Around Town

Learn to roll sushi, sip on oolong tea, run obstacle races or simply unwind with yoga. Mumbai is buzzing with new restaurants, wellness sanctuaries, fun cooking workshops and offbeat resorts that are a short drive away.

- Aditi Pai

Kicks and Punches D.A.T.A

It may not fit into the convention-al definition of a holiday resort but if you are among those who have admired the life of army people, Della Adventure Training Academy (D.A.T.A) offers an experience that can get you close to that. The country’s first military-themed resort in Lonavla, D.A.T.A has a Salaam Manekshaw restaurant that is a tribute to the celebrated field marshal Sam Manekshaw, a lounge named after the Gurkha infantry regiment and a banquet room inspired by the Maratha regiment.

Shaken by the gruesome terror attacks on Mumbai a decade ago, architect and hotelier Jimmy Mistry has set up D.A.T.A to equip people with skills needed for survival in adverse situations such as militancy. So, there are courses and workshops offered by ex-armed forces personnel such as rope skills, using first aid to treat gun shots, obstacle training, self defence techniques and surviving hijacks.

Inside the Camp While you sweat it out on the field, the accommodation has comfortable luxury tents. Salaam Manekshaw is designed out of repurposed shipping containers and is adorned with images of various army regiments and military coloured furnishings.

Jump and Run D.A.T.A offers two day programmes such as jungle survival, counter terrorism for civilians and self protection for women. But for those who want to just relax, they have a spa, salon and ample spaces for leisurely strolls.

At Lonavala delladata.com

Quirky Platters Trésind