If you slip and fall on the walking path next to a golf course like I did, you need to take it as a sign that you're not meant for outdoor sports. Instead, opt for the easier option, and enjoy luxury of the indoor kind at Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, like I ended up doing. Parts of this luxury destination in Greater Noida are not really new, but swung into the limelight when it hosted the Formula One drivers and teams who were in India for the Indian Grand Prix in October this year. That was also when Jaypee Greens had their formal launch and the resort has drawn racing enthusiasts, apart from avid golfers, ever since.

The golf course, which is the pride of the group, is an 18-hole beauty designed by the famed Greg Norman Golf Course Design Company. It has a smattering of lakes, ponds and bunkers, all maintained in top condition. Golf-lovers come from afar to play on this course, and guests can rent golf equipment as well.

Thai touches

I was surprised to learn that the resort and its interiors had been designed keeping the upcoming spa in mind, instead of the other way around. Six Senses, a Thailand-based spa company is set to open a retreat on the property early next year and this seems to have influenced the décor and feel of the resort to a large extent. The lobby is large and open, filled with sunshine and low seating on wicker couches and ottomans. There is even a tea lounge within the lobby space where guests can buy or taste different teas from around the world. There are a number of water features all over the property along with a lot of greenery to recreate the feel of a tropical environment. The miniature stone Buddhist monks that double up as tea-light holders add to the oriental feel. Vintage iron lanterns, wood floors and ample use of natural fibres lend a rustic Thai home style to this commercial establishment.

The theme continues in the rooms which are warm and decorated with leather and wood pieces. The large bathroom in the Deluxe room is separated from the rest of the living space by grand, dark wood double doors. A candle-lit soak in the sunken tub using Forest Essentials amenities, while soft music plays on the iPod dock will the best way to unwind after a long game of golf. Although I did not play, I indulged anyway. The resort also offers Premium suites which have an added room and jacuzzi as well as Executive suites. A golf-facing room would be the best option as you can enjoy the view with your morning cuppa.

For couch potatoes like myself, the resort can arrange for an in-suite spa treatment conducted by specialists from their New Delhi property. The deep tissue massage with olive oil (carried out by Josephine whose petite size deceives even us spa-enthusiasts) was relaxing to the point of sleep-inducing.

Dining options

The resort houses quite a few restaurants and bars as well as a dedicated confectionery corner in its dining gallery. Paatra is the Indian cuisine restaurant where the décor boldly states opulence. Gold touches everywhere and giant chess pieces on the walls match the delectable food that comes to my table. A must try is the Paratdar Paneer Tikka which is soft, grilled paneer slabs filled with a spicy mix of bell peppers and cheese. One can pick options from the tawa, kadai, handi, tandoor and deg (cooking-pot) but be sure to end your meal with their signature dessert, the Ananas-e-paatra, which is glazed and juicy pineapple chunks served with vanilla ice cream.

For food that evokes memories of the Italian countryside, drop in at La Brezza where the team has been trained by a master Italian chef. The wine bar will supply all the red and white you need, matched to your meal by Himanshu, their sommelier. The funky red lamps and open kitchen are less garishly ‘five-star' and more homely in style. The food is standard Italian fare bettered with freshly-made pasta and a generous amount of truffles in the tagliatelle. Seafood lovers should try the lobster ravioli. The Vegetali pizza from their wood-fire oven was crisp and beautifully flavoured. La Brezza is full of unique touches like miniature herb plants serving as table decorations and the variety of salts, including black lava and Himalayan served alongside the meal. The Matrix Bar has all the gloss and shine expected from a luxury lounge along with a colourful private room for V.I.P guests while The Churchill is a cosy cigar lounge, a concept which is picking up in hotels everywhere. Breakfast has to be at Eggspectation where diners can choose from a variety of egg-based dishes like Brioche Brilliance with scrambled eggs, five types of eggs Benedict or the poached eggs in vodka sauce for a morning buzz. Ano Tai, the Asian restaurant was yet to be launched at the time of this review.

Lounge by the pool or make your way through the golf course for a leisurely weekend away from the bustle of New Delhi.

What: A golf getaway

Where: Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida

Room tariff: Rs 14,000 per night onwards inclusive of one round of golf

>archana.a@thehindu.co.in

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