Words by Vishakha Talreja
An open-air Jacuzzi overlooking the magnificent Himalayas, a palatial suite with excellent butler service or a meal at one of Asia’s best restaurants, these uber-luxe hotels will give you more than one reason to plan your India vacation.
Taj Mahal New Delhi
Located in the heart of India’s capital city, the Taj Mahal Hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel has recently undergone renovations, including a refreshed lobby and redesigned suites. With 212 luxurious rooms, including 40 suites, guests can enjoy panoramic aerial views of the city. Inspired by regal and legendary themes like the Rambagh, Versailles and Tanjore, newly launched signature suites are the epitome of luxury, with butler service, antiques adorning the suites and sweeping views of the city.
The hotel is home to the legendary restaurants House of Ming and Machan, as well as Varq, one of the country’s first modern Indian gourmet dining restaurants. Taj Mahal New Delhi also boasts India’s first and most exclusive business club, The Chambers besides an expansive spa, fitness club, and luxury salon.
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ITC Grand Chola
A palatial tribute to Southern India’s greatest empires, the Imperial Cholas, this is one of India’s most talked about hotels. Located in the heart of Chennai, with its 522 rooms, 78 serviced apartments and 10 food and beverage outlets, the hotel offers ample options to its guests, making it a truly grand experience. Diners are spoilt for choice, there is Peshawri which offers delightful dishes from North West Frontier cuisine; luxurious vegetarian restaurant Royal Vega; Ottimo Cucina Italiana which offers an authentic array of Italian dishes; and Pan Asian which, as the name suggests, dishes out South and Far East cuisine.
The jewel in its crown is its progressive South Indian restaurant, Avartana, which recently made it to the coveted Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, at No. 30. The hotel also houses ITC’s chocolate boutique, Fabelle, where one can enjoy the handcrafted indulgence.
Kaya Kalp, the expansive regal spa offers therapies from around the world that would rejuvenate any weary traveller’s body and soul.
What makes the hotel truly luxurious is its emphasis on focus on personalisation. Get ready to be pampered with pillows that have your names embroidered, a sleep kit that would help you sleep like a baby, Vitamin C-infused showers and excellent suite butlers.
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Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort
For a peaceful hideout, head to the Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort in Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh. Accessible by cable car, this luxury boutique hotel perched at 5,000 feet offers 62 plush suites that blend modern amenities with traditional hospitality. Guests can enjoy authentic local flavours at the Moksha Restaurant, where all ingredients used are organic and fresh. Their local Himachali thali makes for one of the best meals you will ever have.
The resort’s spa, with its magical setting and gorgeous views, is a showstopper. It houses six treatment rooms, a full-size hammam, and a yoga pavilion, making it a perfect luxury resort for a wellness holiday or a romantic getaway.
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The Roseate Ganges
The Roseate Ganges is a luxury retreat in Rishikesh, located on the banks of the holy river Ganga. Known for its minimalist design and stunning architecture, the resort overlooks the river Ganges making it an idyllic stay option in the yoga capital of the world.
A 45-minute drive from the airport, the exclusive retreat has only 17 villas that offer a panoramic view of the valley. The temperature-controlled infinity pool overlooking the hills has been many celebrities’ favourite spot.
Its Aheli Spa is a haven for wellness enthusiasts, with well-trained therapists and a bouquet of relaxing massages. The signature restaurant Chidyaghar has a menu prepared from seasonal, local, and organic ingredients, accompanied by an array of delightful non-alcoholic and alcoholic brews. The Roseate Ganges also has an in-house patisserie and boulangerie, Roasted by Roseate.
The experiences include hiking, trekking, river rafting, nature walks by the riverside, and exploring the pilgrimage spots. The hotel also offers bespoke experiences like a trip to the Beatles Ashram or personal Arti by the river Ganges. There isn’t a better spot than the private river beach of this resort to spend a quiet afternoon with a book.
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Wildflower Hall, Mashobra
Oberoi Hotels, with its impeccable service, has redefined luxury Indian hospitality. Wildflower Hall in Mashobra, near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, is the jewel in Oberoi’s crown. The thoughtfully designed rooms and suites in this heritage hotel offer unobtrusive views of the Himalayas and the 22-acre cedar forests that surround the property.
Food connoisseurs have the option of savouring flavours in an indoor restaurant setting, a glass conservatory, or on the terrace against the mesmerising backdrop of the Himalayas.
The resort also features a heated swimming pool and open-air Jacuzzi. The experiences offered by the resort include mountain biking, picnics in the jungles, golf excursions, and heritage tours. If you are looking for wellness options you can book a private yoga session or a rejuvenating massage at the spa.
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Raffles Udaipur
Raffles Udaipur, located on a private island amid the tranquil Udai Sagar Lake, offers the discreet luxury that the brand Raffles is known for. The 101 rooms and suites offer breath-taking views of the lake and captivating sunsets.
The hotel also offers bespoke dining experiences, including The Dining Room, Indian Speciality restaurant Sawai Kitchen, and an in-house cookery school, Rasoi.
Guests can take leisurely romantic walks in the outdoor spaces or enjoy rejuvenating therapy at the Raffles Spa. The Writers Bar, a library that serves delicious cocktails, is the perfect spot to unwind in the evenings. Don’t miss catching a sunset over the resort’s signature high tea experience.
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