If you’ve been to India – or even if you haven’t – it’ll come as no revelation that the country is jam-packed full of unforgettable and luxury experiences, the likes of royal palaces and luxury lodges forming the base for everything from spotting tigers to exploring world-famous monuments. Many of the best luxury resorts in India feature stunning surroundings, luxurious ambiance, exotic locations, ancient spa therapies and much more. They are designed to provide their guests with the most invigorating and relaxing experience.
1)Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Also known as Udaipur palace hotel, the Taj Lake Palace is second in the list of popular heritage hotels in Udaipur. The perfect location of the palace encircled by lake Pichola along with City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir makes a spellbinding backdrop for those dining at the top of the hotel’s terrace. It was the secluded lair of the film’s eponymous Bond Girl.
This heritage hotel has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. The incomparable location provides the perfect backdrop for the exquisite cuisines at the elegant restaurants of Taj Lake Palace. These are open only to resident guests. Signature speciality restaurants at this palace serves a choice of cuisines. Neel Kamal for authentic Rajasthani and other dishes from India; and the seasonally open-air Bhairo for contemporary European delicacies. In the evening, indulge in signature martinis, cocktails and a grand collection of premium international spirits at the bar, Amrit Sagar. Continue your being pampered as a royal at Jiva Spa, with a spa boat experience like no other. Carefully created treatments draw on the ancient wellness heritage of India, and the fabled lifestyle and savoir vivre of Indian royalty. This palace continues the tradition of grand soirees and formal levees which were hosted here by the royal family of Udaipur.
Hotel Website: Taj Lake Palace
2) Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
A five-star Taj Heritage Resort, ‘Umaid Bhawan Palace’ is an epitome of luxury, magnificence and opulence. Built in 1943, the palace is set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens and a part of it, still serves as a residence to the royal family of Jodhpur. The breath-taking beauty of the palace, made using the golden-yellow sandstone and Makrana marble, takes you in its complete awe as soon as you set your eyes on it; its sheer size and grandeur is magical enough to hypnotize you fully. Exquisite interiors, decked up in art-deco style, complete with beautiful murals, antique furnishings and elaborate carvings on walls and pillars, also add to the royal charm of the palace.
Starting right from the grand welcome, showering you with rose petals to flawless personalized services offered by the hotel staff leaving no stone unturned in making you feel like real kings and queens; you would sense the vibes of royal hospitality at every inch of your stay here.
Hotel Website: Umaid Bhawan Palace
3)The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Falling in love with the charm of the “City of Lakes” is easy when you are staying at the best hotel in Udaipur: The Oberoi Udaivilas. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, this 5 star hotel is spread over 30 acres of luxuriant gardens, with an intricate layout of interconnecting domes and corridors that reflect the layout of Udaipur itself; whose seven lakes are linked by canals.
Superior accommodations, fine restaurants serving signature cuisine and a quiet emphasis on your wellbeing with daily yoga and personally curated spa therapies. All brought alive by the sincere attention to your every need that is distinctively Oberoi. The Oberoi Udaivilas offers an exclusive and spectacular views across the lake and one of the world’s best resort.
Hotel Website: The Oberoi Udaivilas
4)Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Hyderabad goes by many names: The City of Smiles and the Pearl City are two of them, and give a good idea of what Hyderabad is all about: happiness, beauty, and history. Hyderabad offers a variety of beautiful attractions and activities ranging from historical monuments, parks, lakes, gardens, and museums, along with delightful shopping experiences and delectable local cuisine.
Hyderabad offers a panorama of the past that juxtaposes ancient history, culture, and traditions of the bygone glorious years with a splash of high-tech modernity over everyday life. Like most of the other Taj Hotels, Taj Falaknuma Palace was once occupied by Indian royals. Overlooking the twinkling City of Pearls, this enchanting palace hotel in Hyderabad exudes romance and grandeur that take one back to when the Nizam ruled Hyderabad.
The ancient architecture of this palace is captivating, reminiscencent of the lifestyle of Indian Nizams and British kings. It is equipped with luxurious Mughal style rooms, world class conference halls, private pools, and a wide range of restaurants, bars, a spa, and natural lawns. It is also in close proximity to tourist attractions like Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Golconda Fort, Salarjung Museum, the film city of Ramoji, and Qutubshahi tombs—all perfect options for honeymooning history buffs.
Hotel Website : Taj Falaknuma Palace
5)Ananda in the Himalayas , Uttarakhand
First on our list is Ananda in The Himalayas, the name itself translates to ‘bliss’. Located in the lap of Himalayas, Ananda is synonymous with wellness and luxury holidays in India. Truly, the epitome of bliss, Ananda is spread over 24,000 square feet. Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas between the cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar, overlooking the River Ganga it is by all means, a haven. Located on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, the sprawling luxury spa property is definitely an idyllic setting for pampering stay.
The spa menu serves besides Ayurveda therapies; treatments de-stress, detox, anti-ageing treatments, healing particular ailments, weight-loss, inch-loss, chakra balancing etc. In addition, there are 24 treatment rooms and a panel of therapists, nutritionist, physicians and fitness experts pampering guests in every way possible.
Webiste: Ananda in the Himalayas