Having lived in Bangalore for almost three decades now, I’ve visited Nandi Hills several times since my earlier days as a student. But this time around when I visited the area, it was a completely different and surreal experience. Nothing like I had ever imagined before. The monsoon month of August adds to its charm too.

Mornings were covered in mist as we woke up to the sound of chirping birds outside our luxurious cottage at the newly opened Mulberry Shades, Bengaluru Nandi Hills – A Tribute Portfolio Resort. Who wants breakfast in bed when you can step right outside of your room and sip on your morning tea with the most gorgeous butterflies and colourful rare birds pecking on fruit-laden trees and flowers all around you.

Time stood still as we lounged around the pool at Bangalore’s newest characterful boutique hotel evocative of a design that facilitates a seamless connection with nature and nostalgia. Only around 70 minutes from the city of Bengaluru, Mulberry Shades is premised at the foot of the majestic Nandi Hills, a historical and culturally rich region of the bygone era. The 101-room new boutique hotel offers a stunning view of the hills from its foothill, right below. We also went for a morning drive upto the top of Nandi hills the next morning after a relaxed night on the softest plush beds in our spacious villa. The early morning drizzle added to the romantic weather as we stood up there watching the world from top.

After spending an hour on top, we were back to the world of luxury and in the safe confines of the resort and headed straight to the restaurant. Open the menu at Terra and you can read the story behind this mystical spot, which is intriguing and captivating at the same time. Mulberry Shades embodies the story of a young girl called Santi who lived amidst nature in an idyllic rustic setting and a happy childhood, where the hills were the backdrop to her daily life. Santi spent a lot of time with her grandmother who she fondly called “Ammoma”, together with her parents, ran the mulberry farm and silkworm production and oversaw the miraculous transformation from mulberry to silk. She was enfolded by the warm cinnamon smell and the earthy aroma of silkworms, waking up and greeting the dawn amidst the hills and clouds. Mulberry Shades Nandi Hills is a tribute from Santi to her Ammoma – a tranquil retreat at the foot of the hills that embodied the warm and genuine care, calm and wisdom of her grandmother.

The elegantly spacious villas and suites are adorned with bespoke, plush and spacious living room, bedroom, three-feature bathroom and a captivating private verandah with an unwavering attention to detail. Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates Singapore, who draws their design inspiration from the region’s natural setting that reflect nature inspired imagination, the design elements of Mulberry Shades Nandi Hills embody a reimagined rustic yet modern look and feel. The nomadic inspired décor, handmade objects and accessories made with handpicked natural textures creates a warm and welcoming boutique atmosphere.

The highlight of this newly opened hotel is Ksema, where you can find holistic wellbeing and inner balance. The spa featuring six treatment rooms, one Turkish Hammam, a private jacuzzi, private steam and sauna rooms. The spa also offers 3,5,7 and 15-day long wellness retreats offering personal training, nutrition plan and meditation programs focusing on holistic experiences to renew and balance the mind, body and spirit of its guests. The hotel also features a 24-hours state-of-the art fitness center, a Pilates and yoga terrace, Pickle-Ball court, Kreo – a recreation area, outdoor kids’ play area, an outdoor pool with sun decks and kids’ pool.

The culinary experiences here are a class apart. The all-dining restaurant, Terra, serves an eclectic selection of local and international dishes, through contemporary interpretations of the regional produce and cuisine. With a panoramic view of the hills, Asri, the swim-up pool bar serves light bites, classic and tropical concoction with a local twist. If you’re a coffee lover like me, do try to spend some quiet time at Kokoon, adjacent to an intimate water-fountain. This delicatessen and coffee bar is where you can sit down with a book and sip on some freshly brewed coffee and nibble on sandwiches.
The resort also serves as a sanctuary for small and intimate business meeting and social events with the two captivating naturally-lit vibrating spaces called Shanti, an outdoor lawn and Amaaya I & II, an indoor banquet hall with an adjoining pre-function area.

Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, Survey No: 28, 29 & 30, Kemathimmanahalli Village, Kundane Hobli, Devanahalli, Karnataka.