Arova Woods Zinc Journey by The Fern

The location is the main draw, with lots of restaurants nearby, and breakfast was delicious. But after two nights that were meant for relaxation, the stay felt like a poor choice. The facilities and activities didn’t feel worth the price, and it seems better suited to a one-day visit. We stayed in a Suite, which we liked. The jacuzzi worked, though there was soapy water in it at first and it took around 30 minutes to fill. Hot water pressure was strong, toiletries were well stocked, and they brought extra towels when asked. The two 1T AC units cooled the room well, there were plenty of outdoor seats and power outlets, but the beeper style bell was easy to miss. Room service was prompt, although the phone line had a lot of interference. The Smart TV couldn’t connect to the internet, so we were left with cable channels, none in English. The internet otherwise was decent. Tap water wasn’t drinkable. The property is small, with three rooms in each building. Ground floor rooms such as 101 open onto the pool shared with 102 and 103 upstairs. Those lower rooms get little natural light. The first floor rooms have balconies and may suit couples or anyone wanting to stay away from the poolside activity. The reception is easy to overlook, though check-in was quick and included a welcome drink. There isn’t much to do: cricket and badminton are available, but the nets tied to trees seemed like an afterthought. The in-house menu is limited. Getting a hotel taxi to Mumbai would have cost ₹3500, so we booked a cab separately.

The campus works well for families and is close to town. Breakfast was good, and the room was clean with decent light and ventilation. The basic room has no view and a rather compact bathroom, so I’d choose that category only for a transit stop.

The restaurant has a cozy, old fashioned feel, and breakfast was really good, with a nice range of tasty options. I also liked the greenery, peaceful atmosphere, pool, kids’ activities and cooperative staff. There were some service lapses: we had to ask several times for water bottles, Wi-Fi and tea. Parking is available but cramped, and getting out means reversing. The cheapest room isn’t cheap, and its windows face nothing. Those were the only downsides for us.

We especially appreciated the people who helped make our daughter’s second birthday feel special. Yadu (HK Manager) and Aditya (Front Office Manager) were polite and supportive throughout, while Faizan, Abduht and Akash went out of their way with the room decorations. That care and attention stood out. The suite was spacious and comfortable for our family, and the Front Desk welcomed us warmly and handled requests promptly. The gardens are well kept, with old trees and informative signs, and the cottages sit nicely among the greenery. We heard birds, saw bamboo in the backyard and a Buddha statue fountain, and the swimming pool was spotless. The restaurant’s food was delicious, and its old arches and colonial style gave it a distinctive charm. Housekeeping was excellent, including thoughtful late night check-ins to see that we were comfortable. It’s near the main city but still felt peaceful. We had a wonderful stay and would highly recommend this serene property.