The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, Kashmir
Beautiful meadows, lush green mountains, clear blue sky, snow-filled grounds where pine trees proudly emerge – these are the exhilarating views you get everywhere around this luxurious boutique hotel in India. This, coupled with the world’s highest ski-lift (the Gulmarg Gondola) being just around the corner, Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is much-sought-after among tourists and trekking enthusiasts alike. Spread across 7 acres and built in true Kashmiri style, each of its spacious, perfectly climate-controlled rooms with wall-length windows, rich silk and wool carpets and sunken baths, stand ready to pamper you. Do try authentic Kashmiri tea and some yummy finger food at their terrace-tea lounge Chaikash.
Our favorite bit: They have something for everyone. The adventurous can head for trekking or skiing. Others can relax in their heated pool overlooking some stunning scenery, or hang out in their sheesha lounge or mini theatre.
Location: Gulmarg Near Gandola
Tariff: INR 16,000* per night
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam, Kerala
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With an intention of restoring the architectural heritage of Kerala, this luxury boutique hotel in India decided to bring historical, traditional Kerala homes from different parts of the state onto its property located on a cliff above the Arabian Sea. Today, each of its 31 rooms is a thread exhibiting age-old Kerala décor and designs. Choose from its Premium rooms for some stunning sea-views, and bask in their tubs placed in outdoor gardens. Their award-winning spa indulges in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Thai treatments. Lose and then find yourself through their guided meditation, relax at their warm infinity pool, or hit the in-house restaurants for some delicious Kerala food—they serve some really amazing appam and stew.
Our favorite bit: Taking long showers in their open-air bathrooms and doing yoga amid the sounds of waves at their cliffside pavilion.
Location: Surya Samudra Pk.Vi/567, New XII 534, Pulinkudi, Mullur, Vizhinjam, Kovalam
Tariff: Rs. 16,692* per night
Book Your Stay at Niraamaya Retreats
Samode Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Host to celebrities, theatre personalities, artists and tourists, Samode Palace combines the best of Indian and Mughal architecture. Explore the walls, touch the pillars and feel the stories of the ancient past come alive before you at this 475-year old palace. Nestled in the Aravalli hills, this palace makes you feel like a true royal, especially when you sink into their luxurious beds or try out the royal Rajasthani cuisine at their two restaurants. Keep aside a good amount of time just to explore the palace, because there is so much to admire and soak in. In case you wish to go sightseeing in the city, this boutique hotel has some very good vans and drivers. Their outdoor pools and spa facilities are quite popular among the guests. For car lovers, the Maharaja has quite a collection of vintage cars. Check them out!
Our favorite bit: The astounding view of the hills from both their outdoor pools. The time comes to a standstill here.
Location: Samode Palace, Samode Distt.Jaipur
Tariff: INR 23,000* per night
Book Your Stay at Samode Palace
Vivenda Dos Palhaços, Goa
This is a 20th-century picturesque Portuguese villa run by sibling-owners Simon and Charlotte Hayward. Having stayed in India for over four decades, the hosts are English, yet thoroughly Indian, and they ensure that all their guests have a stay they will remember for a lifetime. This quaint boutique hotel in Goa wins hearts with its friendly staff, relaxing outdoor pool, attractive lounge, and tasty Goan delicacies. Chat up with the owners if you wish to know more Indian and Goan culture. Oh yes, make way for their three dogs whose love you will not be able to resist for long.
Our favorite bit: Each room here is designed differently. While you may find one room with thick wood interiors, another may have metal walls with ceramic pottery.
Location: Costa Vaddo, Majorda, Madgaon, South Goa
Book Your Stay at Vivenda Dos Palhacos
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Every single person visiting this boutique hotel in Darjeeling is awed by the unforgettable experience it offers, so much so that guests often forgo sight-seeing activities in the city just to relax in this cozy, beautiful plantation retreat lying on a hillock above the banks of River Rungeet. Run by one of the pioneering tea planting families, Glenburn treats you to some breath-taking views of the Kanchenjunga and some fascinating sunrises and sunsets. The spacious rooms are decorated in English country house style with awesome seating areas, and French doors leading to small balconies or colorful gardens. They have a vegetable garden from where they pick up fresh produce to whip up delicious food.
Our favorite tip: The hike till the river which will be followed by a tasty, sumptuous lunch accompanied with beer. And their never-ending Glenburn First Flush tea sessions.
Location: Near Samaritan, Darjeeling
Book Your Stay at Glenburn Tea Estate
* Prices may vary
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