It is a well-known fact that India has rich reserves of culture, history and natural beauty. But there is also a range of luxury hotels and resorts that have become world famous – a fact that many international travelers are not supposed to learn and Indian travelers sadly ignore. From restored palaces and picturesque palaces to chic resorts, our guide to the best hotels in India has the most unique experiences at the highest level of luxury. Whether you’re looking for a traditional experience, a royal retreat or a relaxing retreat, there’s something here:
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Rajmahal Palace NOISE Jaipur
Showcasing an exterior of beautiful pink art, Rajmahal Palace is the former residence of the queen of Jaipur, Maharani Gayatri Devi. The building has 13 suites, two bedrooms, two restaurants, a bar, and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel features artworks and decorations from the royal family as well as beautiful paintings of peacocks, carnations and Mughal ornaments. Guests can have a Champagne High Tea at the Upper Lawns, dine in private at the Maharani Suite, dine at the Baradari pool restaurant, or go sightseeing in Jaipur.
Address: Sardar Patel Marg, Shivaji Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Tel: 01414143000
Aman-i-Khás
Located near Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khás offers visitors the option of camping. The hotel’s 10 tents evoke the Mughal style and offer unparalleled views of the surrounding nature. Guests can choose to have breakfast at a guava farm, swim in the outdoor pool, go on a wildlife safari with Daulat Singh, an expert guide, or take part in private cooking classes at the Aman-i-Khás Dining Tent. . Cozy interiors and beautiful views, the hotel is the perfect place to relax after a day of wildlife. Don’t miss the delicious Rajasthani thalis.
Address: Sherpur Khiljipur, near Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Tel: 07462252052
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Kovalam
A Relais & Châteaux property, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is a beachfront resort with well-known Keralite heritage buildings. This impressive 32 acre property is located in Pulinkudi village, eight kilometers south of Kovalam. The beautiful scenery offers guests a view of the Arabian Sea. Visit this resort for its health offerings, such as traditional ayurvedic medicine and yoga, meditation and pranayama parts. The hotel’s Café Samsara, an all-day dining restaurant, and Essence, a Southeast Asian and seafood restaurant, are highly recommended.
Address: PO, Pulinkudi Rd, Vizhinjam, Mullur, Kerala. Tel: 08045104510
Ananda in the Himalayas
A favorite place, this palace is located near Rishikesh amidst the beautiful Sal forests. Ananda in the Himalayas is known for its excellent services, interior design and outdoor space. This luxury hotel is popular for its ayurvedic, yogic and international wellness programs designed to meet the health goals of guests. In addition, the resort’s team of experts manages personalized activities such as nature safaris, river rafting and guided tours of ancient temples and monasteries.
Address: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand. Tel: 01161210000
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Located near the back of the Aravallis, the hotel is a restored 14th century fort. The property has a 30,000-sq-ft Six Senses Spa and fitness center, 43 guest suites and five marquee suites. Spa treatments and wellness programs are based on the preventive methods of oriental medicine. Recently, Six Senses Fort Barwara partnered with renowned sleep expert, Michael J. Breus to develop the ‘Sleep with Six Senses’ programme. As part of the system, guests have a sleep index, the results of which are interpreted in consultation with a health professional who recommends changes in their lifestyle and treatment.
Address: Chauth Ka Barwara, Rajasthan. Tel: 09579889900
Belgadia Palace
Located about 3.5 hours from Kolkata is the Belgadia Palace. The royal family of Mayurbhanj has converted a part of their ancestral home into a boutique hotel with beautiful art and antiques that reflect Odisha’s rich history. The 200-year-old palace has large rooms, conference rooms, billiards, theater room, theater roof, gym, spa and museum. Visitors can watch chhau dance performances, visit handicraft villages, meetdhokra photographers or go bird watching.
Address: Meher Colony, Baripada, Odisha. Tel: +91 82806 97505
SUJÁN The Serai
Compared to the royal caravans of the Rajputs, this boutique hotel has 14 well-appointed steps and is set in the middle of a 100-acre private estate. Six of the rooms are surrounded by walled gardens and plunge pools, and the palace is surrounded by tents. with spa, outdoor pool, dining and relaxation tents. Along with the thoughtful service, SUJÁN The Serai-member of Relais & Châteaux-offers a number of special activities for guests such as desert tours, bird watching and stargazing, gyms, camel safaris, cooking classes, and secret music.
onAddress: Bherwa, Rajasthan. Tel: 01146172700
The Oberoi Udaivilas
The architecture of The Oberoi Udaivilas pays homage to the Indian palaces of Udaipur. Each 1,150 sq ft luxury suite has a ten meter outdoor pool and a tented dining room. The hotel’s Kohinoor Suite has two superior bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace, and a private pool overlooking the City Palace, Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills. Guests can dine in privacy under an intricately carved seaside dome decorated with a curtain of marigold flowers and lit by candles.
Address: HMGC+VVV, Badi-Gorela-Mulla Talai Rd, Haridas Ji Ki Magri, Pichola, Udaipur. Tel: 02942433300
Taj Aravali Resort & Spa
The Taj Aravali Resort and Spa has 176 well-appointed rooms, suites and luxury tents spread across a remote area. Although modern and simple, its design is inspired by Rajasthani architecture and its nomadic culture. With a gym – including state-of-the-art squash, badminton and a gym -, a 34-seat movie theater, a signing area and a luxury banquet hall, there is something for every type of traveler. Guests can choose to dine at the Tiri banquet, the specialty vegetarian restaurant Javitri, the alfresco grill Ridgeview, and the elegant Odeypore Lounge bar overlooking the pool and gardens.
Address: Near, 1, Kheemach Kheda, Kodiyat Main Rd, Forest Chowki, Bujra, Rajasthan 313031. Tel: 0294 268 1000
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is an important place in the history of Rajasthan and a modern symbol of the new Jodhpur. Home to the Jodhpur royal family and the sixth largest palace in the world, the palace’s featured stone is the brilliant Makrana marble that Shah Jahan used to build the Taj Mahal in Argra. Set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens often adorned with peacocks and featuring an underground pool, the royal hotel has 70 stunning Art Deco rooms and suites. Guests can unwind at the Trophy Bar, sign up for a spa treatment, go for a walk and see how the palace once served as the home of India’s royal family.
Address: Circuit House Rd, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006. Phone: 0291 251 0101
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Formerly the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, the hotel has 60 guest rooms and suites, a luxury spa, a fine Indian restaurant, Adaa, and a gourmet restaurant, Celeste. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided heritage tours, private dining experiences and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Address: Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana. Tel: 04066298585
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