The art of slowing down in the hills of Pune
The air shifts as you leave the hum of Pune city behind. The roads begin to wind through leafy canopies, the pace slows, and soon you find yourself surrounded by the kind of quiet that invites deep breaths and long, lingering mornings. Here, in the embrace of the Western Ghats, weekend escapes aren’t just about rest—they’re about rediscovery. And if you’re searching for a resort in Pune that blends serene design with soulful hospitality, Hotel Irada sits right at that sweet intersection.
Why Pune? Because balance lives here
Once the seat of the Peshwas, today Pune is a city that balances culture and contemporary life with effortless grace. It’s where you’ll find heritage temples rubbing shoulders with sleek coffee roasters, centuries-old forts mirrored by avant-garde galleries. For the urban explorer, it’s a city of stories. For the weary, it’s an invitation to pause.
To uncover what makes Pune’s leisure rhythm so magnetic, we spoke to Rohan Patil, a local ceramic artist whose studio sits just beyond Koregaon Park. “Pune is all about texture,” he says. “Not just in clay, but in its people, its spaces. The best moments happen off the main roads—in the vineyards, the forests, the quiet corners of a resort.”
Meet the local: Rohan Patil, ceramic artist and weekend philosopher
Rohan’s studio is filled with earthen bowls that seem to echo the soft tones of the Deccan soil. When he’s not working, he spends weekends exploring the outskirts of the city. “There’s a certain calm in places like Mulshi or Lavasa,” he tells us. “You start to understand why people escape here. The hills, the lakes—they bring you back to yourself.”
It’s this very sentiment that defines Pune’s best getaways: unhurried, design-conscious, and close to nature. And it’s exactly what you’ll find while staying at Hotel Irada.
Top 5 Spots to Discover Around Pune
1. Hotel Irada Wellness Retreat
And then, of course, there’s Hotel Irada itself—your sanctuary amidst it all. Designed with an eye for calm, Irada blends contemporary luxury with organic materials, allowing nature to do most of the talking. Don’t miss the wellness experiences: forest bathing walks, holistic spa therapies, and meditative sessions that make disconnection feel deeply restorative.
2. Fratelli Vineyards, Akluj
Yes, Pune has its own slice of Tuscany. At Fratelli Vineyards, sprawling vines stretch across rolling plains, offering tastings that rival the best in Nashik. “Wine here isn’t just about grapes,” says Rohan, laughing. “It’s about community.” Pair a crisp Chenin Blanc with locally made cheese, and don’t miss the sunset from the terrace.
3. Sinhagad Fort
For a dose of history and a great view, the Sinhagad Fort trek is a local favourite. An early morning climb rewards you with sweeping vistas of the valley and clouds brushing your shoulders. The fort carries tales of Maratha bravery, but the reward today is a plate of piping hot kanda bhaji and curd, served fresh at the top.
4. Pashan Lake
Closer to the city, Pashan Lake is ideal for slow walks and birdwatching at dawn. With the early mist curling over the water, it feels worlds away from the city bustle. Bring a camera—kingfishers, egrets, and even the occasional heron might pose for you.
5. Mulshi Lake & Dam
Nestled in the Sahyadri range, Mulshi is the kind of place that slows time. The mist often settles low over the water in the mornings, while evenings turn golden as the sun dips behind the mountains. Take a kayak out, or simply sit by the banks with a cup of chai. For those staying at Hotel Irada, it’s a perfect day trip—just an hour and a half away.
A design-led retreat that feels personal
What sets Hotel Irada apart from the usual resorts in Pune is its sense of intimacy. Every corner feels curated: local art on the walls, handmade ceramics from artisans like Rohan, sun-dappled verandas that open onto gardens. It’s the kind of place where you can sip coffee in silence or strike up a conversation with a fellow traveller about the poetry of the monsoon.
Irada’s ethos is clear: slow living, with thought. Their wellness program goes beyond spa menus—it’s a philosophy. From farm-to-table cuisine to early morning yoga facing the hills, the hotel encourages you to live in rhythm with the land. Explore more about their wellness offerings here.
Why a weekend at Hotel Irada feels timeless
Weekend getaways are often fleeting. But Hotel Irada manages to stretch time. Maybe it’s the fragrance of lemongrass that follows you through the corridors, or the soft glow of lanterns by the infinity pool as evening settles. Or perhaps it’s the ease of knowing that everything—from design to dining—has been considered with your comfort in mind.
“Sometimes the best inspiration,” Rohan muses, “is to do nothing at all.” At Irada, doing nothing feels like an art form.
Stay. Wander. Return.
Whether it’s a spontaneous escape or a long-planned break, Hotel Irada captures the essence of what a resort in Pune should be: rooted in nature, designed for peace, and infused with the city’s creative spirit.
So, next weekend, pack light. Let Pune’s hills and Irada’s quiet charm remind you of the beauty in slowing down. Because some getaways don’t just rest your body—they realign your soul.
