Sharing my experience from the Wildflower Hall, Shimla from July 2016
It had been a while since the whole family traveled together. We had welcomed the new year in Las Vegas, but shortly after we all agreed it was time for a proper vacation. The Wildflower Hall had long been on my father’s wish list, and for this birthday I was determined to make it happen. I contacted Mr. Sumit Joshi, who leads the team at Wildflower Hall, and he helped me reserve two valley-view rooms. I was excited, and my dad was even more thrilled.
The property itself feels like stepping into a refined colonial-era hill retreat, wrapped in nature. Mr. Joshi gave us a tour that showcased the hotel’s library, card room, and intimate sitting areas. The history of the place is fascinating too: it was once the residence of Lord Kitchener and later came into the care of the Oberoi group. My favorite feature was the indoor pool and Jacuzzi that look out over the mountains — I could spend days there.
We whiled away hours in the card room playing Monopoly and relaxing in the pool. Is there a better way to spend a vacation than soaking in a hot Jacuzzi while gazing at mountains with your loved ones? I don’t think so.
What truly made our stay exceptional, however, was the team at Wildflower Hall. Their hospitality was outstanding — warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. As Mr. Joshi told us when we were leaving, “Wildflower Hall continues to be your house in the Himalayas.” Every staff member we met, from the restaurant and lobby to the pool area, made our stay comfortable and home-like. That positive, comforting atmosphere is what sets Wildflower Hall apart.
Our first meal at Wildflower Hall lived up to the surroundings. The dining area is beautiful, and the food matched the setting. We are a family that likes to eat, and every dish we tried — Indian, Asian or Continental — was prepared to perfection. While my parents enjoyed the traditional Himachali dishes recommended by the chef, my favorite was the mushroom and ricotta ravioli. I don’t eat meat, so my sister’s rave review of the grilled chicken — “delicious, delicious, delicious!” — made her happy.
I usually skip breakfast, but on vacation it becomes my favorite meal because I can indulge in sweets. I piled my plate with donuts, croissants and waffles, and the blueberry French toast quickly became a breakfast highlight. My mother enjoyed idlis followed by a cup of Darjeeling tea. The chef even prepared an egg Benedict without ham for me and it was delightful. The breakfast selection catered to everyone in the family — simple, varied and delicious.
Desserts were irresistible. I wished I could try everything on the menu, but between large meals I limited myself. I did manage cheesecake and several homemade ice cream flavors. The parents were obsessed with the paan ice cream for the next two days, while I kept thinking about the blueberry. The lemon ice cream was refreshingly unique — a bright, citrusy flavor unlike most ice creams I’ve had before.
Wildflower Hall feels intimately connected to nature because it borders the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary. We joined a guide for the Wild Strawberry Trail along the sanctuary’s edge. He told us that the forest is among the densest in Asia. We spent an afternoon trekking, snacking on wild strawberries, and listening as the guide described the local trees, flowers and insects — it was a memorable, nature-rich experience.
The entire experience at Wildflower Hall was incredible. Between the stunning location, thoughtful service, excellent food and easy access to nature, I would return in a heartbeat.