The Retreat Bhimtal

The Retreat is a small home stay located close to Bhim Tal lake. Once you reach Bhimtal, you will still have to climb and travel on a small road which takes you to this property. The place has 3 large rooms/suites and you will have to book in advance with the owner - Padmini Smetacek. Once you reach the place, you realise how comfortable the place is. You can lounge around all day if you wish with a book (there is a small collection of books to keep you busy). Or you can take a quick walk to Saat Tal (takes about 45 mins) or to Bhim Tal (30 mins). They organised a Parasailing trip for some other guests who were staying at the same time as us. The food is awesome - all the veggies are fresh and the cooking style is unique. We also went down to the village to sample a “Pahadi lunch”. Again this was delicious. The best part is the desserts which are prepared by Padmini. All the food that is served is awesome. I would strongly recommend a trip there. Do not expect a TV - there is an Internet connection available though. The idea of this place is to enjoy the peace and solitude (and of course, the food !).

The property is reminiscent of a bygone era that takes one back to the early 20th century Kumaon foothills when colonial bungalows weaved magic. One finds oneself in the midst of a verdant forest area that is barely a stones throw from the bustling lake area. The Retreat is a home-stay and truly a retreat that was an abode away from home. The meals (we opted for Continental) were delicious and the spread was lavish. The hostess Paddy was very warm and welcoming. She saw to every detail in making our stay comfortable and memorable. We've stayed in ***y home-stays earlier but would like to give the Retreat highest rating because of personal care and we would love to keep revisiting. God Bless Paddy and her team.

It should be enough to say that our family returned to The Retreat for the third time in 5 years. It remains just as lovely, cozy and delicious. This time we noticed several small improvements, which made the home even more comfortable and enjoyable. Our group of 7 ( 5 adults and two kids) spent a memorable 7 nights, our longest stay so far. It was sad to see business in the region being adversely impacted by the media hype over monsoons, which haven't impacted the Bhimtal/ Nainital region. In reality, it rained less than Delhi and we had lovely days filled with sunshine ***** with some rainy ones. Both were equally enjoyable. Recommend speaking with Paddy directly to get an accurate local picture if you are planning a visit during monsoon or other low seasons. Thankyou for everything Paddy. The Retreat is becoming our favorite retreat.

Staying at The Retreat, is like visiting your favourite aunt. The owner, Mrs Smetacek welcomes you with a warm hug, a generous smile and a tall glass of lemonade. The bungalow itself is charming and every little detail has been preserved to maintain the Victorian heritage of this place. One has all the comforts of the modern world while enjoying a glimpse of the colonial life. The property is very well ***aged, the staff is courteous and ready to serve endless cups of tea with a gracious amiability. The food here was the highlight of our trip. Scrumptious breakfast and lunch served on the veran*** and enjoyed while listening to birdsong. The dinner was a treat we all looked forward to. We enjoyed exploring the nature trails and walks in the vicinity. The bungalow is in a very private area and well placed to explore Bhimtal on foot. To conclude, I would say, staying here was akin to Stepping into an Enid Blyton book. With an abundance of nature, charming people, picnics and hikes and of course the traditional English High Tea experience. My sincere gratitude to Mrs Smetacek for welcoming us into her abode. Will be back soon!

I really adore this kind of stays. It is really as a dive back a century or so, everything as it was, and the host Paddy is famtastic. The food is the best we had in the whole trip. The gardens are awe inspiring. I would not change a thing.

'We'll build in sonnets pretty rooms', wrote John Donne in 1633. Centuries later, I inhabit & experience its true meaning at The Retreat. This homestay exudes a mystical, magical, vibrant vibe, surrounded by deodar trees - a piece of nature's best under an orange sky. Padmini (or Paddy), the host-owner, has a wonderfully genuine and joyful presence, which lends the entire space a magnificently tranquil aura. (They just don't make 'em like her anymore!). The staff and service are excellent, the place is child-friendly, and is very well-located for nature-lovers who understand the value of treks and walks and the peace they bring to our bodies and minds. As for nourishment of the more usual kind, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better place to stay. (Mission Impossible in fact). Everything they make at The Retreat - from the bakes and breads to the preserves and soups and curries and stews and tarts and puddings - is divine. You would never have tasted food this good. It's a deal-clincher.

Absolutely fantastic place. True to its name. Quaint, Cozy and Wonderful. Hospitality at its best. Surrounded by nature with nature walks, trails etc. Place for extraordinary vacation and food. A must visit place

The retreat is much more than a homestay. We experienced an entire hill ecosystem while staying there. The host and her staff made our stay all the more memorable with their extremely warm hospitality. By the end of my stay, I dreamt of having a similar house in a similar place someday. I will not ruin the fun of exploring the hidden treasures in and around the place by providing details, but I will say that THE RETREAT is a one-of-a-kind place to spend your vacation in the hills - one that is far cheaper than the nearby swanky hotels and one that provides an experience that people will cherish and return for.

This place was highly recommended by friends, and we are more than glad that we took up their suggestion to finally visit. Fabulous stay. Festive spreads. Friendly dogs. Fancy puddings. Flexible hours. Forthright conversations. A warm hearth and even warmer hearts. A place where we could rejuvenate and recharge. Thank you, the Smetacek family, for hosting us.