Happy New Year 2022 everyone!!
I would like to share my experience of a resort designed and maintained with an artistic view.
A collage of the photos of The Bark resort situated at Lonavala. maharashtra, India (collage by @AjitThite )
We planned to go out for an overnight stay right at the end of Diwali last year 2021, and the closest spot was Lonavala, which is on the way to Mumbai. My daughter and her husband visited us after a long gap of 2 years and since the situation for travelling had improved a bit so we were seeking a quiet spot where we could unwind and spend some quality time together.
Finally, we decided on The Bark - An Art resort near Lonavala for our stay without wasting much time.
It was surprisingly a very pleasant and nicely located resort, away from the crowd and noise.
We were greeted by a bright and designer reception desk with a large number of painting frames and antiques. Then in the lobby there is a billiard table, a carrom board, and card games available to play in the lobby. The best part is; there are a variety of books accessible if you want to spend some quiet time. Very thoughtful of them! Although there is a bar counter, it is yet to open so the antiques have been arranged to give it an artistic look.
Main Entrance of the Resort (photo by @AjitThite )
Reception counter with wall of portrait paintings and artefacts (photo by @AjitThite )
Seating area near the entrance lobby (photo by @AjitThite )
Seating arrangement for book lovers, pick your favourite and relax! 
(photo and collage by @AjitThite )
Artefacts are currently being displayed on a bar counter. (photo by @AjitThite )
Snooker/billiard table, artefacts displayed in the lobby. (photo and collage by @AjitThite )
Artefacts display near reading nook. To separate gender restrooms, appropriate paintings are displayed. (photo and collage by @AjitThite )
Toilets in the reception lobby are also pretty cool paintings and decorations. 
(photo and collage by @AjitThite )
It was a delight that it lived up to the theme of “an art resort.” They had created a fantastic environment with artifacts, sculptures, and paintings gracing the walls. It has enhanced the resort as a whole. The nicest aspect is that everything perfectly complements the resort’s theme. They genuinely enable you to bring your pets. That’s quite fascinating.
Display of paintings and artefacts in the lobbies (photo and collage by @AjitThite )
Few more theme paintings in the lobby (photo by @AjitThite )
And more… (photo and collage by @AjitThite )
The rooms were immaculately clean and well-organized. The room service was outstanding. Even the passages and lobbies were full of artwork spread around.
White, yellow and grey color combo was nicely used, even reflecting in the wall painting too! (photo by @AjitThite )
Another corner of the suite! (photo by @AjitThite )
The attached restroom was spacious, clean, and well-stocked with toiletries. (photo and collage by @AjitThite )
The view from the terrace of the suite. (photo and collage by @AjitThite )
Front portion of the suite with food tray for dog/cat (photo and collage by @AjitThite )
The dining area is tastefully designed, with a few open seating arrangements. A garden and a little swimming pool can be seen in the backyard. During the early and evening hours, this is the perfect location to unwind.
The Dining area with colorful portraits look stunning with white furniture (photo by @AjitThite )
Portico with open dining seating with stacked artefacts in the background (photo by @AjitThite )
The entry to the backyard garden and swimming pool through an open dining area with wings painted for personal memento. You can also check out the small bird nest fixed at the bottom outside the balcony. Very thoughtful indeed! (photo by @AjitThite )
My personal memento !
The backyard was divided into a garden area and swimming pool. The corners of both areas are nicely converted into seating areas.
The backyard with swimming pool and garden with seating (photo and collage by @AjitThite )
Overall we had a fantastic experience and enjoyed our overnight stay there. I posted my review the day after and received a nice response from the resort!
Snapshot of my review and response from the resort!
A small tip for travelling by road in a car: It is always advisable to travel here with your own vehicle or book a private taxi for to and fro from your destination. The OLA and UBER cabs are not allowed to have a pick up (may drop you but it will not have a return customer so they simply refuse) from Lonavala as local taxi unions had protested it.
Nearest railway station: Lonavala. Take a cab or rickshaw from here to the resort. (approx 10 mins drive)
Nearest Airport: Pune Airport. Almost a couple of hours drive (72 km/45 miles) from here. You can get private taxis from here to Lonavala. From Mumbai airport, it is 2-3 hours drive (87 km/54 miles) considering traffic.
A little bit about the location “Lonavala”:
Lonavala in Maharashtra is a hill station situated on the route between major cities of Mumbai and Pune. It is also connected by rail and road. It is closer to Pune; so by air; it is the closest airport. Mumbaikars and punekars usually find the time during weekend or vacation to visit here. But because of this pandemic it was after lifting the lockdown, people started travelling around. We also did not have any outings for the last couple of years and having a break somewhere was almost a necessity but with appropriate cautions.
Few Local sightseeing locations:
Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum
Rajmachi Point (espacially for treckers)
I hope you like it, I would suggest checking it out if you’re dropping into Lonavala.
Cheers!
