THE FACTS ABOUT WILDFLOWER HALL

India

Built on the site of the former residence of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, Wildflower Hall is an ideal setting for those seeking solace. At 2,515 metres above sea level, it has superb views of the Himalayan peaks. The original Wildflower Hall burned down in 1993. The Oberoi Group started building the new hotel two years later, which opened in March 2001. The teak floors and wood panelling of the interior create the impression of a gentleman's club. There are 85 spacious bedrooms and the three restaurants serve Continental, Asian and Indian cuisine. The hotel is billed as a base for exploring the Himalayas and their Buddhist temples, but most guests will probably content themselves with a walk or, in winter, a spot of ice-skating on the hotel's rink. More hedonistic pleasures are available at the spa: aromatherapy, Ayurvedic and Western holistic treatments. WHEN TO GO It gets cold in the winter at this altitude so wait until April, May or June. October is also very pleasant WHICH ROOM TO BOOK Take your pick of view: mountain, meadow or forest CONTACT Wildflower Hall, Mashobra, Chharabra, Shimla 171 012, Himachal Pradesh (00 91 177 480 808; fax: 480 909; www.oberoihotels.com). Doubles £166-£180; suites £313; Lord Kitchener Suite £452