47 Jobner Bagh is a stylish and boutique guesthouse, located in central Jaipur. Shiva Gujar, who earlier had a successful jewellery business, worked with the late Italian architect Paola Giacomini to create this charming retreat, filling the gap in Jaipur’s hotel industry which had either restored palaces or simple guesthouses. Situated just beyond the edge of the old walled city, in what was once the garden of the Maharajah of Jobner, it offers both luxury and a homestay experience.
A Beach Symphony is a beachfront boutique resort, set amongst tropical gardens on Kerala’s most beautiful and serene Marari beach. The property is managed by Jan and Christel, a Belgian husband-and-wife team who are enthusiastic about hospitality and design. The four traditional fisherman's cottages, once neglected and dilapidated were painfully restored in its original style and furnished with local antique furniture and fitted with all the modern facilities of everyday needs.
Aanavilasam is a luxury retreat, set in the seven-acre cardamom and pepper plantation in Thekkady, on the forested hills of eastern Kerala. Owned by photographer Salim Pushpanath, he has used his artistic creativity to design this resort in a fusion of boutique and contemporary style. The bright, elegant interiors have traditional Keralan with modern minimalist style décor, while in the outdoors amongst the estate’s tropical gardens is an eclectic mix of birdsong, frogs and crickets.
ABN Charaidew II offers an enchanting experience, merging classic riverboat aesthetics with modern comfort. The vessel's architecture exudes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of colonial steamers, featuring a two-tiered structure with a panoramic top deck, ideal for viewing the lush landscapes of Assam. The ship's design incorporates large windows and open areas that enhance the natural beauty surrounding the river.
ABN Raj Mahal, an exquisite river cruiser, presents a blend of traditional Indian architecture and contemporary design, crafting a visually stunning and culturally immersive experience. The ship features colonial-inspired latticework, rich wood panelling, and intricately carved furniture, reflecting the opulent era of the Raj. Its architecture cleverly integrates modern safety and navigation features, ensuring a harmonious balance between aesthetic allure and functional design.
Ahilya by The Sea is a charming small resort, set near the small quiet fishing village of Nerul overlooking the Arabian Sea, north of Panaji in Goa. Formerly the private estate of the prominent local Trinidades family of Goa’s greatest painter, the property was recently converted into a boutique hotel. The name, and much of the inspiration, comes from ‘Prince’ Richard Holkar, a long-time Trinidades family friend, who also owns Ahilya Fort, in Maheshwar, Rajasthan.
Ahilya Fort is an exclusive boutique hotel, set in an 18th-century fort overlooking the sacred Narmada River, in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Once a crumbling ruin, it has been beautifully renovated back to its original glory, courtesy of owner Prince Richard Holkar, a descendant of Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar and the last Maharajah of Indore. Today, the impressive fort gives guests an intimate glimpse of their genteel way of life, with its heirlooms, Indian art and architecture.
Alila Diwa is a beautiful Balinese-style boutique hotel, set amongst coconut groves and verdant paddy fields, on Gonsua Beach in Majorda, Goa. The resort blends contemporary Goan design with the traditional tile-roofed architecture and the surrounding village atmosphere to create an opulent haven of peace and tranquillity. Situated a bit away from the beachfront crowds, the hotel provides peaceful views over surrounding rice plantations and a serene atmosphere.
Alsisar Mahal is a luxury heritage hotel, set in an old fort in the village of Alsisar in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Once the residence of the Thakurs of Alsisar, this beautiful mansion boasts of a glorious past and stunning architecture. Now fully renovated with modern facilities, it offers guests a lovely experience in princely living. Alsisar is the traditional home of Marwari traders and serves as a perfect base from which to explore the nearby, renowned painted Havelis (merchant houses).
Amanbagh is a modern maharajah’s palace, set near the town of Alwar about two hours drive outside the fabled Indian city of Jaipur. Situated on what was once the parched corner of the Rajastani desert that served as camping grounds for royal tiger hunts, it is now a lush oasis with marble pools and surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. And yet, this modern-day palace, humbly pays homage to the traditional architecture and design that has prevailed throughout its past.
