Corbett Hideaway by IHCL SeleQtions

The first thing I notice at Corbett Hideaway, Jim Corbett by IHCL SeleQtions is the gurgling River Kosi. Not from a safari jeep, nor from a lookout point, but from my bed. A picture window frames the vibrant river, and dense greenery and the wilderness beyond, while a private sit-out makes a compelling case for doing absolutely nothing.

We arrive under brilliant blue skies, fluffy clouds and grasslands still lush from the monsoon. Once the erstwhile Club Mahindra property (whose knack for prime locations clearly survives the rebrand), the 80-room retreat set across seven acres on the banks of the Kosi River, has been given an IHCL makeover, with large windows and sit-outs opening towards the river or verdant lawns. My river view suite gets the jackpot: the Kosi is practically a stone’s throw away.

Why stay at Corbett Hideaway by IHCL SeleQtions?

This is Corbett beyond the safari jeep. Riverside living, leafy surrounds, local flavours, cultural encounters and low-key outdoor adventures offer a more immersive way into the landscape. You’re still close to nature, don’t get me wrong, but with plenty of comfort. 

It’s also a particularly tempting weekend escape, given that it’s an easy drive from Delhi. Despite the proximity to city life, though, urbane nightmares seem distant, and that’s what makes me believe that I’ll probably be back.

What are the rooms like at Corbett Hideaway by IHCL SeleQtions?

Corbett Hideaway has the feel of a spacious, easy-going resort, with lavish lawns dotted with cottage-like buildings and plenty of greenery in between. 

Inside, the recently redone rooms keep things cool and unfussy, with stone exteriors, big windows and private sit-outs that make the outdoors feel like part of the room. There are various room categories, and the best part is that each room comes with a private sit-out. 

King-sized beds and polished amenities keep things comfortably luxe, while the nearly 43-sq.-m. premium rooms turn up the space with generous sit-outs and partial river views. The suites have separate living areas, and are also considerably closer to the river. Their picture windows capture the Corbett scenery in its entirety: a patch of green, the river, and the dense greenery beyond the riverbank.

What are the experiences like at Corbett Hideaway by IHCL SeleQtions?

A safari remains, naturally, the essential Corbett experience, and this property is well located – about  8.5km from the Dhikala safari zone and 7km from Bijrani Gate. 

But the resort’s nature-led activities extend beyond the jeep ride, with its own naturalist helping guests understand the forest and its rhythms. Beyond the jungle too, there’s plenty to keep you occupied, from sunrise yoga and sound healing to picnics beneath fruit-laden trees and immersive Kumaoni village experiences that offer a taste of local life.

One of the best ways to enjoy the landscape is to leave the resort early for a mountain and river expedition. We set off with the hotel’s naturalist for a mountain drive towards Bhaukaal, travelling from around 1,200 feet to almost 5,000 feet above sea level. The route winds through the region, towards the higher reaches of Corbett and into Almora district, following the Ramganga river this time, and passing through villages slowly waking to the day. The foliage changes dramatically: sal forests give way to pine, while forest springs appear along the way. And even from the road, wildlife makes an appearance: spotted deer, wild boar and pretty little birds flit through the trees, reminding us that we’re still in the larger area of Jim Corbett National Park. The experience includes a breakfast served at a small village home with an extraordinary view. Juice, croissant sandwiches, and the some chai and ‘pahadon wali Maggi’ served by the lady of the house. 

Back at the resort, a leisurely home-style lunch awaits, and even bedtime gets a local touch, with a traditional-style thali of homemade scrubs, rosewater and skincare preparations to cleanse yourself after a day spent outdoors. 

What is the food like at Corbett Hideaway by IHCL SeleQtions?

When you’re in the middle of the jungle (well, almost), food matters, because you know you can’t toodle off to a restaurant or café nearby. Fortunately, Corbett Hideaway understands the assignment. Lunch arrives as a gloriously homestyle spread, only someone has multiplied your mother’s Sunday lunch by three. Dal, paneer, aloo rasa, raita, meat, chicken, lauki with dahi and cucumber tossed with local herb salt make for the sort of wholesome meal that demands an afternoon nap. A long one.

Come evening, high tea moves outdoors onto the little green patch outside our room, with the Kosi now even closer. Pakodas, chilli-cheese toast, samosas, muffins and tea cake make a persuasive argument for extending the afternoon indefinitely.

For dinner, we tuck in the Kumaoni thali: mattha, gehat ki dal, saag, aloo, meat curry, chicken curry, mustard-tempered raita and aate ka laddoo, all generously finished with ghee. I’m happy to report that it’s regional cooking sans the sanitised hotel gloss.

On another evening, we opt for the ‘Peshawar to Punjab’ dining experience, served on the deck beside the river. With the Kosi rushing past as our soundtrack, the menu travels through kebabs, hearty curries, dals, paranthas and biryani. The food is delicious and satisfying, while the staff regales us with stories of wildlife sightings, including a tiger spotted a few days prior, just across the riverbank from where we’re seated.

The regional influences go beyond the food. At Himmaleh Bar & Deck and the Riverside Deck, cocktails such as the herbaceous Kosi River, bold Tiger’s Roar and smoky Baagh bring a little riverside sunset and jungle-bonfire mood to the glass.

What are the facilities like at Corbett Hideaway by IHCL SeleQtions?

Mornings can begin slowly beside the river, afternoons are made for the pool or a private sit-out, and evenings bring the sound of flowing water and the forest settling around you.

A spa, gym and additional banquet space are currently being added, though the work barely intrudes on the experience.

The only element currently missing is direct access to the Kosi. Since we visited just after the monsoon, when the river was especially high, it was safer to not venture too close. However, a pathway to the river is planned for the coming months. 

Time Out tip: The most desirable accommodation is undoubtedly a river-facing room. 

Closest airport: Around 3.5 hours from Bareilly Airport.