Living in Surat, we’re used to a certain pace, everything is quick, familiar, and honestly, a little repetitive after a point. So when we decided to take a short family break, Mount Abu felt like the easiest yes. Not too far, not too hectic, just enough to feel like we’ve stepped away. 

The drive itself started doing its job. As the roads got curvier and the air cooler, everyone in the car just… relaxed a bit more. By the time we reached Sterling Mount Abu, we weren’t just tired,we were ready to slow down. 

The property had that calm, tucked-away vibe, which we loved instantly. But like any family trip, the real question kicked in soon enough – what’s the food situation going to be like? 

That’s how we found ourselves at Aravalli, the resort’s restaurant. 

We walked in not expecting too much and just hoping for a decent, easy meal after the drive. 

But Aravalli had a different feel. It’s simple, cozy, and quiet in a way that makes you want to stay a little longer. No loud crowds, no rush just a comfortable space where you can sit with your family and unwind. 

It immediately felt like the kind of place where meals wouldn’t be rushed. 

Food That Just Felt Right 

The first thing we noticed? The food tasted fresh. 

Not “hotel buffet” fresh but actually fresh. You could tell it wasn’t just put together in a hurry. Whether it was something we picked from the buffet or ordered separately, there was a certain care in how everything was made. 

Nothing felt too heavy, nothing felt too bland, it just hit that sweet spot. 

A Bit of Home, A Bit of Something New 

Being from Gujarat, we naturally leaned towards vegetarian dishes and honestly, Aravalli delivered. 

The Papad Sabzi was such a nice surprise. It had that familiar, comforting flavour, but still felt a little different from what we usually have back home. It’s the kind of dish you don’t expect to remember but we did. 

At the same time, for the non-veg lovers in the family, the Laal Maas turned out to be a hit. Nicely spiced, not overpowering, and full of flavour. One of those dishes where you end up going back for a second serving without thinking twice. 

Easy Choices for Everyone 

One thing that worked really well for us was having both buffet and à la carte options

Some meals, we just wanted something simple and quick, the buffet worked perfectly. Good variety, nothing too confusing, and something for everyone. 

Other times, we felt like ordering specific dishes and those turned out just as good, if not better. Everything felt freshly made, which makes a big difference. 

Especially when you’re travelling as a family, this flexibility really helps. 

Service That Felt Genuine 

What really stood out, though, was the service. 

It didn’t feel robotic or overly formal. The staff were warm, attentive, and actually helpful. They gave suggestions when we asked, made sure everything was okay, and just handled things smoothly. 

At one point, they even surprised us with a complimentary dessert which the kids were obviously thrilled about, and honestly, so were we. 

It’s a small gesture, but it leaves a lasting impression. 

More Than Just Meals 

Somewhere along the trip, Aravalli became more than just “the place we eat at.” 

We started taking our time there. Sitting longer, talking more, sharing food, just enjoying the moment. No one was in a hurry to leave and that says a lot. 

It became part of our daily rhythm without us even realising it. 

When we think about Mount Abu now, we’ll obviously remember the weather, the views, the drive. 

But we’ll also remember those easy meals at Aravalli. 

The laughter, the second servings, the “let’s order one more thing,” and the quiet, comfortable time together. 

If you’re heading to Sterling Mount Abu with your family, don’t overthink your dining plans. 

Just go to Aravalli, try a mix of things, and take it slow. 

Because sometimes, the best part of a trip isn’t just where you go but these small, shared moments over good food. 

And for us, Aravalli gave us plenty of those.