# Atiiva Resorts & Spa, Khandala: A Peaceful 5-Star Staycation Near Pune & Mumbai

By Prashant & Sunaina · 27 October 2026 · https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/atiiva-resort-lonavala-review

> Our honest review of Atiiva Resorts & Spa (formerly Duke's Retreat) in Khandala: which block to book, spacious rooms with forest views, the Maharashtrian buffet, food prices, games and who it suits.

Our staycation series continues in **Khandala**, at a beautiful five-star property that's honestly one of the most peaceful near Pune and Mumbai: **Atiiva Resorts & Spa** (formerly **Duke's Retreat**). It was our second time here.

Watch the vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgoRPy1ewiA

## Getting there
- **From Pune:** about **1.5 hours**. Cross Lonavala into **Khandala**.
- **From Mumbai:** about **2 hours**. Take the **Khandala exit** and a U-turn.

## Book the upper block
There are **two blocks**. The first, by the entrance and valet, is a **newer block** with very spacious rooms, but it only has a garden. **Everything is in the upper block on the hill**: the pool, restaurants, games room and, above all, **the views**, which are the resort's USP.

From the lower block you take a buggy or car up; they're usually waiting downstairs, so no calls needed, and it's walkable too. **Ask for the upper block when you reserve**, especially with kids.

*Last time we stayed in the upper block but got no balcony. This time, in the lower block, we had a balcony with a forest and mountain view.*

## Rooms
**Very spacious**, like Fariyas or Della. There's a **private deck** for evening coffee, complimentary snacks, **unlimited water bottles** on request, and a tea/coffee machine.

## Amenities
- **Two viewing decks** in the upper block with scenic views.
- A **pool** that's for chilling rather than laps. It's great with a group of friends.
- A **spa** (we didn't have time).
- **Games:** free cards, Ludo, chess and carrom; a lovely **gaming arcade** for electronic games, at **₹400 per coin**; and a kids' area.
- **High tea at 5 pm**: tea and coffee are free, while snacks (bhajiya, vada pav, corn, Maggi) are paid.

As adults there wasn't much to *do*. It's a place to rest.

## Food
- **Breakfast** has a great spread, like Fariyas (a little smaller). **Jain food on request.**
- **Maharashtrian buffet** on **Fridays and Saturdays, 12:30–3 pm**.
- **Lunch** at the busy multi-cuisine restaurant: we went Chinese for speed, with burnt garlic fried rice and **crispy lotus stem**, about **₹1,500**.
- **Dinner** at the lovely **Italian** restaurant: a **wood-fired pizza** for about **₹1,200**. Very good.

## Verdict
If you just want to **chill**, a real staycation vibe, come here. Staying two or three days? Cover Lonavala's attractions by day and relax here in the evening.

More: [Della Resorts](https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/della-resorts-lonavala-review) · [Aamby Valley](https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/aamby-valley-review).

## FAQs

**How far is Atiiva Khandala from Pune and Mumbai?**
About 1.5 hours from Pune (cross Lonavala into Khandala) and about 2 hours from Mumbai (take the Khandala exit and a U-turn).

**Which block should I book at Atiiva?**
The upper block on the hill. It has the restaurants, pool, games room and the best views. Ask for it when you reserve.

**When is the Maharashtrian buffet?**
Fridays and Saturdays, 12:30 to 3 pm.