Calista Resort: Delhi NCR's Most Luxurious Escape? (You Won't Believe This!)
Calista Resort: Delhi NCR's Most Luxurious Escape? (You Won't Believe This!) - My Honest Rave (and a Few Grumbles!)
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the tea – or, more accurately, the chilled cucumber water – on Calista Resort. They call it Delhi NCR's "Most Luxurious Escape" and honestly? They're not entirely wrong. But let’s get real, shall we? Luxury is subjective, and even palaces have dust bunnies lurking somewhere. (I'm practically a professional dust bunny hunter at this point, living as I do. The war never ends.)
First Impressions: The Grand Entrance (and a Tiny Hiccup)
Getting there? Accessibility wise, it's pretty decent. They offer Airport transfer (thank god!), and the car park is car park [free of charge] AND has Car park [on-site]. That's a solid start. You know, avoiding the whole "hunt for a parking spot" drama is a win in my book. The valet parking is also a nice touch for feeling like a fancy pants when you arrive.
The actual entrance? BOOM. Seriously impressive. Think sprawling lawns, manicured gardens, and a lobby that screams "wealthy aunt with great taste." The 24-hour front desk is a lifesaver, especially for those of us who arrive fashionably late (i.e., whenever the traffic gods allow). Contactless check-in/out is fantastic in these post-pandemic times. They're also pretty darn good about check-in/out [express] – though I had a slight blip when I arrived, which I will be sharing because it's the juicy gossip we all look for in a review! It took a smidge longer than expected to find my room, which involved a slight chase around the premise. The staff, bless their hearts, were super apologetic. Let's chalk it up to a teething problem in the whole "palatial experience" thing.
Room Revelations: Marble, Memories, and Mini-Bar Shenanigans
My room? Oh, my room. This is where Calista really shines. I was in awe of the air conditioning, thank the lord! The Non-smoking rooms (duh!) are a plus. I am particularly obsessed with those little details: a closet, a bathrobe to swathe myself in; Complimentary tea brewing and a coffee/tea maker to get you going in the morning. The blackout curtains are a godsend for those of us who thrive in darkness.
But here’s the thing about luxury, it's the little things. Like, the extra long bed! I'm a restless sleeper, and the extra space was a game changer. And the mini bar… let's just say it became the star of my early evening. There was even Free bottled water (a lifesaver!), and a refrigerator to keep everything chilled. All the basics are covered: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
And, let's not forget the Wi-Fi [free]! Crucial for the 'gram, of course.
Accessibility and Ease: Mostly Great, with a Few Quibbles
Okay, let's talk about the nitty-gritty. Wheelchair accessible? Mostly, yes. There are elevator access and facilities for Facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally need these, but I did a thorough investigation. There were ramps and everything.
Internet access is, again, a big win. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I’m saying it again because it's a major selling point.) And if you're all about that hardwired life, they even have Internet [LAN]. It goes without saying that they do Internet services. And, because, I know many of us do, Wi-Fi in public areas.
The Food Fiasco (and the Food Fantastic!)
Alright, food time. This is where Calista gets complicated. First impressions? Restaurants, plural! Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant are a thing. Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast [buffet], are a thing. They have an A la carte in restaurant, there's a Coffee/tea in restaurant, a Desserts in restaurant, a Happy hour, a Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour] (thank you, universe!), and even a Vegetarian restaurant. The whole experience is an absolute food journey!
The breakfast buffet was a sprawling feast. The Asian breakfast was phenomenal – I'm still dreaming about the idli. The Western breakfast? Solid, if a little predictable.
The "fiasco"? Well, I ordered room service one night. Took an hour and a half. I was hangry. But, when the food arrived, it was a redemption arc - the flavours were sublime.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Saunas, and Serenity (Mostly!)
Okay, let’s be honest, I lived at the spa. The Body scrub was heavenly, the Body wrap was divine, the Massage was life-altering. The Pool with view is stunning. The Sauna, the Steamroom, the Swimming pool [outdoor] – all perfect for an afternoon of pure bliss. They even have a Foot bath! I'd have stayed in the spa forever, if I could.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Safe!)
