After the travel restrictions have been relaxed, the hotels welcome their guests to experience their variety of offers (with safety standards of course). For anyone itching to book their tickets and stroll in immaculate white robes with a martini in hand, here is our list of recommended luxury hotels – the perfect escape from the monotony of the city.
1. Suryagarh, Jaisalmer
This regal hotel is the best gateway to the Thar Desert. Its interiors are reminiscent of the bygone but glorious era of the Maharajas and Maharanis, and in keeping with this, the property redefines luxury and architectural beauty. We love the spacious rooms with vintage decor and breathtaking views, the luxurious spa session at The Rait and a leisurely treat by the pool. We’re not kidding when we say the treatment here is regal. But the best thing is the sunset on the Thar followed by dinner under the stars.
2. W, Goa
Located on the shores of Vagator Beach, this 5-star boho-luxe resort invites you to take it easy and embody the essence of a Goa vacation! You can immerse yourself in your vacation by relaxing by the pool – which no less overlooks the beautiful beach – and then dragging yourself to the Away® Spa for a massage. A gin-credible night awaits you in her gin bar, Sylvia offers first-class British, Japanese, German and Indian craft gins. Before you go home, give your sandy hair some TLC at W.‘s in-house Levi Salon, or even better, simply let yourself be completely redesigned. We remember Monica Geller and her vacation braids, but hey, we leave the decision up to you.
3. Ayatana, Coorg
Nestled in 100 acres of lush greenery and surrounded by waterfalls, Ayatana serves as a tropical refuge with a lot of activities. Give your thirst for adventure a canal with ziplining, the numerous hiking trails and hikes, and off-road safaris. And after these physically demanding activities, is it no surprise that the hotel’s spa feels heavenly? Spend your days in cute private cottages and enjoy your meals in restaurants surrounded by glass walls.
4. JW Marriott Walnut Grove & Spa, Mussoorie
The 5-star hotel at the foot of the Garhwal Himalayan Mountains is the perfect place to rest and relax. From a stimulating yoga session to an entertainment center with indoor games, there are several recreational activities to choose from. Go beyond the hotel grounds and get closer to nature through hikes with unforgettable views. Case in point: a hike to Sir George Everest’s house, built in 1832, will enchant you with a panoramic view of the Doon Valley on one side and the Aglar River Valley and the snow-capped Himalayan mountains on the other. No trip is complete without enjoying authentic local cuisine, and JW Marriott Mussoorie makes you keep coming back with your Garhwali Thali and the Kumoani Thali.
5. Develop backwards, Hampi
With breathtaking rugged forests and boulders in the background, Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi welcomes you with fortress-like entrances, cobbled boulevards, arched corridors and royal apartments – a historic destination indeed! Choose from a variety of villas with palatial interiors, a private swimming pool and a large living room. What is more? An invigorating experience in Vaidyashala, the in-house spa with Ayurvedic therapies. There are several kitchens to choose from for culinary enthusiasts; Our best choice is local Vijayanagar cuisine, available in the hotel’s Tuluva restaurant.
Image via: Evolve Back, Hampi
6. The postcard hotel Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
Best known for its slow and relaxed vacations, The Postcard Hotel now has a picturesque property in the Gir Forest. Home to 674 lions, you are sure to spot one or more, making it the perfect vacation for nature lovers. Located on 16 acres of Kesar’s mango plantations, the hotel has 15 rooms with lots of privacy to ensure that the only sounds you hear are those of birds and, if you’re lucky, the call of a welcoming lion.
7. Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa, Darjeeling
Located on the Makaibari Tea Estate, which dates back to 1859, the 72-room Taj Hotel is the tea connoisseur’s premier vacation destination. It houses a tea lounge where you can enjoy high tea and a tasting with a tea sommelier, as well as stunning views of the hills and a gourmet restaurant. Step into the world of wellness in the Jiva Spa, which offers a mixture of ancient Indian wisdom with modern therapies.
8. Spice Coast Cruise, Kerela
Are you planning a romantic getaway with your boyfriend? Embark on this funky getaway that includes the night by a lake! Spice Coast Cruises takes you on a journey on Vembanad Lake in a Kettuvalam. This is Kerala’s traditional houseboat that has been used to transport rice and spices on the same waterways for centuries. Interestingly, the captain of the boat is also your cook. Must-try dishes include karimeen pollichathu (the local fish with Kerala spices, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection) and nutritious red rice (grown in the fields you pass). A peaceful boating vacation amidst the wonders of nature in a secluded spot, far from the busy city – what’s not to love about it?
Image via: Spice Coast Cruise
