Escape to Paradise: Hotel Seven Seas, Dharamshala - Your Himalayan Haven
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Seven Seas, Dharamshala - My Himalayan Haven… (But Is It Your Haven?) – A Deep Dive
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the chai on Hotel Seven Seas in Dharamshala. I’ve spent a week wrestling with the Himalayas (literally, my calves still ache from that trek) and, more importantly, a week living at this place. Forget those glossy brochures, this is the real deal. I'm talking the good, the slightly-less-good, and the moments that made me want to hug a yak (which I didn't, by the way, because… well, let's just say hygiene standards).
First Impressions (and That Awkward Luggage Struggle)
So, Dharamshala. Breathtaking. I mean, seriously, the mountains loom over you like benevolent giants. Now, Seven Seas itself is… alright. A bit tucked away, which I actually liked. Finding it at first? That’s where the adventure started. Google Maps sent me on a wild goose chase, involving a near-miss with a very aggressive (and seemingly vegetarian) goat. Accessibility: Getting to the hotel? Kinda tricky. Lots of slopes. Not ideal for wheelchairs, unfortunately. Car park [on-site] & Valet parking: Thankfully, they had both, because lugging my suitcase up that hill would have been the end of me. Bless the valet guy; he was a lifesaver.
The Room: Cozy Nest or Himalayan Prison Cell?
Okay, the rooms. Air Conditioning in public area – check. Air conditioning in the room? Also, check. Thank god, because the sun can be brutal. My room? Standard stuff, really. Available in all rooms: Additional toilet - No. Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature (smoke detector, etc.), Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens. Basic but fine. Maybe a little dated. Some of the fixtures looked like they'd seen more than a few monks wandering the halls. But hey, clean is king, and it was definitely clean.
The Real Gold: Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Now, the food. That's where Seven Seas began to win me over. Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water delivered to your room for free, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar… Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant… the options were staggering. More than that, the quality varied, which is what made this place worth writing about.
The buffet breakfast? Glorious. Do not miss it. The dosa guy was my nemesis (in a friendly way, of course). I was literally going back for thirds while the woman on the next table, probably on some kind of detox, just sighed at me. Breakfast takeaway service was also handy for those early sunrise hikes. The coffee? Not always stellar. But the masala chai? Oh, the masala chai. That was a hug in a mug, the perfect antidote to a chilly mountain morning.
I had a particularly epic lunch (or was it brunch? Time is irrelevant in the Himalayas) at the restaurant. I opted for the Asian cuisine in restaurant, and let me tell you, I ate until I felt like I might explode, but the food was so delicious. The food was a perfect balm after a long day of trekking. I could almost feel my mind and body healing. The place was packed, and you could tell that lots of people were just happy there. There was a lot of deliciousness to be had, but again, it wasn't perfect. One night, my order got completely lost in the mix. Ended up eating a samosa from the Snack bar. Fine, but… not what I’d been dreaming about.
Spa Day: My Epiphany (and My Therapist's Headache)
This is where Seven Seas became a proper escape. The Spa is the real deal. No frills, just pure bliss. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, a whole wellness package. I booked a massage, thinking I'd be all zen and enlightened afterwards. What I wasn't expecting was this: The woman who treated my feet spoke with a very distinct accent, probably from the East, and just kept muttering something under her breath. I wasn't sure who was more relaxed: me or my therapist.
Relaxation: The Pool with a View and the Gym… Well, The Gym
Swimming pool [outdoor] – yes, and it’s stunning. The "Pool with view"? Absolutely. Swimming in the shadow of the Himalayas is an experience I won’t soon forget. The water wasn't freezing, which was a pleasant surprise. Fitness center: okay, let’s talk about the gym. It’s… there. Functional, but definitely not a state-of-the-art facility. I spent more time admiring the mountain view than actually working out. My advice: ditch the gym, embrace the trails.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Kitchens, and Masked Smiles (A Few Bumps Along The Way)
Cleanliness and safety: Okay, this is important, especially these days. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Seven Seas seemed to be taking things seriously. But, and this is a big but, there were a few times I saw staff not wearing masks properly. So, maybe not a perfect 10 out of 10 for enforcing all the protocols.