In these times, cleanliness is king. Or queen. Or royalty of your choice! Calista really shines here. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. They even have Hygiene certification so you know they're taking things seriously. The Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt safe.
Things to Do: Beyond Bliss (and Getting Bored?!)
Beyond the spa, there's a Fitness center, which, if you're that kind of human, is a big plus. But I admit, my fitness regime during this trip consisted of walking from the pool to the bar. The Swimming pool… well, it was a swimming pool. The Terrace was lovely for a morning coffee.
The Offer: Your Chance to Escape!
Okay, so here's the deal. Despite a few minor hiccups, Calista Resort is pretty darn brilliant. It's a luxury escape without the pretension. The food is AMAZING, the spa is a slice of heaven, and the rooms are… well, you saw the listing. What am I waiting for?
Here's the deal:
Book your stay at Calista Resort within the next 7 days and get:
- 20% OFF your room rate.
- Complimentary spa treatment for two (choose from a massage or facial!).
- Free upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability).
- Late checkout (because you'll never want to leave!).
Why you'll love it:
- Unforgettable Luxury: Marble everything, plush beds, views that take your breath away.
- Ultimate Relaxation: Spa treatments that erase all stress.
- Culinary Delights: From the buffet to room service, food that will make your taste buds sing.
- Safety & Hygiene: That you can trust. Don't miss out! This offer is only available for a limited time. Book your escape to Calista Resort now!
[Link to booking page]
P.S. They allow pets, but I have no idea if it is true.
P.P.S. My only advice? Book a long stay. You will need it.
- Accessibility: 4.7/5 (Mostly excellent, minor issues)
- Rooms: 5/5 (Absolutely fabulous!)
- Food: 4/5 (Breakfast is a 5! Room service can be improved.)
- Spa: 5/5 (Pure bliss!)
- Cleanliness/Safety: 5/5 (Impeccable)
- Overall Experience: 4.6/5 (Highly recommended! Just be prepared for a little waiting on a minor occasion
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Calista Resort itinerary isn't gonna be your perfectly-pressed brochure. We're diving in headfirst, warts and all, and I'm probably gonna need a nap halfway through just writing it. New Delhi – let's see what kind of glorious chaos awaits!
Day 1: Arrival, Delirium, and the Dance of the Dinner Buffet
- Morning (Like, REALLY early, thanks jet lag): Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Oh god, the air. It's not just air, it's history. And diesel fumes. Immediately embrace the humidity and the cacophony. Find the Calista Resort transfer – hopefully, they don't leave me stranded with my suitcase, which is basically my emotional support animal.
- Mid-Morning (Maybe 10 AM? Who even knows?): Check-in. This is usually where the cracks start. Pray for a room that doesn't face the dumpster. Secretly hope for a balcony, because, you know, dramatic poses and a sense of self-importance. Maybe I'll even start a travel blog. Probably not.
- Lunch: (Between the sleepiness and the hunger) : Unpack. Contemplate the existential dread of travel. Then, hunger strikes. Food at the resort? I'm already starving, so I'll take my chances and go for a burger since I can't bring myself to trying things in the main restuarant.
- Afternoon: (The "I'm on vacation, I'll sleep when I'm dead" phase): Attempt to do some things like exploring the resort, maybe visiting the pool. But more realistically? Probably fall asleep on the bed. The sun. The exhaustion. The pure bliss of being somewhere else. Waking up feeling groggy and lost in time is just the name of the game.
- Evening: (Buffet-geddon): Dinner at the resort's restaurant (brace yourself). The buffet. Oh, the buffet. Observe the other guests – the families, the honeymooners, the people who look like they've been here for a month and are thriving. My strategy? Try everything. Fail miserably. End up with a plate piled high with random curries, something vaguely fried, and way too many desserts. The emotional rollercoaster of the buffet: joy, regret, carb coma. Stumble back to the room, possibly with a stolen pastry.
Day 2: Delhi's Delights (and Doubts)
- Morning (Okay, maybe 8 AM. Progress!): Resist the urge to sleep the day away. Force myself up for a guided tour. I hired a guide to see the major sites. I'm hoping that they are not boring.
