Last Updated on November 28, 2021 by Soumya
Looking for the best resorts in Lonavala, Maharashtra? Wondering where to stay in Lonavala on your next holiday? Well, look no further because we have just the perfect suggestion for you – Rhythm Lonavala.
Earlier this month, I got a chance to spend a couple of nights at this beautiful resort in Lonavala called Rhythm. Located in the middle of woods filled with ancient trees, Rhythm Lonavala has just the perfect vibe for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. There is good reason that Rhythm always shows up among the best luxury resorts in Lonavala.
If you have been wondering if Rhythm Lonavala is the right choice for you, then you should definitely go ahead and read this post. I have put together this detailed and honest review of Rhythm based on my personal experiences during my stay. I talk all about accommodation, food, and amenities like pool, play areas, & cafes. At the end of the post, I also answer several FAQs related to the hotel.
In short, in this Rhythm Lonavala review post, you will find everything you need to answer your burning question of “Where to stay in Lonavala?”. So, let’s get started.
Rhythm – One of the best resorts in Lonavala
Introduction to Rhythm Lonavala
A brief history of Rhythm Lonavala
Let’s start with a brief history of Rhythm Lonavala, shall we? I know some of you are going to say no but trust me, Rhythm’s history is as interesting as it gets.
Because once upon a time, a great man lived at this very location. This great man was none other than Karsondas Mulraj, one of India’s famous freedom fighters who went to jail with Bapu and the likes. He built a small house on this very land that we know as Rhythm Lonavala today!
When the current owners of Rhythm, the Jatia family, acquired the land in 2011, it was a wood full of old trees. Some of them were nearly a hundred years old. The Jatia family also inherited a box of letters that Karsondas Mulraj is believed to have penned down for his fellow freedom fighters and vice versa.
The property was beautifully intertwined in the history of India’s freedom movement and a raw slice of nature.
Even today, we can see these age-old trees at Rhythm Lonavala. I talk more about them in the following section. Of the letters, we will soon see them in a historic display at the hotel.
Rhythm and harmony with nature
The first thing that you notice as you enter the gates of Rhythm Lonavala is its harmonious coexistence with nature. There are huge trees all over the place, flowers bloom out of nowhere, and creeper-laden canopies dot the resort.
Make sure you notice that odd tree sticking out of the swimming pool and a resplendent evergreen covering the face of Treehouse Café. Well, they have been here for more than 100 years now!
You won’t be surprised that a big, overladen tree forms the logo of Rhythm. That is the Tree of Life and there’s an interesting story behind it.
When the Jatia family acquired the property from the freedom fighter’s family, the plot was full of tall trees in all possible places. Instead of cutting them down and creating a level land for this Lonavala hotel, the family decided to keep the trees and construct Rhythm around them.
We intend to add rhythm to the lives of our guests by bringing together the new and the old; by adopting modern comforts while basking in the shade of old trees.
Vaibhav Jatia, Managing Director, Rhythm Hospitality
It was not an easy job – finding the right architect, designing a luxurious and customer-friendly space with trees in the oddest of places, and dealing with budget overruns. But the team at Rhythm Lonavala did not give up.
What Rhythm accomplished was a beautiful coexistence with the greens – that feeling of oneness with nature that you will rarely get in any other resort in Lonavala.
As you wake up to birds cooing by your window, hear kids splash in a pool serenaded by humongous trees, and sip a cup of tea while looking at the piece of tree trunk over your bed, you will know that you have arrived in Rhythm Lonavala.
Apart from a deep focus on trees and nature, Rhythm is also moving towards being a more eco-friendly hotel. That’s why you will find glass water bottles in your suite. Plus, there are wall-mounted, soap dispensers in every bathroom.
Location
Rhythm Lonavala is located in an area called Bajrang Baug Gardens on Old Mumbai-Pune Highway in Lonavala. It is extremely convenient to spot the resort from the road since there are a few markers and a big signboard at the main gate.
The hotel is also pretty close to the market area in the city. You just need to step out of the main gate to get your fill of the famous Lonavala chikki and fudge.
Lonavala’s best attractions are also not very far away. I visited Lohagad Fort (30 mins), Bhaja Caves (25 mins), and Miniature Museum (5 mins), all in a day’s time.
Suites and rooms at Rhythm
Rhythm Lonavala is an all-suite resort. They have 84 suites divided into 2 different categories – Cypress and Banyan. Each category is further divided into 2 sub-categories depending on the presence of decks/balconies.
Each suite has a bedroom, a living area, a kitchenette, and of course a stocked-up bathroom. You will find wooden, colonial-style furniture and lovely tile flooring in each suite. My living room had a beautiful mustard yellow tile cover that absolutely stole the limelight.
Be sure to notice the part of the wooden trunk that adorns the wall above your bed. That is a tree that could not be saved when construction began here. However, pieces of it still live in each and every corner of Rhythm.
How to book your suite at Rhythm Lonavala?
You can book your suite at Rhythm Lonavala on their official website here. If you are more comfortable with an aggregator site, Rhythm is also available on Booking.com here.
Food and drinks
Now, food is something that is really close to my heart. I love to travel for food and I love sampling local dishes around the world.
What attracted me to Rhythm in the first place was its popularity among customers for being one of the best foodie places in Lonavala.
Rhythm is home to Treehouse Café, a restaurant that serves amazing food, not just from around India but from around the world. And trust me when I say they are doing the authentic fare because I have eaten the exact same thing in its home state or home country.