Internet and Connectivity: Wi-Fi Woes (and the Occasional Miracle)
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events, Coffee or tea in restaurant - Free Wi-Fi? Yes, but… unreliable. The connection was patchy at best. I spent more time staring at the buffering wheel than actually working. Thank god for my phone, and for those rare moments when the Wi-Fi decided to behave.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Okay, so the hotel itself is lovely, but Dharamshala is the star. Things to do: Hiking, visiting the Dalai Lama's temple (a must-do), exploring the markets, and generally soaking up the atmosphere. The hotel can arrange Airport transfer and offer Taxi service, which will save you a lot of hassle.
Services and Conveniences: Your Every Need Met (Mostly)
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center. They really do try to anticipate your needs. The concierge was super helpful. Laundry was quick and efficient. The elevator actually worked (a small miracle in itself!). The convenience store was a lifesaver when I ran out of snacks (which was often).
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? (Kinda)
For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't see many kids there, to be
Selestat's Hidden Gem: Unforgettable Stay at Best Western Plus Les Humanistes
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's itinerary, this is my possibly-going-to-implode-with-delight-or-dismay trip to Hotel Seven Seas in Dharamshala. Brace yourselves for the glorious mess.
Pre-Trip Anxiety & Hopefulness: The Build-Up (aka, Weeks Before)
- Weeks 1-2: I'm basically a human spreadsheet. Flights booked (ish, I hope they don't cancel on me!), visa applied for (fingers crossed, India!), and a frantic search for "travel hacks for the perpetually forgetful." Found a nifty packing list app. Still managed to forget where I stashed my passport. Classic.
- Week 3: Obsessively refreshing the weather forecast. Expecting blissful sunshine, secretly fearing monsoon season. (I'm a sunshine person, but I've also seen enough "Monsoon Fury" documentaries to be a little terrified.)
- Week 4: Binge-watching travel vlogs on Dharamshala. The locals seem ridiculously chill, and the mountains… wow. Starting to feel the tiny, jittery excitement.
- The Night Before: Panic! Did I pack enough socks? Are those the right kind of converter plugs? I'm convinced I've forgotten something essential. Mentally rehearsing "Namaste" a million times. And maybe, just maybe, I've already started dreaming of those momos.
Dharamshala Dreamin': The Actual Itinerary (with a healthy dose of chaos)
(Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustment: The "Where's My Luggage?!" Adventure)
- Morning (ish): Land in Delhi Airport. Praying my luggage makes it (I've heard horror stories). Greeted by a wall of heat (it's a humid heat, not a dry heat. Not a fan of humidity.) The cab ride to the domestic terminal is a chaotic ballet of horns and near-misses. Adrenaline pumping. I. Am. Alive!
- Afternoon: The flight to Dharamshala is a breathtaking ride (literally, the mountains are high). Try not to be a total tourist and point at everything in awe. Arrive, finally at Hotel Seven Seas. Check-in (smooth, so far, so good!). The view from my room… whoa. Mountains for days. I think I might just cry. Happy tears, of course.
- Early Evening: Explore the hotel. The pool looks incredible. I'm too self-conscious to wear a swimsuit, so I'll just admire it from afar, and maybe…later. Wander around a bit, finding the restaurant. The staff are incredibly friendly. I might be in love already.
- Dinner: Ordered butter chicken and garlic naan. It's ridiculously delicious. My stomach is grateful, my soul is singing. This is what paradise must feel like.
- Night: The hotel is surprisingly quiet at night. Maybe because everyone's crashed from the high elevation. I'm sure I'll be sleeping like a baby tonight. (Famous last words.)
(Day 2: Getting Lost & Finding Enlightenment (and Possibly the Best Momos Ever))
- Morning: Woken up by sunrise (again, wow). Head towards the market. Stumble upon the main square, which is a riot of color and energy. The air smells of incense and…something delicious baking.
- Late Morning: Determined to explore the area. Get gloriously, wonderfully lost in the narrow, winding streets. Discovering hidden courtyards and tiny shops crammed with treasures (and probably not actually treasures, but I'm tempted to buy everything).
- Lunch: Find myself at a hole-in-the-wall momo place (seriously, the best momos I've ever had. Juicy, flavorful, and I could eat a hundred of them). Decide to interview the owner, but get too shy and just eat more momos.
- Afternoon: Decide to check out a local monastery. Walk into the place, and immediately I'm surrounded by the most intense, yet peaceful atmosphere. I sit and soak it all in. The chanting is hypnotic. I have no idea what they're saying, but I feel deeply moved. I'm not religious, per se, but I'm definitely getting vibes. I feel incredibly small.
