Guests can enjoy a Champagne High Tea
India is packed with luxury hotels, reflecting the country’s culture and history.
But it is a fact that many tourists are yet to learn and Indian travellers sadly ignore.
From opulent palaces steeped in history to serene retreats nestled amidst natural splendour, these exceptional properties promise an unforgettable experience for discerning travellers.
Whether you are looking for a cultural experience, a royal retreat or just a relaxing getaway, there is definitely something for you.
Check out these 12 luxury hotels to stay at when you are in India.
Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur
Rajmahal Palace, once the residence of Jaipur’s queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi, boasts a striking Art Deco exterior in light pink.
This luxury hotel includes 13 suites, two apartments, two restaurants, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool.
The hotel is adorned with art and decor from the royal family’s personal collection, along with bespoke wallpaper featuring motifs of peacocks, carnations and Mughal miniatures.
Guests can enjoy a Champagne High Tea at the Upper Lawns, have a private dinner in the Maharani Suite, dine at the poolside restaurant Baradari, or embark on an insider’s tour of Jaipur.
Aman-i-Khás
Located near Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khás offers guests a magnificent camping experience.
The hotel’s 10 tents are evocative of Mughal design and provide unparalleled vistas of the surrounding natural landscape.
Visitors can opt to have breakfast at the retreat’s guava farm, swim in the traditional stepwell-inspired outdoor pool, go for a wildlife safari with expert guide Daulat Singh or partake in private cooking classes at Aman-i-Khás’ Dining Tent.
Housing palatial interiors and state-of-the-art fixtures, the hotel is the perfect venue to unwind after a day of wildlife safaris.
Don’t miss the lavish hotel’s delicious Rajasthani thalis.
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is a charming seaside resort featuring traditional Keralite heritage cottages.
Located on a stunning 32-acre cliff-top in the village of Pulinkudi, eight kilometres south of Kovalam, this luxurious retreat offers guests breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
Visitors can enjoy a range of wellness offerings, including traditional Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation and pranayama sessions.
The resort’s dining options include Café Samsara, an all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, and Essence, a vibrant Southeast Asian and seafood eatery.
So if you’re looking for a luxurious wellness retreat, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is the place to visit.
Ananda In The Himalayas
A popular hotel among celebrities, Ananda In The Himalayas is a regal retreat nestled near Rishikesh among the picturesque Sal forests.
This luxurious property is celebrated for its impeccable service, beautiful interiors and stunning location.
It is especially renowned for its award-winning Ayurvedic, yogic and international wellness programmes, tailored to meet individual health goals.
Additionally, the expert team at Ananda curates personalised experiences, including nature safaris, river rafting and guided tours of ancient temples and monasteries.
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Aravallis, this luxury hotel is a restored 14th-century fort.
It features a 30,000-square-foot Six Senses Spa and fitness centre, 43 guest suites and five marquee suites.
The spa offers treatments and customised wellness programmes based on the preventative principles of Eastern medicine.
In 2023, Six Senses Fort Barwara collaborated with renowned sleep expert Michael J Breus to develop the innovative ‘Sleep with Six Senses’ programme.
This programme includes a sleep tracker, with results analysed during a consultation with a wellness expert who recommends personalised lifestyle changes and treatments.
SUJÁN The Serai
Reminiscent of the royal caravans of the Rajputs, this boutique hotel features 14 luxurious tented suites set within a 100-acre private estate.
Six of these suites offer private walled gardens and dip pools, while the royal tented suite boasts a private spa, outdoor pool and dedicated dining and lounge tents.
SUJÁN The Serai provides exceptional service and unique experiences such as desert treks, bird-watching and stargazing trails.
Craft workshops, camel safaris, cooking classes and private musical performances are other activities to indulge in.
The Oberoi Udaivilas
Located near the scenic Lake Pichola in Udaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas is one of India’s most luxurious hotels.
The architecture reflects the grandeur of traditional Indian palaces in Udaipur.
Each 1,150-square-foot luxury suite includes a ten-metre outdoor private infinity pool and a tented dining pavilion.
The hotel’s Kohinoor Suite boasts two opulent bedrooms, a living room with working fireplaces and a private pool with stunning views of the City Palace, Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills.
Guests can enjoy private dining under an intricately carved lakeside dome adorned with fresh marigold flowers and illuminated by candlelight.
The Belgadia Palace
The majestic Belgadia Palace is just over three hours away from Kolkata.
The royal family of Mayurbhanj transformed a section of their ancestral palace into a boutique hotel.
It boasts exquisite artworks and antiques that celebrate Odisha’s rich history.
The 200-year-old palace offers grand suites, conference spaces, a billiards room, a theatre room, a rooftop performance area, a gym, a spa and a museum.
Guests can enjoy chhau dance performances, visit handicraft villages, meet dhokra artists or embark on bird-watching trails.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a historical landmark in Rajasthan and a contemporary icon of Jodhpur.
Once the home of the Jodhpur royal family, it is now the world’s sixth-largest private residence.
The palace features palm court marble, the same creamy Makrana marble used by Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens frequented by dancing peacocks, the palace boasts a subterranean pool and offers 70 opulent Art Deco-style rooms and suites.
Guests can relax at the Trophy Bar, indulge in signature treatments at the spa, embark on a heritage walk and explore the original architecture of this royal abode.
Taj Aravali Resort & Spa
Taj Aravali Resort and Spa features 176 well-appointed rooms, suites and luxury tents across a landscape of varying elevations.
While contemporary and convenient, the design is inspired by Rajasthani architecture and its rich nomadic culture.
The resort offers extensive sports and fitness facilities, including modern squash and badminton courts and a gymnasium.
It also has a 34-seater movie theatre, a signature spa and lavish banquet venues.
Dining options include the all-day diner Tiri, the speciality pure vegetarian restaurant Javitri and the alfresco grill Ridgeview.
The exceptional Odeypore Lounge bar overlooks the pool and gardens.
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Once the home of the Nizam of Hyderabad, this palatial retreat boasts 60 guestrooms and suites, as well as a world-class spa.
It contains two exceptional dining venues – the Indian fine-dining restaurant, Adaa, and the multi-cuisine eatery, Celeste.
Guests can partake in a variety of activities.
These range from guided heritage walks to private dining experiences and even horse-drawn chariot rides.
The Leela Palace New Delhi
The Leela Palace New Delhi is renowned for its opulent accommodations, world-class amenities and impeccable service.
Situated in the heart of New Delhi, it offers a grand experience with its elegant architecture, lavish interiors and exquisite dining options.
Guests can savour exquisite Indian cuisine at Jamavar, enjoy global flavours at Le Cirque or relax with a refreshing drink at The Library Bar.
For those wanting a relaxing stay, the hotel features a luxurious spa where guests can rejuvenate their mind, body and soul with holistic treatments and therapies.
From massages to facials and yoga sessions, the spa offers a tranquil retreat for relaxation.
India is a treasure trove of opulence and grandeur, with these hotels offering a unique blend of luxury, culture and hospitality.
Whether you seek the regal elegance of a historic palace, the tranquillity of a secluded mountain retreat, or the modern sophistication of a cosmopolitan city escape, these hotels cater to every taste and desire.
As you plan your next indulgent getaway, consider adding one of these exceptional properties to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
Loading ...