While we wait for RAAS Devānya to open in 2023/24, experience the best of Devānya at our Villa in the Woods.

The area is home to much natural diversity. The nearby Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, accessible by a government-run jeep safari, is home to leopards, Indian red foxes, Himalayan black bear, and over 200 species of birds. Closer home, there are numerous hiking trails along rivers and waterfall spots in the surrounding hills. For the spiritually inclined the ancient shrines and cave sites of Kasar Devi, Jageshwar and Gananath are within driving distance. Guided trips and transport to any or all can be organised on request.

The villa, which draws from the Kumaoni-style koti-banal architecture, is built of local timber and stone, much of which is taken from the site itself. Built on stilts and across three levels, indoors you get the feel of being in a treehouse. Albeit one that’s fitted out for extreme comfort. Think heated floors made from Himalayan slate, the use interior elements such as furniture and millwork by the Faridabad-based practice Mangrove Collective, Jaipur Rugs’ floor spreads, a bar set-up by Ellementry and FCML and high-speed Internet. Large windows, some extending from floor to ceiling, and transparent skylights, bridge the distance between the indoors and the outdoors.

The uppermost level houses two bedrooms, including the master. While the lowermost has the third bedroom (ideal for children), staff quarters and other facilities. The living and dining spaces are on the middle level. The north-facing deck and the south-facing terrace of this level and the bedrooms on the upper level open out to panoramic views of the surrounding hillside. Of the 90-acre hill that Devānya occupies, over 20 acres consists of fruit orchards and another 30 acres is virgin forest, where endemic species of flora, such as ringal bamboo, Himalayan raspberry and Indian willow, have been preserved. So, expect those picturesque views your Insta feed’s been thirsting for. All areas of the villa are wheelchair accessible thanks to an internal lift.