- Late Afternoon: Hike up to a viewpoint. The air is crisp, the views even crisper. Almost tripped and fell down a ravine, but hey, no regrets.
- Evening: Attempt to order dinner. End up with something completely different, but it's still awesome. The food is so much better than the restaurant I'd checked out the day before. Spend the evening staring at the stars. They're ridiculously bright here. It's overwhelming. I am content.
(Day 3: More Adventures & the "Almost-Left-My-Passport-Behind" Scare!)
- Morning: Decided to attempt a yoga class (nervous!). Spent the entire time contorted like a pretzel. Somehow I have managed to stay in balance. The teacher is blissfully calm. The other participants are ridiculously flexible. I feel… strangely revitalized.
- Mid-morning: Did a workshop on thangka painting. I, in short, am a terrible artist. But it was fun, and the teacher was patient (a saint, really). Ended up buying a miniature thangka, because, souvenirs!
- Lunch: Back to the momo place! Seriously, this is becoming an addiction. (The owner now gives me a small smile every time I walk in, and I feel like I've officially become a local.)
- Afternoon: Decided to go on a hike. Almost lost my way, but I'm getting better at orienting myself. The views are spectacular and the air is cleaner than any I have ever breathed. Feel like I'm breathing in the purest air.
- Late Afternoon: Nearly had a heart attack when I couldn't find the passport. Ransacked the hotel room. Found it eventually (facepalm). Need to calm down.
- Evening: Another dinner at the hotel. Try to order something new. Fail, and order the butter chicken again. Don't care. It's a perfectly acceptable meal.
- Night: Attempted meditation. Fell asleep. Woke up at 3 am, wide awake. Sigh. Stared at the ceiling. The insomnia is real. But I have this peaceful serenity.
(Day 4: Farewell Sighs & Airport Shenanigans ("Why Didn't I Pack More Socks?!")
- Morning: One last, lingering look at the mountains. A final, mournful sip of chai. A tear? Maybe. I am so sad to leave.
- Mid-morning: A final wander through the market, buying last-minute souvenirs (because I definitely need more). Over-packed my suitcase. Definitely.
- Lunch: One last momo indulgence.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport, the driver insists on a "special route" (which is probably just the local scenic route, but he's charming). The airport is chaos (surprise!). My flight is (hopefully) on time.
- Evening: On the plane. Looking out the window, trying to store this whole experience in memory. Realize that's not possible, because I'm already planning a return. This trip has reminded me what it feels like to be alive.
- Night: Safe at home. The jet lag is hitting hard, but the memories… the momos… the mountains… they're still there. I want to grab my passport. I'm already planning the next visit, as soon as possible. But first, I'll eat more butter chicken. And maybe find a really good momo recipe.
Post-Trip Reflections (A Week Later)
- Okay, I haven't quite recovered from the jet lag.
- The laundry pile is Everest-sized.
- I'm still craving momos.
- I keep catching myself staring at the mountains.
- My brain is buzzing with ideas.
- Did I mention the momos?
Dharamsala, you were a messy, beautiful, magical, and unforgettable experience. And Hotel Seven Seas, you were the perfect cozy, comforting base camp. I'm already counting the days until I come back.
London's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Norbury Aparthotel (Flexistay)
Frequently Asked Questions (and Random Ramblings) About… Well, Life, Really
Okay, fine. What's the *deal* with mornings? Seriously.
Ugh. Mornings. It's like nature's cruel joke. My opinion? Mornings are fundamentally flawed. The alarm blares, I swat at it, and then... the crushing weight of the day descends. I swear, sometimes I just lie there, paralyzed, contemplating the sheer effort of getting out of bed.
There was this one particularly brutal Tuesday. I somehow managed to hit snooze roughly 17 times (don't judge). My cat, Mr. Snuggles, started meowing like a furry, judgmental alarm clock. Eventually, I dragged myself up, tripped over a rogue sock (classic), and promptly spilled coffee *everywhere*. It was a masterpiece of morning failures. Coffee stained pants, late for work – the full shebang.
So, the "deal"? They're unavoidable. And sometimes, just... awful. But, occasionally, *rarely*, there's that perfect morning where the sun streams in, you have coffee, and the world feels...okay. Those are the mornings you cling to for dear life.
