Oberoi Shimla resort has no room for kids

The concept of a 'quiet destination' is fast catching up in the country now, where luxury resorts forbid the entry of children below the age of 12 to 14 years. While globally, the concept has gained ground, in India, it is however, a niche segment.

In India, it was pioneered by Ananda in the Himalayas, the Destination Spa resort near Rishikesh in Uttaranchal. A new entrant to this league is Wildflower Hall, a 22-acre resort property in Mashobra, near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Mashobra Resorts, is a joint venture between the Himachal State government and the Oberoi Group of Hotels.

"We had 1 or 2 stray incidents where kids were hurt. Keeping in mind the risk factor, we decided to go for 'rather safe than sorry' policy and thus, do not welcome children below 12 years old," said David Matthew, general manager of Wildflower Hall.

Mathew adds the marketing will soon start as a property offering total tranquillity. Ananda in the Himalayas, holds the reputation of world's number one luxury spa brand today, and in view of enduring that reputation, it intends to stick to its policy of not welcoming children below 14 years, as its guests.

"There is nothing negative about this," said Naresh Chandnani, Director-sales and marketing with Ananda.