The Retreat Bhimtal

It is a beautiful homestay, managed by a very hospitable and warm family. It is nestled amidst a canopy of tall green trees in a colonial banglow, exuding a serene old world charm. The rooms are simple, neat clean and elegant pl. The idea of the homestay is to let one time travel to an era where people were rich because that had enough time for themselves. The retreat is specifically meant for individuals seeking solitude, readers, writers, trekkers, bird watchers and foodies. There are hills to climb, miles of forest to walk through, beautiful birds to watch and to enjoy home cooked food. Padmini Smetacek, affectionately called as Paddy , who manages the property is an excellent conversationist who seem to know everything. It is a pleasure conversing with her on the dining table. She has fabulous tales to share and is ever ready to help. The family has a lot of pets that are friendly and loving. We thoroughly enjoyed her hospitality and will love to revisit the property.

The Retreat, a name which perfect because the homestay is a retreat from stress, pollution etc all other problems city folk face and a retreat into peace, tranquility and the simple pleasurable moments like a bird fluttering in the verandah of the house, beautiful sunrise etc. The place is situated a little away from the hustle and bustle in Bhimtal but it is just within reach of all the major tourist haunts. The property is a more than 150 year old tea estate, maintained and kept in pristine condition by the host, Padmini Smetacek, i.e. Paddy Aunty for most of us. Once you reach there, she ***** with her very efficient staff will take perfect care of you. There are three rooms, you can choose as per your need. I think the best part of our stay was the presence of 6 furry friends, Bo, Pip, Hoshi, Bimble, Poopi & Tessie. They will come in the morning for walks ***** with you. We enjoyed lovely morning walks and hearty breakfast after the walks. The food is amazing , we were a group of 5 adults and two kids, we were treated to a wonderful culinary experience and not to forget delectable desserts made by Paddy Aunty, which we all relished. Paddy Aunty will help you plan your itinerary as per your needs and interests, even if you don't want to go anywhere, the place with its relaxed vibe, vast collections and cozy nooks and corners will make you relax. All in all , if you want your holiday to be enjoyable, relaxed and stress free for you and your kids just go to the Retreat and see for yourself. I can't wait to go again !!

The Retreat is a small home stay located close to Bhim Tal lake. Once you reach Bhimtal, you will still have to climb and travel on a small road which takes you to this property. The place has 3 large rooms/suites and you will have to book in advance with the owner - Padmini Smetacek. Once you reach the place, you realise how comfortable the place is. You can lounge around all day if you wish with a book (there is a small collection of books to keep you busy). Or you can take a quick walk to Saat Tal (takes about 45 mins) or to Bhim Tal (30 mins). They organised a Parasailing trip for some other guests who were staying at the same time as us. The food is awesome - all the veggies are fresh and the cooking style is unique. We also went down to the village to sample a “Pahadi lunch”. Again this was delicious. The best part is the desserts which are prepared by Padmini. All the food that is served is awesome. I would strongly recommend a trip there. Do not expect a TV - there is an Internet connection available though. The idea of this place is to enjoy the peace and solitude (and of course, the food !).

The property is reminiscent of a bygone era that takes one back to the early 20th century Kumaon foothills when colonial bungalows weaved magic. One finds oneself in the midst of a verdant forest area that is barely a stones throw from the bustling lake area. The Retreat is a home-stay and truly a retreat that was an abode away from home. The meals (we opted for Continental) were delicious and the spread was lavish. The hostess Paddy was very warm and welcoming. She saw to every detail in making our stay comfortable and memorable. We've stayed in many home-stays earlier but would like to give the Retreat highest rating because of personal care and we would love to keep revisiting. God Bless Paddy and her team.

It should be enough to say that our family returned to The Retreat for the third time in 5 years. It remains just as lovely, cozy and delicious. This time we noticed several small improvements, which made the home even more comfortable and enjoyable. Our group of 7 ( 5 adults and two kids) spent a memorable 7 nights, our longest stay so far. It was sad to see business in the region being adversely impacted by the media hype over monsoons, which haven't impacted the Bhimtal/ Nainital region. In reality, it rained less than Delhi and we had lovely days filled with sunshine ***** with some rainy ones. Both were equally enjoyable. Recommend speaking with Paddy directly to get an accurate local picture if you are planning a visit during monsoon or other low seasons. Thankyou for everything Paddy. The Retreat is becoming our favorite retreat.

Staying at The Retreat, is like visiting your favourite aunt. The owner, Mrs Smetacek welcomes you with a warm hug, a generous smile and a tall glass of lemonade. The bungalow itself is charming and every little detail has been preserved to maintain the Victorian heritage of this place. One has all the comforts of the modern world while enjoying a glimpse of the colonial life. The property is very well managed, the staff is courteous and ready to serve endless cups of tea with a gracious amiability. The food here was the highlight of our trip. Scrumptious breakfast and lunch served on the verandah and enjoyed while listening to birdsong. The dinner was a treat we all looked forward to. We enjoyed exploring the nature trails and walks in the vicinity. The bungalow is in a very private area and well placed to explore Bhimtal on foot. To conclude, I would say, staying here was akin to Stepping into an Enid Blyton book. With an abundance of nature, charming people, picnics and hikes and of course the traditional English High Tea experience. My sincere gratitude to Mrs Smetacek for welcoming us into her abode. Will be back soon!

I really adore this kind of stays. It is really as a dive back a century or so, everything as it was, and the host Paddy is famtastic. The food is the best we had in the whole trip. The gardens are awe inspiring. I would not change a thing.

'We'll build in sonnets pretty rooms', wrote John Donne in 1633. Centuries later, I inhabit & experience its true meaning at The Retreat. This homestay exudes a mystical, magical, vibrant vibe, surrounded by deodar trees - a piece of nature's best under an orange sky. Padmini (or Paddy), the host-owner, has a wonderfully genuine and joyful presence, which lends the entire space a magnificently tranquil aura. (They just don't make 'em like her anymore!). The staff and service are excellent, the place is child-friendly, and is very well-located for nature-lovers who understand the value of treks and walks and the peace they bring to our bodies and minds. As for nourishment of the more usual kind, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better place to stay. (Mission Impossible in fact). Everything they make at The Retreat - from the bakes and breads to the preserves and soups and curries and stews and tarts and puddings - is divine. You would never have tasted food this good. It's a deal-clincher.

Absolutely fantastic place. True to its name. Quaint, Cozy and Wonderful. Hospitality at its best. Surrounded by nature with nature walks, trails etc. Place for extraordinary vacation and food. A must visit place