Jul 07, 2025 01:47 PM
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Planning a family trip can be both exciting and daunting especially when you're trying to find that perfect balance between comfort, good service, scenic locations, and value for money. For our summer holiday this year, we decided to escape the heat and spend a few peaceful days in the lush green hills of Mahabaleshwar. We chose Country Holidays Travel to plan and book our trip, and I must say, from start to finish, they delivered a seamless and thoroughly enjoyable experience. This review is a reflection of our stay, especially for families who are looking to relax and reconnect amidst nature.
Booking Experience
Our journey with Country Holidays Travel started with a friendly consultation call. Their travel consultant took the time to understand our requirements we are a family of four, with two children aged 8 and 12. We were looking for a serene location, comfortable and family-friendly accommodation, good food, and ideally a place close to Mahabaleshwars popular attractions.
What impressed me most was how professional and patient the team was. They presented us with multiple accommodation options, complete with photos, package details, and honest pros and cons. After reviewing the options, we decided on a three-night, four-day package that included transportation, stay at a premium hill resort, breakfast and dinner, and local sightseeing.
Arrival and First Impressions
We arrived in Mahabaleshwar after a smooth drive arranged by Country Holidays Travel. Our chauffeur was courteous, well-informed, and drove carefully through the winding ghats. As we approached our resort, we were greeted by the breathtaking view of the Sahyadri Hills, blanketed in green and bathed in a soft mountain mist a sight that made the journey worthwhile.
The property selected by Country Holidays Travel was everything we had hoped for. It was a beautiful, nature-themed resort with spacious rooms, a kids' play area, and stunning valley views. Check-in was smooth, with a warm welcome by the hotel staff and complimentary refreshments. Within minutes, we were in our cozy, well-furnished room with a private balcony overlooking the hills.
Accommodation and Amenities
Our family suite was clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully equipped. The beds were comfortable, the linens fresh, and there was ample space for the kids to move around. The dcor was tasteful with a rustic charm, fitting perfectly with the natural surroundings. We had access to all modern amenities hot water, free Wi-Fi, room service, and a mini-fridge stocked with essentials.
One of the highlights for us was the resorts lush garden and open spaces where the kids could run around freely. There was even a small library and indoor games section that kept them entertained when we werent out sightseeing. The resort also had a small but clean swimming pool, which was a big hit with the children.
Food and Dining
The package included breakfast and dinner, both of which were served buffet-style at the in-house restaurant. The food was fresh, delicious, and featured a mix of local Maharashtrian dishes and familiar North Indian staples. The breakfast spread included hot idlis, poha, toast, eggs to order, and fresh fruit perfect to start the day. For dinner, there were multiple vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with live counter services on one of the nights.
Special mention to the restaurant staff they were polite, attentive, and very accommodating with our childrens food preferences. On one occasion, they even arranged a special mild curry for my younger son who found the regular one too spicy.
Sightseeing and Activities
Country Holidays Travel had organized a private car for sightseeing, which turned out to be a great decision. Our driver was knowledgeable and flexible with timings, which made it easy to travel at our own pace. We visited the famous Venna Lake, enjoyed boating and horse riding with the kids, and explored scenic points like Arthurs Seat, Elephants Head Point, and Kates Point all breathtakingly beautiful.
One of the most memorable experiences was the visit to Mapro Garden, where we tasted strawberry-based treats and picked up some delicious local jams and chocolates to take home. We also visited Pratapgad Fort, which offered a glimpse into Maratha history and panoramic views of the mountains.
Country Holidays Travel ensured that each day was well-planned but not rushed. There were enough breaks for relaxation, which made the trip feel like a real vacation rather than a checklist of destinations.
Staff and Service
Both the hotel and Country Holidays Travel deserve praise for their excellent service. The hospitality staff at the resort were courteous and efficient, always ready with a smile. From room cleaning to food service, everything ran smoothly and on time.
What stood out was the continuous follow-up by Country Holidays Travel during our stay. They checked in via phone on the second day to make sure we were comfortable and even provided us with a 24/7 helpline in case we needed assistance. This attention to detail and customer care truly made us feel looked after.
Overall Experience
In total, our four-day trip to Mahabaleshwar was everything we hoped it would be peaceful, refreshing, and full of quality family time. The natural beauty of Mahabaleshwar is undeniable, but it was the thoughtful planning and reliable service from Country Holidays Travel that elevated our experience.
From well-chosen accommodations to seamless transport and carefully curated sightseeing, they delivered on every front. For families traveling with children or even older parents, the level of comfort and convenience they offer is worth every penny.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If youre considering a trip to Mahabaleshwar and want to enjoy it without the usual travel hassles, I highly recommend booking through Country Holidays Travel. They know the region well, they prioritize your comfort, and most importantly, they actually listen to your needs instead of offering a one-size-fits-all package.
This trip gave our family memories to cherish for years morning walks through misty paths, evenings by the fireplace, strawberry ice cream at Mapro, and watching the sun set over the valley from our balcony.
Thank you, Country Holidays Travel, for making this trip so special. Were already looking forward to our next holiday with you.
