Sitara Himalaya is a new garden retreat by Anita Lal, the founder of India’s iconic lifestyle brand, Good Earth. This 10-bedroom sanctuary not only showcases the Good Earth aesthetic but also embodies Lal’s personal ethos of joy, beauty, and connection with nature. Designed as an extension of her nearby holiday home, Sitara offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world, while also fostering new friendships and experiences.
A Celebration of Indian Spirit and Global Outlook
The interiors of Sitara Himalaya are a testament to Anita Lal’s meticulous design sensibility. Tibetan rugs, ornate blue and white china, brass works by designer Vikram Goyal, hand-painted murals, and juniper berry incense create an immediate sense of warmth and splendor. Local craftsmanship is celebrated through Chamba Rumal panels embroidered by local women, reflecting scenes from Krishna’s life, embodying the spirit of handwork and heart.
The ten spacious bedrooms, adorned with hand-spun Banarasi silk wallpaper depicting a sacred Buddhist motif, offer breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Each room features a daybed, plush cushions, campaign-style furniture, and Chinese-style lamps, creating an ideal space for relaxation and contemplation. The bathrooms are equipped with luxurious products from Paro, a holistic brand run by Lal’s daughter, Simran, ensuring a unique and refreshing experience.
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Holistic Wellness and Personalized Comfort
At Sitara, the focus is on holistic well-being. Guests are encouraged to unplug and rejuvenate, with no room service menus, mini-bars, or TVs. Instead, there is a dedicated library with books on Vedic teachings, Tibetan gods, and yoga, fostering a serene environment for reading, dreaming, and self-discovery. The live kitchen, filled with Good Earth tableware and spices, allows guests to interact with the 24-year-old chef, Aman Singhal, who prepares delightful, nutrient-dense dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Immersive Experiences and Thoughtful Amenities
Sitara Himalaya adapts to the needs of its guests, whether it’s a solitary trek, a group picnic, or an evening of music and storytelling. The retreat’s “Svasthi” area, set at the highest point of the property, offers stunning views of the Himalayas and features a hot water plunge pool, an infrared sauna, and a steam room, all designed to detoxify and relax. Treatments here combine ancient marma massage with breathwork, sound bowl healing, and reiki, delivered with world-class quality and heartfelt care.
Practical Information
To reach Sitara Himalaya, guests can fly into Bhuntar Airport in Kullu from Chandigarh or Delhi, followed by a 90-minute drive. The property is closed in January and February and is not accessible to children under 16 or those requiring wheelchair access. For a minimum three-night stay, rates start at INR 90,000, which includes transfers, meals, excursions, laundry, and beverages.
Sitara Himalaya is not just a retreat; it’s a place where the Indian spirit and a global outlook converge, offering an exquisite dance of colors, textiles, and textures, and serving as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and personal revelations. As Anita Lal would say, “Life is short, let’s make it sweet.”
