Planning A Couple’s Retreat Near Delhi NCR? Here’s Our Honest Take On Iris Sarovar Portico Gurugram | Travel News

Last Updated:July 06, 2025, 14:25 IST

Nestled in Gurugram’s Sector 85, Iris Sarovar Portico makes for a perfect retreat for couples to have a mini weekend staycation in Delhi NCR.

It began the way most domestic weekends do – clocks ticking lazily toward lunch, the air heavy with indecision, and a half-hearted scan of vegetable options in the fridge. But as I stood in my kitchen, reciting a list of uninspiring vegetables for lunch, my husband looked up from his phone, eyes glinting with mischief, and said, “Let’s get away for the weekend.”

Reader, I blinked.

In the years I’ve known this man, spontaneity has shown itself about as often as snow in Noida. And so, stunned but intrigued, I dropped the sabzi talk, opened Google Maps, and began what would soon become a wildly ambitious search. Rishikesh? Too done. Jaipur? Too hot. Bali? Maldives? Too broke. And finally, almost like fate intervening, we settled on something in-between – a little far but not too far – Iris Sarovar Portico in Sector 85, Gurugram, Haryana.

Just over three hours later, suitcase packed, playlists queued (the Kishore Kumar essentials, obviously), and spirits high, we arrived. Nestled atop a mall and touted as a “contemporary business hotel,” Iris Sarovar Portico did not immediately scream weekend escape. But, as I would soon learn, appearances can be delightfully deceptive.

A Place For Family, Love, And Business Too

The façade is minimalist, modern, and admittedly unassuming. But the moment we stepped into the lobby, the atmosphere shifted. It was abuzz with energy and warmth, not the cold efficiency one might expect from a corporate hotel. A family with toddlers checked in beside a suited executive and a young couple whispering sweet nothings. To my surprise, Iris Sarovar Portico felt like a good place to unwind — for everyone!

At the front desk, two gracious women greeted us. One of them, Deepti, would soon become my unofficial trip guide and home décor guru (more on her magical Banjara Market recommendation later).

We were shown to our Junior Suite with a Pool View and Balcony, a space that struck that sweet spot between boutique charm and functional luxury. A plush king-size bed commanded the room, flanked by warm wood tones and creamy linens, with a small but cosy living area perfect for spreading out – or in my case, dumping all my skincare and sunglasses. My husband, barely waiting for the door to close, flopped onto the bed like a man returning from war. “Two days of sleeping and relaxing, baby!” he declared. And I believed him.

The Perfect Poolside Kickoff

From our balcony, the shimmering blue pool called out to us, flanked by lush palms and kissed by golden light. Despite the late hour (we arrived just before sunset), a single-family floated lazily in the water, laughter echoing faintly.

The pool connects to Terrace Grill, the rooftop bar – closed during our visit, but stunning nonetheless. The ambient lighting, rustic wood accents, and panoramic view promised magic on the right night.

I changed into one of my very carefully, painstakingly picked resort looks while my husband threw on the first pair of shorts he found. Typical! We made our way poolside, where I ordered a round of indulgent snacks: crispy fish fingers, chicken tikka, mini sandwiches, and of course, mocktails.

The fish fingers were divine – golden brown with a crust that shattered like brittle glass before revealing tender, flaky flesh inside. No excessive oil, no sogginess. Just pure, crisp pleasure. The chicken tikka was gently smoky, the masalas layered rather than overpowering, bold but never brash. The sandwiches, light and almost delicate, resisted the all-too-common sin of mayo overdose.

While I lounged with a mocktail in hand, my husband delighted in underwater acrobatics, surfacing occasionally to request a bite like a very well-fed sea creature. Between dips, we talked, laughed, clicked far too many poolside pictures, and surrendered to the slow rhythm of leisure.

Dinner & The Enchanting Dance Of ‘Flavours’

Post-swim, we took a nano power nap before making our way to Flavours, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Spacious and subtly elegant, Flavours offers a refreshing break from the overly designed. Its clean, modern look keeps things simple yet inviting, a perfect backdrop for unhurried meals.

The aromas met us as soon as we stepped foot — a medley of garlic butter naan, freshly baked breads, robust Indian gravies, and sizzling stir-fries from the live kitchen. The buffet, stretching languidly across the restaurant, offered an ambitious array of global and regional delights. But we started with à la carte selections: Murgh Tikka Angara and Macchi Tikka Kasundi.