- Morning/Mid-Morning: Old Delhi Adventure! We're talking Red Fort (impressive, even though I mostly just took selfies), Jama Masjid (mind-blowing, and try not to trip over the million shoes outside), and the chaotic, glorious, sensory overload that is Chandni Chowk market. Be prepared to be jostled, charmed, overwhelmed, and possibly slightly terrified.
- Anecdote: Okay, one of the shops I entered seemed to have every sari in the world, and I got totally swamped. I couldn't breathe. I nearly passed out from the heat, and the smell, the colors, the chaos… it was just too much.. I remember my guide just laughing at me when I came out, red-faced and disoriented, clutching a tiny, totally unnecessary spice grinder
- Lunch: Street food. Daring, right? I'm going to eat something with onions, and I'm happy to eat it.
- Afternoon: Humayun's Tomb? Qutub Minar? Whatever. We'll see how much energy I have left. Probably less than I think.
- Quirky Observation: The architecture is breathtaking. The heat, less so. I'm pretty sure I saw a pigeon wearing a tiny hat.
- Evening: Dinner. Try a new restaurant. Or just give up and order room service. Listen, I'm not a hero.
Day 3: The Resort Rhapsody (and Possible Meltdown)
- Morning: Sleep. Glorious, luxurious sleep. Then, maybe, the gym. (Don't hold your breath). Breakfast at the resort.
- Mid-Morning: Pool time! Or, more realistically, pool-adjacent time, reading a book while occasionally dipping a toe in the water. Observe the other guests. Judge. Secretly envy the people who look effortlessly tan and relaxed.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss. (Until the waiter spills coffee on my book).
- Lunch: At the resort. Again. Curry, maybe? Or something safe.
- Afternoon: Spa day! Or, more realistically, a massage that might make me fall asleep and start snoring. Hope for a good massage.
- Anecdote: Once, during a massage abroad, the masseuse started singing opera. It was… an experience. Fingers crossed for something a little more conventional this time.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort. Maybe try something different. Or just stick to what I know. Honestly, at this point, I'm just trying to survive.
- Messy Structure Rambles: I keep thinking about that spice grinder. And the pigeon with the hat. And the smell of the city. And the food. And the people. It's all just… a lot. A beautiful, overwhelming, slightly terrifying lot.
Day 4: Departure (and the Existential Crisis of Leaving)
- Morning: Last breakfast. Savor it. Do I take some extra fruit for the road?
- Mid-Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Panic-buying gifts for people who probably don't want them.
- Afternoon: Check-out. Try not to cry. (The airport is always a bit of a blur). Taxi to the airport.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: Sad, happy, anxious, excited. The usual cocktail of emotions that comes with leaving a place.
- Evening: Fly home. Dream of Delhi. Probably order Indian takeout when I get back. And vow to return. Eventually.
Important Notes (Because I am a terrible planner):
- Food: Be adventurous. But also, listen to your gut (literally).
- Transportation: Embrace the chaos. Rickshaws are fun. Traffic is not.
- Bargaining: Haggle. It's expected. But don't be a jerk.
- Water: Drink bottled water. You've been warned.
- Pace: Don't overschedule. Leave room for spontaneity (and naps).
- Expectations: Lower them. Then, be pleasantly surprised.
- Me: I'm probably going to be a mess. But a happy mess. And that's the point, right? That's the whole goddamn point.
Calista Resort: Delhi NCR's Most Luxurious Escape? (You Won't Believe This!) - Let's Get Messy!
Okay, spill the tea! Is Calista Resort REALLY as luxurious as it looks online?
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually worth the price tag?
What about the food? Is the restaurant hype real?
Let's talk about the pool and spa. Worth the plunge (literally and figuratively)?
Anything that *didn't* live up to the hype? Spill the tea, darling!
Who is Calista Resort *really* for? Is it worth it for a 'regular' person?
Would you go back? (Be honest!)
Best tip for a first-timer?
Final thoughts? Anything else you want to add?
