
Low Impact Tourism
Local Community Engagement
Heritage Conservation
Sensitive Destination Discovery
Wildlife, Nature & Habitat conservation
The Human Touch