We have recently returned from a super trip to the jungles of Madhya Pradesh, staying in 3 properties owned and managed by the same company, the Jehan Numa Group of Hotels. I have already reviewed here in this blog the Jehan Numa Palace Hotel in Bhopal, where we overnighted on our way from Delhi to the jungle, as well as Bori Safari Lodge.
Now let me share with you my thoughts on the 3rd property we visited, the Jehan Numa Retreat in Bhopal, where we spent 2 nights on our return from the jungle.
To put it simply, the Retreat is quite astounding.
It consists of a series of low cottages, connected by shady walkways, and all with private decks giving onto greenery.
Intriguingly, this luxury hotel is surrounded not by conventional landscaped lawns and gardens, but by vegetable gardens and patches of sugar cane, since the Retreat grows as many of its own vegetables and salads and herbs as possible.
It is not uncommon to see the staff picking fresh veggies and salads for the kitchen – your food cannot possibly be any fresher than this.
One day I saw a cook accompanied by a little girl, clearly a guest, who was excitedly “helping” the cook choose which veggies should be picked.
The rooms are elegant and wonderfully spacious but with a simple, earthy vibe. The deck in particular with its earth-coloured tones and simple aesthetic was relaxing, and was a favourite spot for our morning cuppa.
Nice healthy touches:
A passion for wildlife and the outdoors is clearly part of the ethos of the Jehan Numa Retreat, with an outdoor cinema area, below, where wildlife films are shown in the evenings, mainly for children.
There is a totally green, natural feel to this hotel, whether it be the outdoor restaurant “Under the Jamun Tree”, where we had a spectacular breakfast, or the charming “Green House Bistro” where we had an equally spectacular lunch, basking in the sun on the deck.
The hotel abuts the Van Vihar National Park – they almost feel like one connected green oasis – and early one morning, we walked from the hotel to the National Park, returning in time for breakfast. A perfect start to a day.
Sadly, the lovely looking pool was closed – Covid rules.
Although, as I mentioned in the earlier reviews of the Jehan Numa Palace and Bori Safari Lodge, we travelled with friends who know the owners of the group, we paid our own way and no-one knew that I blog and write reviews.
An absolutely gem.
100% recommended.