Is it *really* necessary to have a purpose in life? Like, *the* purpose?
This is where it gets messy, and I apologize in advance. The pressure to find your "purpose" is insane, isn't it? Everyone's got this grand vision of themselves changing the world, curing diseases, or at least opening a successful artisanal cheese shop. (Seriously, the cheese shop keeps popping up in my head.)
I have moments where I genuinely believe I should be, you know, saving the whales or building sustainable housing. Then, I remember I can barely keep my houseplants alive. I think the pressure is exhausting. Maybe the purpose *isn't* a singular, earth-shattering event. Maybe it's the little things. Like, does making someone laugh count?
Okay, here's the truth: I'm still figuring it out. And that's okay. The journey is the supposed destination, right? Ugh, I hate that cliché, but... maybe it's true *some* days.
What's The Deal With Social Media? Is It all sunshine and roses or something else?
Oh, social media. A double-edged sword wielded with both incredible brilliance and utterly mind-numbing stupidity. It’s the highlight reel of everyone’s lives, right? Perfectly filtered selfies, exotic vacations, flawless home-cooked meals… it all feels a little… *unattainable*, sometimes. I swear, scrolling through it occasionally makes me want to chuck my phone out the window.
There's this one lady I follow. Her life looks *amazing*. She's always travelling, seems to have a perfect relationship, and whips up gourmet meals on a whim. And sometimes, late at night, fueled by a pint of ice cream, I find myself thinking, "Why isn't *my* life like that?" (Please, don’t think I'm jealous! Ok, maybe a little.)
Here’s the messy truth: It's probably not as perfect as it seems. And yet, I'm still on it. Because, hey, sometimes it's also incredibly funny. I love seeing my friends’ goofy posts, and you can *actually* connect with people across the globe who share your niche interests. Plus, the cat videos. The cat videos are essential. So, yes, a bit of both. Mostly both.
How do I even *deal* with stress? Any advice, please? (I swear, I am not dramatic)
Oh, stress. The constant, unwelcome guest at the party of life. I'm pretty sure I'm best friends with it. I will be honest - I have a hard time. And honestly, if you found the key to eliminating stress completely, please share it – immediately. (Seriously. Please.)
I’ve tried meditation. I sat cross-legged on my living room floor, trying to calm my mind—and ended up thinking about what I needed to buy at the grocery store. And then a thought about if I should eat the ice cream before or after dinner. Basically, meditation is a joke for me.
My own methods? Well, I have some. Breathing exercises do, occasionally, help. A good walk (if I can convince myself to go). (I'm really bad at convincing myself to go). Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. And sometimes, just the sheer acknowledgement of things, like, "Yep, this is stressful." and then, taking a ridiculously deep breath, is as helpful as getting the Nobel prize for it.
Relationships. Where do I even start?
Ugh. Relationships. The whole concept is a beautiful disaster, isn’t it? They're messy, complicated, and a constant source of both joy and sheer frustration. (I say this as someone who has had more relationship blunders than successes, so take my advice with a grain of salt...or an entire salt lick, depending.)
Okay, here’s a confession: I'm utterly terrible at it. I once dated a guy who claimed he was immune to allergies. He then spent the entire date violently sneezing because, somehow, I was wearing a perfume he was allergic to. It was… awkward. We didn't have a second date. And honestly, that was probably for the best.
My most excellent advice, (unsolicited, of course) is to be honest about what you want, to communicate (even when you *really* don't want to), and don’t be afraid to bail if it’s not working. And please, for the love of all that is holy, learn to spot the red flags early! (I am *still* learning, I swear…)
Is it okay to not be okay? Truly.
Absolutely, unequivocally YES. It's more than okay; it's human. In fact, I'd say it's probably more strange to *always* be okay. Because, let's be real, life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curvesballs hit you in the face, leaving you bruised and bewildered.
I've had times where I felt like I was drowning in a sea of "not okay"-ness. Days where I couldn't get out of bed, where anything felt overwhelming. And I'm talking, actual-honest-to-goodness, not okay. But you know what? It passed. Eventually. It always does. And I learned something from it.
So, if you’re not okay right now, it’s okay *not* to be okay. Let yourself feel the feelings, no matter how uncomfortable they are. And if you need, get help. Talk to a friend, a therapist, write it all down. Just… let yourself be human. And it's okay to be weird, too. I mean, I am. And a lot of us are.
