The Art Of Doing Nothing: Luxurious Escapes For The August 15 Long Weekend

News18

a day ago

This August 15, pick a place where the only thing on your agenda is to feel absolutely unhurried.
Forget racing from one tourist attraction to the next or checking off a packed itinerary just to say you've 'done it all." Now picture this: a holiday where the only plan is… no plan at all. No timetables. No rushed sightseeing. No walking 20,000 steps in a day. Just time – unhurried, unstructured, and entirely yours.
This is the essence of a do-nothing holiday, a getaway designed not for laziness, but for wellness, balance, and truly absorbing your surroundings at your own pace.
Doing nothing can mean anything you want it to: lingering over breakfast, napping in the afternoon sun, floating in a pool, strolling aimlessly through nature, or simply sitting still and watching the world pass by. The goal isn't to avoid experiences — it's to savour them without the pressure of 'fitting it all in."
Why August 15 Is the Perfect Excuse
This year, August 15 falls on a Friday, creating a long weekend that's practically begging for an escape. If the idea of a frantic city break makes you want to stay home, consider retreating to a luxury property where the pace slows down to match your heartbeat.
From a boutique hideaway on the edge of Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve to a historic tea estate in Darjeeling, here are some of India's most idyllic do-nothing destinations for the mid-August break.
1. Sariska Lodge – Sariska, Rajasthan
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli hills and just steps from the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Sariska Lodge is an intimate luxury retreat that blends nature, wildlife, and comfort.
Spread across 15 acres, the property offers 11 beautifully designed private suites, a dining room with indoor and outdoor seating, a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, landscaped gardens, and even an Ashwalaya, a stable of majestic Marwari horses.
Perfect for long, lazy mornings and quiet evenings, Sariska Lodge also offers guided activities if you're in the mood to explore, making it equally suited for both the still and the spirited.
2. Brij Anayra – Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Perched amid lush tea plantations with sweeping views of the Dhauladhar range, Brij Anayra is housed in a nearly 200-year-old estate that radiates old-world elegance.
With just 12 exquisitely appointed rooms, the property offers intimate luxury and experiences such as sound healing sessions, English high tea in manicured gardens, and gourmet dining. Evenings here are magical, think sunsets from your suite, the twinkling lights of Dharamsala in the distance, and the stillness of the Himalayas all around.
3. Sitara Himalaya – Palchan, Himachal Pradesh
High in the heart of the Himalayas, Sitara Himalaya combines Indian, Tibetan, and English architectural influences to create a refined mountain lodge experience.
Each elegantly furnished room opens to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and green valleys. Guests can indulge in Ayurvedic spa therapies, savour Himalayan-inspired cuisine, and spend their days reconnecting with nature. This is a retreat designed for both physical rejuvenation and mental stillness.
4. The Kumaon – Kasar Devi, Uttarakhand
Set on a ridge above Almora, The Kumaon is a contemporary retreat that blends modern minimalism with traditional stone-and-wood architecture. Its ten spacious suites frame sweeping Himalayan views, and the cantilevered dining room seems to float above the valley.
Here, days are slow and serene, stroll through native forests, explore terraced farms, or tap into the spiritual energy of nearby Kasar Devi Temple, a site long associated with meditation and creativity.
5. Glenburn Tea Estate & Boutique Hotel – Darjeeling, West Bengal
A slice of colonial charm in the hills, Glenburn Tea Estate overlooks rolling plantations and the majestic Kanchenjunga. The property offers elegantly restored bungalows, antique furnishings, sprawling verandas, and warm hospitality.
Guests can sip freshly brewed estate tea, take leisurely walks through the plantations, or simply sink into a chair with a book as mountain breezes drift through. It's the perfect place to press pause and breathe.
A do-nothing holiday isn't about doing less, it's about doing more of what truly matters: resting, breathing, and living at your own rhythm. This August 15, pick a place where the only thing on your agenda is to feel absolutely unhurried.
First Published:
August 11, 2025, 18:16 IST
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