I had 6 meals at Treehouse Café (2 each of breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and sampled both their buffet and ala carte menus. I would rate the food at Treehouse Café as follows.
- Taste: 5/5
- Flavours: 5/5
- Appearance: 5/5
- Aroma: 4/5
My favorite dishes from the Treehouse Café menu
- Biriyani (I tried their chicken version and it was delicious – Chef tells me their veggie and mutton versions are equally good too.)
- Chicken Thai Green Curry
- Bengali Fish Curry
- Fish Rawa Fry
- Vietnamese Noodle Soup
- Jerk Chicken
Please note that if you are a vegetarian or Jain, they are happy to cook separate meals for you. They even have a separate kitchen for pure vegetarian cooking. All you need to do is ask for your food to be made there.
Chef Vinod and his love for cooking
The team behind Treehouse Café is the reason why they are so good today. And the man who leads them all is Chef Vinod Shankar Kanowjia who can breathe soul into food.
Chef Vinod, who is an avid learner and loves picking up new cuisines and techniques, has traveled all over the world on cruises and with hotels. On his journeys, he has picked ethnic dishes and learned how to make his own spice mixes. That’s probably why he can still create an exactly same Jerk Chicken despite being thousands of miles away from the Caribbean shores. This is a talent not everyone can replicate!
Chef Vinod has been with Rhythm Lonavala ever since its inception. He helped set up their restaurant and still runs it with a free hand. They have expert chefs who focus on just one cuisine each which gives them the ability to learn, innovate, and get you the best taste.
The food at Rhythm is so good that I recommend coming here only for the food even if you are not staying here.
Amenities at Rhythm Lonavala
Apart from a fantastic restaurant and a lovely swimming pool that is open from 7am – 7pm every day, Rhythm also has a spa & wellness center, a gym, a really cool café, a souvenir store, and a really adorable library. Apart from books and frames showing snippets of local history, the library is full of statues and curios.
In fact, the whole of Rhythm Lonavala has captivating décor. Be it the unique boat from East Timor or the quirky pieces that line the Art Walk gallery, Rhythm is full of interesting décor elements. Below, you can see some and find lots more under the Lonavala highlights of my Instagram profile here.
If you have kids, you will love their play center that has facilities for both younger and older kids. It is called the Fun Zone and is open between 10am – 8pm every day.
Unique experiences at Rhythm Lonavala
Apart from all that amazing food and special amenities, if you are still looking for some unique experiences in Lonavala, Rhythm won’t disappoint you. They can organize treks to the nearby Lohagad Fort or a tour of the closest Chikki Factory. You can also do nature trails and of course, some bird watching. The hotel is a haven for bird watchers.
By the way, I forgot to mention that Rhythm also has high tea in the evenings (you can attend this for a fee). And they do Tambola evenings, karaoke nights, and team building activities. If you want anything special to be organized, just ask at the reception.
Rhythm Lonavala FAQ
What are some of the popular attractions near Rhythm Lonavala?
Some of the popular attractions near Rhythm Lonavala are Lohagad Fort, Karla and Bhaja Caves, Wax Museum, Miniature Museum, and of course the main street where you are eat and buy local chikki and fudge to your heart’s content.
What are some of the popular amenities available at Rhythm Lonavala Resort?
Some of the popular amenities at the Rhythm Lonavala Resort include a swimming pool, a multicuisine restaurant called the Treehouse Café, a spa and wellness center, a gym, the 3 Urns Café, and a well-stocked library. There’s also a play area called the Fun Zone that’s loved by parents and kids.
Does Rhythm Lonavala have a restaurant on site?
Yes, Rhythm Lonavala has a restaurant on site. It is called the Treehouse Café. Treehouse Café serves some of the best Indian and international food you will ever find in Lonavala or even in the whole of India. Be sure to try their biriyani, Bengali fish curry, Vietnamese noodle soup, and vegetable spring rolls.
Is Rhythm Lonavala popular with families?
Yes, Rhythm Lonavala is extremely popular with families especially because of their double-suite alcoves which can easily accommodate 2 nuclear families and give you your own space at the same time. Further, a children’s pool, a fun zone (with separate sections for younger and older kids), and a cozy, little library make Rhythm all the more attractive among families.
Does the resort have a swimming pool?
Yes, the resort has a swimming pool right in the middle of the courtyard. The pool is open from 7am – 7pm every day. There’s an open shower area nearby and you get towels at the cabana near the pool.
Final verdict: Is Rhythm Lonavala worth it?
Absolutely, yes! Rhythm Lonavala is totally worth it. Here are 4 remarkable things about the resort that I totally loved and you’ll too.
- Unique setting in the middle of nature: As soon as you arrive at Rhythm, you will notice lush greenery everywhere. Even though this is usually true of anywhere in Lonavala, Rhythm is special because it has trees that are more than 100 years old and have an interesting history dating back to India’s freedom struggle.
- Specially-designed suites: Rhythm’s suites are distinctive in their design and appearance. Special niches designed to have two suites together, resplendent balconies, spacious rooms, and unique décor elements make their suites exceptional.
- Delicious food: Food at Rhythm is super awesome. They not only specialize in Indian delicacies but also do international delicacies very well. Check out my section on Rhythm food for details.
- Excellent service: Courteous staff who listen to all your needs are the trademark of Rhythm Lonavala.
Disclaimer: Please note that my stay at Rhythm Lonavala Resort was sponsored but opinions expressed in this post are solely my own.