Now, a word (okay, maybe a bit of an essay – can’t help it, I’m a foodie) about these. The chicken, marinated in house-ground spices, was roasted to a smoky, succulent perfection – each bite revealing the barest texture of hand-pounded masalas. No rogue cardamom explosions here. Just soft, melting warmth. The fish, at our request, was fiery, laced with mustard, fresh herbs, and a kiss of lemon. It danced on the tongue with clean, bold flavours.

Between courses, we sipped mocktails (pleasant, if not unforgettable), moved on to Hawker-Style Chilli Cheese, Chicken Thai Curry, and eventually surrendered ourselves to the buffet.

The Thai curry was a standout. Creamy yet light, aromatic with galangal and lemongrass, it was unexpectedly authentic for a hotel not rooted in Asian cuisine. The Butter Chicken paired with Pudina Laccha Paratha, Patiala Shahi Mutton, Dum Biryani, Hakka Noodles, and two styles of dal — makhani and dhaba-style — were comforting, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

We finished with some desserts worth mentioning: light Rasmalai, rich Shahi Tukda, and perfectly moist Brownies. When sweetness hits the mark, it stays with you — and these definitely did.

If I had to nitpick? The service was a bit slow but maybe there’s a good reason. I watched the head chef emerge from the kitchen multiple times — once to lead a birthday chorus, once to check on guests, and finally, to surprise me with a pineapple piña colada not even listed on the menu. The effort was genuine.

Sweet Mornings, Markets & Mediterranean Flavours

The next morning, while my husband reconnected with the pool, I hit the gym – small but well-equipped, with plans for expansion in the works.

Breakfast was a real treat, with a buffet spread that made choosing tough: from Indian classics like poori sabji and poha to perfectly cooked scrambled and poached eggs, fresh fruits, a variety of breads, comforting soups, cookies, muffins, cereals, and an array of beverages. Highlights included freshly baked Danish pastries, stir-fried zucchini cooked to a perfect crisp, cheesy omelettes, smoked chicken sausages, and a cheese masala dosa so light and crunchy, I wished I’d ordered two.

Lunch brought us Mediterranean delights – fresh hummus, tender grilled chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and the freshest of salads. And thanks to Deepti’s excellent tip, we later found ourselves at Banjara Market, returning with armfuls of handmade crockery and tableware.

That evening, under a velvet sky, freckled with stars, we dined al fresco. With the pool shimmering beside us and monsoon breezes rustling through palms, it was a perfect romantic set-up for couples. Request a private setup, and they’ll do it. And trust me, it’s worth every minute.

The Send-Off: A Picnic In A Box

I won’t bog you down with every detail of our weekend escape – it was pretty much eat, sleep, swim, repeat, and honestly, that’s exactly what made it perfect. The next morning, we indulged in a cosy in-room breakfast: fluffy omelettes, upma, fresh doughnuts, fresh juices, seasonal fruits, stir-fried veggies, and comforting mixed veg parathas. After a leisurely swim to work off the feast, we headed out to the attached mall for a stroll.

Once back in the hotel, I asked the manager about their special to-go picnic basket, a thoughtful touch for travellers. He assured me they’d prepare everything fresh with just a 30-minute notice. By the time we finished packing and arrived at reception, our picnic basket was waiting – neatly packed in charming, travel-ready boxes.

As we drove away, my husband and I savoured the little feast of chicken fingers, wings, mini veggie sandwiches, and pan-seared sole, reflecting on the hotel’s warm attention to detail and genuine care…and it suddenly hit me – sometimes the best plans are the unplanned ones. A little reminder to slow down and savour the moment.

So if you’re looking for a quick retreat near Delhi/NCR, Iris Sarovar Portico is worth checking out. They offer personalized packages for families, complimentary happy hours with 1+1 soft beverage offers of many of these packages, and great discounts on food and drinks. FYI, the hotel also features a well-equipped banquet hall, ideal for business meetings, weddings, and other special events

Yilobeni Valerie Patton

Yilobeni Valerie Patton has been in newsrooms long enough to know when a story’s worth chasing and when it’s just another PR stunt. As Deputy News Editor at CNN-News18, she leads the Entertainment & Lifesty…Read More

Yilobeni Valerie Patton has been in newsrooms long enough to know when a story’s worth chasing and when it’s just another PR stunt. As Deputy News Editor at CNN-News18, she leads the Entertainment & Lifesty… Read More

Location :

Delhi, India, India

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