Tucked Between Forest And River: This Resort Breathes With The Wild

The locals of Kumaon speak with deep affection about Edward Jim Corbett — legend has it that the Nainital-born Englishman spent his early years roaming the wilderness of what is now Uttarakhand, after being born here in 1875. A hunter turned conservationist, he came to know these forests intimately, eventually playing a pivotal role in the creation of Jim Corbett National Park and pioneering wildlife conservation in the region.

Today, the 89-year-old park nestled in the Himalayan foothills is not only India’s first, but also home to the highest concentration of tigers in the country. While the majestic Bengal tiger is undoubtedly its biggest draw, these Sal-laden forests are also teeming with beauty beyond just jungle cats — from Asiatic elephants and sloth bears to a wide variety of deer and over 650 species of birds.

It is against this rich natural backdrop that Marriott has unveiled its first safari hotel in India — strategically located along the highway in Dhikuli, a stretch that also houses other luxury outposts. Spanning seven acres, the Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, designed by KWIC (Karen Wang Interior Consultant) is set on the banks of the Kosi River, surrounded by the dense greenery of the national park and framed by views of the Malani mountain range. This stunning setting forms the foundation of the resort’s ethos — an ode to the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural legacy.

Getting There

While Pantnagar is the closest airport, it’s not the most dependable — frequent delays and limited flights make it a gamble. A more reliable route is to fly into Delhi or Dehradun and take a scenic five-hour drive to the property.

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Architecture That Echoes The Wild

Perched beside the Kosi River and enveloped by the lush expanse of Jim Corbett National Park, the resort’s design is a modern homage to its surroundings. But don’t expect a conventional jungle lodge — here, the idea was to create a luxurious, leisurely escape in a resort setting.

Though contemporary in look and feel, the architecture draws heavily from the region’s topography and biodiversity. The low-rise buildings follow the natural contours of the land, ensuring unobstructed views of the landscape. The open-plan layout flows seamlessly between open-air pavilions, shaded verandas and breezy courtyards — a deliberate interplay of inside and out that invites guests to feel at one with nature.

Knotty pine wood features prominently, and thoughtful nods to local flora and fauna are embedded throughout — forest photography lines the walls, wooden antlers form part of the decor, and a striking monochrome tiger is painted at the entrance.

Rooms That Marry Minimalism With Indulgence

The resort’s 99 rooms and suites are spread across the main hotel building and a series of standalone blocks arranged across the main façade. What binds them is a refined, minimalist aesthetic that lets the natural beauty outside take centre stage. Private balconies overlook the Kosi River, the hotel’s manicured lawns bursting with mango and lychee trees, and the surrounding verdant landscapes. The executive suite comes with a living room for the family to catch up over the day’s activities and a spacious balcony overlooking the lush scenery outside.

At 441 sq ft, the spacious rooms are done up in soothing hues of beige and ecru, accented with warm wooden finishes and modern comforts. Highlights include a spacious closet corridor and a freestanding soaking tub, perfect for long, languorous baths.

Dining That Pays Homage To The Land

Despite its contemporary appeal, the resort remains deeply connected to the local land, and this is perhaps best expressed through its culinary offerings across four distinctive F&B venues led by the executive chef, Harpal Singh.

At The Corbett Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant, the menu spans comforting Indian, pan-Asian and Italian fare, but the standout is the seasonal Kumaoni thali — a celebration of traditional mountain recipes made from fresh local produce like soyabean and lentil prepared with pahadi spices, aloo ke gutke (mustard spiced potato) to be had with organic Himalayan red rice and Mandua ki roti made with ragi flour. Wholesome yet indulgent, these dishes draw on age-old wisdom and ingredients prized for their health benefits, and the kitchen also employs women from nearby villages.

At Sal, the hotel’s stylish bar, with a dedicated al fresco area overlooking the Malani mountains, the cocktail programme takes a more experimental turn. Here, local spices are elevated into inventive drinks — think of the ‘Khusaini Twist’ like a Picante infused with regional chilli and blueberry, or ‘Bedu Colada,’ a tropical piña colada reimagined with Himalayan fig and kaffir lime, inspired by a local folk song. These pair well with a globally inspired small-plates menu of sushi, dim sum, tacos and burgers.

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Outdoor restaurant Malani Grill offers an intimate, starlit dining experience, with a chef’s table that serves a specially curated menu based on the five elements of nature. And then there’s The Greatroom — Marriott’s signature reinterpretation of the traditional lobby — a relaxed lounge space perfect for coffee and light bites overlooking the pool outside.

Immerse Yourself in the Wilderness

With a strong focus on creating a full-fledged resort experience, the property offers plenty to keep you engaged without ever stepping out. Begin your day with yoga, or spend a serene evening bird watching from the deck. The chefs host hands-on cooking sessions, while the Quan Spa beckons with six indulgent therapy rooms, offering treatments like Abhyanga, traditional Thai massage, Kansa bowl therapy and Swedish massage,  that melt stress away, followed by a rejuvenating soak in the jacuzzi.

Still, it’s hard to imagine coming all this way without venturing into the park itself. A safari through Jim Corbett is a must, not just for the thrill of spotting a Bengal tiger, but for the immersive connection it offers with one of India’s richest ecosystems. The hotel’s concierge can arrange these excursions, and with prior notice, you can choose the specific zones and timings you prefer. On special request, a resident naturalist can accompany you, an enriching experience as they fill you in on the park’s history.

Final Thoughts

For urban dwellers seeking respite from the relentless pace of city life, Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa is an oasis of calm. Whether you’re planning a family escape, romantic retreat or a well-earned workation, the resort provides a lush, luxurious backdrop for rest and reconnection. The air is crisper (with AQI levels averaging a remarkable 50–60), the Sal trees more vibrant, and the grass truly greener.

DP Loves

#1 The Quan Spa with its six therapy rooms and holistic treatments that blend Ayurvedic wisdom with modern wellness.

#2 The jungle-themed kids club and a family activity room — complete with board games, foosball, and a VR golf simulator — perfect for some family bonding.

#3 The inventive cocktails at Sal, inspired by local ingredients, legends and distilling traditions.

#4 A private safari with the hotel naturalist to chase the elusive Bengal tiger in the dense forests of Jim Corbett National Park

#5 The expansive 2,400 sq m riverside lawn with a wooden deck — ideal for a quiet read, sunset tea, or simply soaking in the jungle views.