Onora Hospitality is set to open jüSTa Darkwood Lodge & Spa in mid-March, nestled within the cedar forests of Jakhu Hills, Shimla’s highest point. The property marks the group’s sixth in Himachal Pradesh, joining existing jüSTa properties in Mashobra, Dharamshala, Manali, and Palampur.
Housed in a late-19th-century residence once home to a British engineer behind Shimla’s early water infrastructure, the lodge has been sensitively restored to contemporary hospitality standards while preserving its colonial-era character. Built from deodar wood, the interiors weave heritage craftsmanship with a modern design sensibility, all rooms overlook the surrounding forest, available across three spatial categories.
Positioned as a premium boutique retreat, the property will offer a full-service spa, yoga facilities, guided nature walks, and an English-style café, a quieter alternative to the bustle of Mall Road, just 700 metres away. A forest trail connecting to the Seog Bagh area via Sanjauli and Jakhu adds a layer of experiential depth rooted in the site’s history.
Despite its seclusion, the lodge benefits from vehicular access and on-site parking, a practical advantage in a location where accessibility is often limited.
