From Saltt to Sanctuary: A Closer Look At Oleander Farms, Karjat

We all remember the 2021 spur of out-of-town getaways — especially for Mumbaikars and Punekars, the post-pandemic season saw us all itching to get into the great outdoors once again, and experience a bit of luxe RnR away from home. One of the standout properties to gain prominence since then was Oleander Farms — a sprawling 170-acre slice of paradise nestled between the lakes, mountains, and rivers of Karjat

Named after the flowers that owner Anand Ahuja planted on the land back in 1990, the 46-room, pet-friendly luxury staycation immediately envelopes visitors in a sense of serenity, far away from the hustle and bustle of Maharashtra’s two largest cities. While weaving through Oleander Farms’ manicured driveway, you’ll spot a series of different rooms all catered to various stay requirements and needs. For those looking for immediate poolside action and quick access to the property’s restaurants, the first two-storey set of rooms — offering views of either the pool or the sprawling lawns and surrounding greenery — would be an ideal choice. Further on, we would come across the more-private lakeside rooms; the perfect choice for visitors looking for some serious peace and quiet in the lap of nature.

Following a quick stop with the valet and reception, we made our way to Oleander Farms’ largest stay — the 3BHK ‘Grove Villa’.

There’s certainly a lot of personal touches all over the property. This is a fact attested to by the Ahuja family scion Aaliya Ahuja, who helms the property’s ongoing activities and expansion projects. The family’s subtle personal touches can be found everywhere from the rooms to the southern end’s many attractions; from Vina Ahuja’s tastefully appointed rooms and restaurant interiors — both of which are swathed in elegant, minimal sets of linen and wooden furniture — to the Ahuja’s massively impressive vintage car collection.

Saltt’s picturesque surroundings are lively and bright during the day, and equally cosy and elegant by night.

After spending a late morning relaxing on diwans by the lawn, we made our way to the property’s inaugural establishment, Saltt. Led by a moody hedge-framed walkway, Saltt — which opened up in 2020 — is surrounded by refined, whimsical touches such as scenic ponds, relaxing outdoor spots, and even a family of curious ducks who live on the property. The menu at Saltt is an exciting mix of Asian, Indian and European fare, and we delighted in scores of exciting dishes ranging from an absolutely authentic Amritsari Chole Kulcha to Baja Style Beer Battered Fish Tacos, topping it off with a Tres Leches for good measure. The fantastic eatery is flanked by the Vintage Wines collection where guests can enjoy tasting sessions during most evenings and the CocoCart candy store for kids (as well as the young-at-heart).

After booking an on-request private high tea by the lakeside, we recommend capping off your evenings at the 136-seater Common House craft brewery, which serves similar eats but with a bar snack flair and six house brews to take for a spin.

Of particular interest during the monsoon travel season is the Saltt-adjacent All Day Coffee House. Open 24×7 on weekends and boasting a comforting selection of brews (including a signature cold brew to bear the heat), freshly-made bakes and an impressive health-focused menu, the cafe has recently upgraded its offerings with a diverse selection of wholesome and comforting new food options. The menu incorporates a ‘Farm-to-Table’ element by utilising rice grown on the farm for burrito bowls and rice plates; all dishes are made in-house, from sauces to breads, ensuring freshness and quality. The cafe even places pots of oregano, thyme, and basil on each table for guests to garnish their plates, adding a fun interactive touch.

Local ingredients are prioritised at All Day Coffee House, with millets used in salads instead of quinoa.

While intentionally remote, Oleander Farms provides a touch of class and intention that’s rare to find. Whether you choose to explore on foot or through the handy buggies that are just a call away, the winding paths and supreme quietude on offer is difficult to match, and the developing projects promise even more ways to unwind and rejuvenate; with a world-class spa and about fifty more rooms in the works, this is a stay that will have you planning your next visit long before you consider checking out.

Call 50022223 or email [email protected] for booking enquiries.

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