In short… An intimate, 10-room retreat high in the Indian Himalayas, Sitara Himalaya feels less like a hotel and more like a beautifully layered mountain home—defined by extraordinary views, thoughtful design, and a deep sense of comfort.
The surroundings… Sitara sits high in the Kullu Valley near Manali, at around 8,200 feet. You can get there by a short direct flight from Delhi, or by a meandering 8-hour drive from the plains into the mountains, passing through small hill towns, forests and orchards along the way. The house sits surrounded by forest, with a direct view of the glacier and, beyond it, the peaks of the Himalayas.
The backstory… Sitara Himalaya was originally the beloved mountain home of Anita Lal (the founder of design/lifestyle company Good Earth), where she and her family had been retreating to for decades. She gradually bought some of the surrounding land and a few cottages, envisioning a way to turn the whole place into a small boutique hideaway, which she did in 2023. At its heart, Sitara is still a personal mountain home that invites a small number of guests to experience it the Anita Lal way.
The vibe… There is a certain calm you expect in the mountains. What feels distinct at Sitara is how the vastness creates a sense of openness and possibility, while the hotel itself remains warm, contained, and intimate. It’s a place where you can engage or retreat into its luxurious cocoon, entirely at your own pace.
You enter through softly lit gardens, terracotta juniper-scented lamps guiding you along the path, surrounded by a multitude of flowers in full bloom. It immediately feels homey rather than grand. The library sits on the first floor, filled with cozy window seats and hidden corners perfect for curling up with a book. The fireplace offers a lovely retreat right next to the dining room: you can enjoy the bustle of the room and the jaw-dropping views just beyond, while simultaneously having a moment to yourself. Small tables are set with board games, and hand-woven baskets filled with local woolen Himachal shawls are scattered throughout, ready to be wrapped around your shoulders. These thoughtful details—quiet, generous, and considered—are what make Sitara feel distinctive from the moment you arrive.
The rooms & design… The design is the vision of Anita Lal, and her refined, unmistakable touch is everywhere. Every room has a different carefully considered color palette with bespoke wall coverings, each space dressed in a distinct silk wallpaper and the tiniest of pretty details. Most hotels get their pillows wrong, but if I was to remark on one detail, that would be the perfect (Goldilocks) pillow. Not too firm, not too soft: Just right. I slept beautifully.
Banarasi silks, jewel-toned velvets, brass accents, sculptural brass statements by Vikram Goyal, Tibetan rugs, and layered textiles come together in a way that feels as though they have been collected over time rather than designed for the hotel.
True to the Good Earth aesthetic, objects feel gathered with a personal touch: blue-and-white china adorns the entirety of a wall, layered textiles fill the space, and artisanal details that reference craft and heritage are placed throughout. At moments, it does feel like stepping into a Good Earth store—but in the best possible way.
The drawing and dining room are standouts, with jaw-dropping views stretching straight out to the mountains and glacier beyond. It’s a space designed for lingering, watching the light shift across the peaks with a morning coffee or evening cocktail in hand.
The wellness… The Paro Svasthi spa is small but exceptional. Treatments are layered and thoughtfully composed, with the intention of rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit. They often begin with sound therapy or reflexology, using centuries old Ayurveda treatments, wholly uplifting and transportive. One of the best treatments I have ever had.
The food … The food, the cooks, and the gentle staff are the heart and soul of Sitara. The kitchen is led by local chefs and staff, many of whom are not formally trained in hospitality—but bring immense care, instinct, and pride to what they do.
From the youngest cook—just 19 years old, who bakes the daily croissants, breads, and pastries—to the senior chefs preparing delicious regional dishes infused with local flavors, every meal feels personal and layered. Pahadi khanna—traditional mountain food—is elevated without losing its warmth or authenticity. Pahadi cuisine is rooted in the foods that grow locally in mountainous climates—ingredients that can withstand extreme conditions and changing seasons. Think legumes, leafy greens, local herbs and spices, grains and other hardy ingredients that thrive in the mountains. The cooking is grounded, earthy, hearty—and delicious.
One afternoon, the team set up a mountain lunch outdoors—simple yet beautifully detailed—served on local brassware, with details like hand-picked flowers, laid out on the grass overlooking the glacier.
On another day, we walked up into the forest to see Sitara’s second property currently in development, a private home for small and large groups that sits quietly at the edge of the woods. After a two-hour walk through the forest, we returned to the vast garden—surrounded by pines, firs, cedar, and uninterrupted mountain views—where a full three-hour picnic awaited us, served by the local staff in the wintry afternoon sun, as we lounged on soft woven rugs, with embroidered cushions, served on delicately hand painted china and bespoke glassware. A perfect moment.
Be sure to… Get up early. Mornings are especially quiet. Fires are already lit, soft music plays, and the gardens feel entirely your own. Watching the sunrise just beyond the glacier becomes a beloved daily ritual.
Parting words… Sitara Himalaya leaves you feeling not only well cared for, but quietly impressed—by its beauty, detail and the people who bring it all to life.
Date of stay… December 2025
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