Onora Hospitality Signs juSTa Forest Retreat in Shimla

Onora Hospitality, the parent company of jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, has announced the signing of a new boutique heritage retreat in Shimla, located in the scenic Jakhu Hills area of Himachal Pradesh. The upcoming property reflects a broader shift in India’s hospitality sector toward experiential travel, where luxury accommodation is combined with heritage architecture, wellness experiences, and immersive nature-based tourism.

The retreat will be developed within a restored late-19th-century residence surrounded by pine and deodar forests near Jakhu Temple and the iconic Mall Road Shimla. Positioned at the highest point of Shimla, the location offers visitors proximity to the city’s commercial centre while maintaining the tranquillity of a forest environment.

Key Highlights

• Sixth property for the company in Himachal Pradesh
• Heritage residence restored into a boutique forest retreat
• Wellness, spa, yoga, and guided forest experiences planned

The heritage structure, once owned by a British engineer associated with the early development of Shimla’s water supply system, has been carefully preserved and adapted for contemporary hospitality use.

The project represents the sixth property for Onora Hospitality in Himachal Pradesh, reinforcing its strategy to expand across high-demand leisure destinations in North India. The company already operates boutique hotels and resorts in locations such as Mashobra, Dharamshala, Manali, and Palampur, along with a Bookmark Resorts property in Manali.

Architecturally, the retreat will retain Shimla’s colonial-era aesthetic, featuring extensive deodar wood construction and traditional hill-station craftsmanship integrated with modern comforts. Rooms will be designed with large windows overlooking the surrounding forests, creating a strong connection between the interior spaces and the Himalayan landscape.

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Accommodation will be offered across three distinct room categories, each tailored for boutique luxury travellers seeking nature-focused experiences. The new retreat reflects a growing demand for smaller, character-driven hotels that offer authentic cultural experiences rather than large commercial resorts.

As India’s tourism sector evolves, heritage conversions like this one are increasingly being used to preserve historic structures while creating distinctive travel experiences. With boutique hospitality and wellness tourism gaining traction, the project is expected to further strengthen Shimla’s position as a leading Himalayan leisure destination.

Data, Statistics, Quotes & Figures

• The upcoming property will become Onora Hospitality’s sixth hotel in Himachal Pradesh, expanding its footprint across major leisure destinations in the region.
• The retreat is located around 700 metres from Mall Road and about 500 metres from Jakhu Temple, providing both accessibility and seclusion within forest surroundings.
• The retreat will include three categories of guest rooms, a full-service spa, dedicated yoga spaces, indoor recreation facilities, and guided forest nature walks as part of the guest experience.

“With this signing, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts further strengthens its footprint in high-potential leisure destinations across North India, with a focus on character-rich properties that deliver authentic and memorable guest experiences.” - Ashish Vohra, Founder & CEO of Onora Hospitality

• The heritage building dates back to the late 19th century and previously belonged to a British engineer involved in developing Shimla’s early water supply system.
• Interiors will feature deodar wood construction and traditional hill-station craftsmanship, maintaining colonial architectural influences while integrating modern hospitality design.