Ask returning guests what they remember most about their stay, and they may mention the view from the balcony, the comfort of the home or the warmth of the staff.

But more often than not, it is an evening.

The one where the light turned golden over the pines. Someone brought the first plate of tikkas out to the deck. The children were still running around the garden. The grandparents settled into their favourite chairs. And somehow, without anyone planning it, the whole family drifted outdoors.

Nobody looked at the time. Nobody had anywhere else to be.

At V are Family, we have hosted many such evenings across our homes in Kasauli, Mussoorie, the Nainital and Kumaon hills, Goa and Tarudhan. Over the years, we have come to believe that few things bring people together quite as easily as a relaxed barbecue outdoors — good food, open skies and the people you love around you.

Why the hills were made for evenings outdoors

There is a particular hour in the hills, somewhere after five pm, when everything begins to change.

The light softens. The air turns cool enough for a shawl. The valley becomes quieter. The sky takes on that beautiful golden glow just before sunset.

For those of us used to city life, being able to sit outdoors comfortably is a luxury in itself.

It is also why outdoor space matters so much to us when we choose a home for V are Family. We love generous verandas, decks, lawns, balconies and porches — places where you can have your morning tea, read in the afternoon, or simply sit together as the day winds down.

Our cooks take care of the grill

A barbecue can involve a surprising amount of preparation.

Which is precisely why, on holiday, you should not have to do any of it.

Our in-home cooks are comfortable preparing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian barbecue favourites — paneer tikka, grilled vegetables and mushrooms alongside tandoori chicken, fish or kebabs, depending on the menu and the home.

There is fresh mint chutney, hot accompaniments and plates arriving straight from the grill.

You can discuss your food preferences with the team in advance, and once the menu is decided, the preparation is taken care of for you.

The marination is done freshly at home. The grill is readied. The food keeps coming.

And everyone gets to enjoy the evening.

No one in the family needs to stand over the barbecue or disappear into the kitchen while everyone else is having fun.

Add a bonfire and the evening finds its own rhythm

In the cooler months, a bonfire can make the evening even more special, wherever weather and local conditions permit.

There is something about gathering around a fire that changes the pace of a holiday.

The children eventually stop running around and settle down with their plates. The grandparents stay outside a little longer than usual. Someone starts telling an old family story. Someone else brings out another round of food.

The conversation becomes slower and easier.

There is no restaurant reservation to rush for, no bill waiting at the end of the table and no reason to move anywhere else.

For us, that is one of the greatest luxuries of staying in a private vacation home.

Not simply the view, the interiors or the space.

It is having uninterrupted time together.

Some of our favourite places for a barbecue evening

In Kasauli, the pine-covered hills and cool Himachal evenings naturally lend themselves to being outdoors.

Homes such as Spring Hills offer an outdoor deck that make gathering outside easy, while Samprati has its wrap-around balcony and roof deck. At Uncle Bob's, the views stretch towards the plains from the garden, while the larger spaces at Mistair Estate make it especially well suited to extended families and groups. Windchimes the name says it all with a deck with musical chimes. 

In Mussoorie, Trishul offers a particularly beautiful setting, with the lights of the town on one side and the Himalayan ranges on the other. It sports two gardens. Limerick boasts at 150 year old heritage home and a lovely garden. 

Across the Nainital and Kumaon hills, homes such as Manzara and Windchimes, Dhanachuli offer decks and outdoor spaces, gardens overlooking the valley — places where the evening often carries on long after dinner is finished. There is  180 degree view of the grand himalayan range. When there is something to celebrate

Barbecue evenings also work beautifully for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and family celebrations.

Sometimes it is as simple as a cake brought out after dinner. Freshly and home made straight out of the over, old school style, taking us back to our good old childhood days. 

Sometimes a table is dressed especially for the occasion, a few lights are added to the veranda, and the evening becomes a little more festive.

The joy of celebrating at a private home is that it still feels intimate and private to your group of family and friends. 

Do tell us if you are celebrating something special when you book. Wherever possible, our team can help you plan the little details that make the occasion feel personal.

A few things guests often ask

Can you arrange a barbecue at the villa?

Yes, at many of our homes. Please let our team know in advance so that the cook can plan the menu and preparation.

Is there an additional charge?

Meals are separate from the villa tariff and are charged according to the applicable food menu. Any barbecue setup or service charge, where applicable, will be shared with you in advance.

Do you cater to vegetarians?

Absolutely. Vegetarian barbecue menus can include paneer, mushrooms, vegetables and other favourites, and can be planned alongside non-vegetarian options where required. We have catered to a lot of Jain families too and our cooks are well versed. 

Can you arrange a bonfire as well?

At many of our hill homes, yes — subject to weather, season, local regulations and safety conditions.

Does it work well for families with children and older guests?

Absolutely ! Everyone can be together, with plenty of space to sit, eat, talk and enjoy the evening at their own pace.

Some holidays are remembered for everything you managed to see.

Others are remembered for the evening when nobody wanted to go anywhere at all.

And sometimes, those are the best holidays of all.

Plan your next stay with V are Family — Your Holiday, Your Home.