About
Meet VS Abhilash!
Himaja Retreat is more than just a stay—it’s a dream born out of love, cinema, and the mountains.
From a young age, I was a passionate movie enthusiast, and Himachal was always etched in my imagination, thanks to the magical landscapes I saw in Bollywood films. At just 18, I backpacked my way to Manali for the very first time, and that journey changed my life. Year after year, I kept returning to this heavenly place—filming documentaries, creating movies, and letting the mountains shape me into the person I am today.
Himachal not only gave me inspiration but also blessed me with the love of my life. Together, we dreamed of building a home here, where nature, creativity, and family could thrive in harmony. When our daughter was born, we wanted to raise her in an environment deeply connected to nature—where mornings are filled with the songs of birds and evenings with the glow of the mountains. That’s how Himaja Retreat was born.
With over 17 years of experience in the Malayalam industry, I’ve always believed life can feel like a cinematic journey. At Himaja Retreat, we live that dream—cooking, sharing stories, and soaking in the stunning views that surround us. It’s a place where comfort meets nature, and where every guest becomes a part of our story.
Welcome to our retreat, where the mountains hold memories, and every moment feels like a scene from a film.
About
Meet Helen Davis!
Himaja Retreat is more than just a stay in the mountains—it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
My love for Himachal began long before I ever set foot here. As a child, I grew up listening to my father’s stories of his solo travels through Himachal in the 1970s—tales of snow-capped peaks, winding trails, and villages tucked away in the valleys. His words painted pictures that stayed with me, planting the seed of wanderlust in my little heart.
Years later, just as I was ready to begin my own adventures, life brought me my husband—a filmmaker who had spent countless days in Himachal capturing its spirit through documentaries and films. His stories echoed my childhood memories, and our shared love for these mountains created an instant bond.
That bond has now become our home—nestled amidst apple orchards, with our little one running around under open skies. Himaja Retreat is our way of sharing the peace, beauty, and warmth of the mountains with you. It’s not just about a getaway; it’s about slowing down, breathing deeply, and connecting with nature and yourself.
When you stay with us, you’re not just visiting Himachal—you’re becoming part of the story that first began decades ago with my father’s journeys, and continues today with our family here in the heart of the mountains.
