Wildflower Hall nestled in the Himalayas. Photo Credit: Oberoi Hotels.

A weekly series featuring luxury hotel expert Mary Gostelow’s hotel pick of the week.

Anyone who knows of Oberoi Hotels expects the superlative, and although those who had already been to Wildflower Hall raved about this 87-room Himalayas retreat, I was still blown away.Wildflower Hall is located in Shimla, a city in northern India. After a somewhat-jarring four-hour journey (WiFi provided) from Chandigarh airport, I finally arrived, 8,692 feet above see level. Waiting in my Lord Kitchener Suite were still hot just-baked croissants and a carafe of fresh orange juice, and my real-log fire was immediately lit upon my entrance. The suite was named for the English war hero who lived at this same spot for nine years and planted much of its garden (the original building burned down and was completely rebuilt by the Oberoi family, re-opening in 2001).

View of the snow-capped Himalayas from the terrace.

Expect an English Raj building with mod cons. A card room and a billiards room complement a stunning Olympic-sized indoor pool with chandeliers hanging above and a big outdoor jacuzzi to gaze at the surrounding mountains. Because gazing is what you do here; you are mesmerized by the constantly-changing ranges of the Himalayas, many snow-capped year-round.

The view from the indoor pool to the outdoor jacuzzi. Note the elaborate chandeliers overhead! Photo Credit: Oberoi Hotels.

Cooking in the wilderness.

Tour the 22-acre estate to find private gazebos, archery, croquet, and a tennis court that becomes a skating rink in winter. Take guided hikes, from beginner routes to six hours long. I took a 90-minuter and learned how Himalayan cedars change sex every year. We stopped at Paddock in the Woods, where a full kitchen brigade had a table ready in the wilderness. While the cooks prepared lunch, I learned local birds by reading one of the books provided in my outdoor living room – note: I also have a double bed in my little tent. After totally memorable paan ice cream from nearby betel leaves and rose petal juice (you must also try the local trout), I returned to the warming fire in the Lord Kitchener Suite and got ready for my Omorovicza facial in the Oberoi Spa.

At Paddock in the Woods, Mary reading and lounging outside her double bed tent.

Read last week’s Hotel of the Week here.