RAAS Haveli is a luxury boutique hotel, which blends perfectly with the old walled city of Jodhpur. It offers impressive view of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and easy access to the lively Clock Tower and its bazaar. The architecture combines the traditional Rajput style with the new modern design, cleverly using the famous Jodhpur blue and the local red sandstone that blends nicely with the city.
Ananda in the Himalayas is a luxury destination spa, set in the foothills of the majestic Himalaya mountain range. Located above the holy city of Rishikesh it offers spellbinding views over verdant virgin forests and the sacred Ganges River. Ananda was created from the palace and estate of the Maharajas of Tehri-Garhwal, this award-winning Ayurvedic spa offers world-class relaxation and retreat. It is in fact the world’s best Ayurvedic spa.
Baghvan Jungle Lodge, managed by Taj Hotels is a safari lodge near Pench National Park. Located on the edge of the tiger reserve, adjacent to a stream and amongst lush forest, the intimate Baghvan Pench Jungle Lodge, has just 12 standalone suites with beautifully done-up interiors. Each suite is a set of rooms; a bedroom with a four-poster bed and an adjoining verandah. Beyond was a great surprise; an open-air shower, a luxurious amenity especially in the Indian summer.
Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, is a luxury hotel that sits exclusively in the middle of Lake Pichola. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Hills on one side, and regal palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – like an almost surreal vision in marble. Conceived by a Mewar prince, Maharana Jagat Singh II, as a pleasure palace in the 18fth-century, has turned into one of the most romantic hotels in the world.
Mahua Kothi is a Taj Safari Lodge in Bandhavgarh National Park, a renowned tiger reserve. The name ‘Mahua Kothi’ draws its inspiration from one of India’s most beautiful trees, the Mahua tree with fleshy off–white flowers that play a central role in festivals and rituals. The Lodge sprawls over the 40-acre grounds, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. The original kothi (homestead) comprises the guest areas and has been beautifully renovated.
The Oberoi Rajvilas is a purpose-built palace resort on the outskirts of Jaipur. Its superb design blends classic Rajasthani architecture with ancient majesty and contemporary sophistication. The hotel spreads out in a fort like setting with pavilions, reflection pools and courtyards. The large central courtyard houses an ancient Shiva temple, surrounded by a pond which attracts several birds that nest in this zone. Peacocks strut around the property and add wonderful ambient music for the morning wake up call.
Oberoi Udaivilas is a unique luxury hotel in Udaipur, located on the banks of a beautiful Lake Pichola. Built as a royal residence on 30 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains and pavilions, Udaivilas offers a tranquil and romantic ambience against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills. Set in the city of majestic palaces and beautiful lakes, Udaipur's Oberoi Udaivilas, mirrors that luxury with its own expansive courtyards, fountains and reflecting pools.
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, set against the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, amidst walled gardens is a luxury jungle resort. This safari-camp-cum-boutique hotel, has just 25 spacious and elegant tents dotted through the Indian jungle. Each spacious tented room is set around waterlily ponds with an outside deck for sunbathing. Vanyavilas, meaning Jungle Lodge, forms a perfect base from which to explore the Ranthambore Jungles in search of the majestic tiger.
The stunning Umaid Bhawan Palace, was built in the early 20th-century with a purpose; to give employment to the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s famine stricken populace and to build a landmark in Jodhpur. Today, Umaid Bhawan is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. And, though the Maharajah, still has his own private wing and grounds, the rest of the imposing royal residence is turned into a luxury hotel. You can now enjoy the luxuries once exclusive for the royals.
The Wildflower Hall, Shimla is a colonial retreat house, built by Lord Kitchner, as his retreat on a vantage ridge-top outside Shimla. Lord Kitchner’s inspiration were the alluring views of the Himalayas from the hills around Shimla. The old house has long gone but the prime location inspired a new and better property to develop. Today, the Oberoi’s Wildflower Hall takes its place and keeps his spirit alive.
