Sitara Himalaya

Sitara Himalaya is a private sanctuary of just ten guest rooms on a hill above Manali, ringed by high Himalayan peaks. It was created by Anita Lal, founder of Good Earth, as a cross between a private home and a resort, guided by the Vedic idea that we are at one with the cosmos, and its interiors draw on Indian, Tibetan and English influences. Legend holds that the sage Ved Vyas meditated for 12 years just above the site before setting down the Vedas. Around the house are cedar and pine forest, a bracing riverside walk and a hike to a waterfall. At the highest point of the property is the iti Spa, focused on bringing the five elements back into balance through guided meditation, yoga and fire rituals, with a hot plunge pool scented with Himalayan deodar oil, an infrared sauna lined with Himalayan salt bricks and a steam room energised with rock crystal and green cardamom. Shantih, the yoga studio, looks out over the mountains, and the kitchen cooks Himalayan food. The MICHELIN Guide gives Sitara Two Keys and notes that children aged 13 and over are welcome and that there is a minimum stay of three nights.