Treat yourself to the best luxury hotels in India
Our readers share their favourites and must-stay spots
Growing up on Disney films and fairytales, we’ve probably all dreamed of a perfect fantasy world with fairy godmothers turning rags into designer dresses, expensive balls and handsome knights. The older we get, we realise that the corsets would make us pass out, the thought of being in a room with hundreds of strangers is less of a ball and more of an anxiety trigger, and there’s no serenading out a window, only screaming for the sabzi wallah to wait five more minutes so you can make sure your 5-year-old doesn’t throw his breakfast plate against a wall in a tantrum while you run down to get veggies.
Reality might have set in, but you can live out some of your fairytale fantasies by heading to India’s best luxury hotels. With summer in full swing, lounge by the pool (remember your sunscreen) while getting served refreshing, experimental cocktails. Book a jeep safari and go tiger spotting. Take in the splendour of architecture and get some snaps for the ‘gram to make your mum’s kitty party frenemies jealous.
You might be asking, why? We say, why not? You’ve slogged at work, negotiated the raise you deserve, and juggled professional and personal responsibilities like a circus pro, all while making sure you’re sticking to your investment plan. Treat yourself.
It could be a family getaway, a trip with your girlfriends or a solo trip. With fine wines and dining, music, art and spas, the best luxury hotels in India have everything and more. Take your pick from the opulent palaces of Rajasthan to the serene backwaters of Kerala. Our Tweak readers gave us a wide range of their favourites across our diverse country. So take a cue from then, and write your own fairytale.
13 of India’s best luxury hotels
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
With over five thousand five-star ratings, the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur is in the top spot TripAdvisor’s list of the best luxury hotels in the world. And our Tweak readers widely agreed with the title, with Krutika adding, “A stay here is like living in a dream, the horse carriage, the thousands of peacocks dancing around, it’s a sight to behold.”
Dubbed ‘The Jewel of Jaipur’, the palace as you see it today was primarily constructed under the aegis of Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II, arguably better known as Maharani Gayatri Devi’s husband.
Enjoy high tea while watching the sunset, try your hand at horseriding or have a Jodhaa Akbar moment while strolling through the palace grounds. Prices vary depending on the season, with a night’s repose starting from approximately ₹32,500. The Grand Presidential Suite, on the other hand, will lighten your bank account by about ₹3.6 lakhs.
Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Built during colonial rule in 1902, Wildflower Hall comes recommended by Tweak reader Samai, and Gitika Mehra. It was the former abode of Lord Kitchener, a senior British Army officer. Taking what the British left us and making it better, the Wildflower Hall resort retains colonial architecture with modern luxuries – like a temperature-controlled swimming pool.
With rooms filled with the warm fragrance of the dark teak wood furniture, rustic picnics, stocked libraries, snooker and billiards room, mountain biking trekking, and delicious meals, a night’s stay costs ₹30,400.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
If you’re planning a trip to Hyderabad, the Taj Falaknuma Palace is not just a hotel but an experience that transports you to a bygone era. Once the residence of the ruling Nizam, every nook and cranny of this grand space exudes an old-school, old-money charm.
You’ve got a grand staircase and high ceilings with shimmering chandeliers. The magnificent Durbar Hall is home to the world’s largest dining table, a selection of vintage cars and the famed Shahi Dastarkhan, an elaborate dining setup reminiscent of the Nizam era. In a palace perched on a hill overlooking the city, sip on some champagne and imagine you’re overseeing your kingdom. It’ll cost you, though.
Caravela Beach Resort, South Goa
Vouched for by readers Roop Priya and Meghna Sadan, as well as 6,272 positive Trip Advisor reviews, Caravela is where you want to be booked if surf, sand, and a splash of luxury are your idea of a vacation. Wake up in the morning to the sound of crashing waves and swaying palm trees outside your window. Sip on cocktails on the beach, and watch your children’s pupils dilate in delight at the live pizza-making station at the hotel restaurant.
With a golf course, swim-up pools, spa, hands-on staff and lots of kiddie activities too – not to mention the Goan delicacies – this is the break you deserve.
Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore
If tiger spotting is on your bucket list (we have some tips) and you’re willing to drop some cash, then head straight to this glamping spot in Ranthambore. For adventurous souls seeking luxury amidst untamed wilderness, Aman-i-Khas is set in the heart of the tiger reserve.
The secluded resort brings you closer to nature without compromising on comfort. Imagine lounging in lavish tents, dining under the stars with live local performances, and embarking on thrilling wildlife safaris. If the jungle starts getting to you, take a break at their spa facilities. “It’s an all-around wild experience you’ll never forget,” says Yasmeen Hussain.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Welcome to Umaid Bhawan Palace, an enchanting oasis of luxury nestled in the heart of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This majestic palace-turned-hotel is almost like a historical time capsule, being hailed as one of the last great palaces of the country that’s been given a facelift with modern opulence and amenities.
If you were a Jo-Bro fan and heartbroken over Nick marrying Priyanka Chopra here, then you could potentially recreate their wedding. A favourite of Dr Neelam Nalge, Priyanka Girhotra and Aditi Sojatia, at ₹39,000+/night, dig into the past at the palace’s museum, which showcases a remarkable collection of artefacts and memorabilia.
Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments inspired by ancient rituals and traditions, or take a dip in the sparkling swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Taj Exotica is an eco-chic haven for nature lovers with a taste for the finer things in life. With white sandy beaches, fresh seafood, crystal-clear waters and luxe villas with mangroves all around, you’re going to have to resist the urge to throw your cell phone into the sea and break up with reality after a visit here (charging ₹25,500 per night). “I didn’t want to go back!” says Tweak reader Sunaina Patel.
The hotel boasts multiple sustainability initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, partial solar energy, their own biogas facility and partnering with the Pollution Control Board to keep the island plastic free.
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace is more than just one of the best luxury hotels in India; it’s a place of history and mourning – a cultural institution with an unmatched legacy. Situated opposite the iconic Gateway of India, the hotel is a treat for architecture geeks and also has its very own collection of art.
Join the sparkling roster of celebrities, dignitaries, and artists from around the world who have rested their eyes under this roof from the day its gates opened to its first 17 guests in 1903.
Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh
Technically, you could say this is one of the most renowned wellness retreats in the world, but when it’s Oprah approved and feels like you’ve been dropped in the lap of the luxury gods, it makes it to the list.
Not only Oprah, but our reader Pallavi too. The luxury resort was the residence of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Ananda is a picturesque sanctuary who everyone who is on the ‘pray’ stage of their Eat, Pray, Love travel journey to indulge in healing yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. This is a place to find your inner zen with different programmes, ranging from stress and pain management to panchakarma, yoga and detoxes.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Ipsa Jamwal Lahiri, Shilpi Singhal, and Pallavi rained praises about the splendour of the Lake Palace. Situated on Jag Niwas Island in Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, it was built in 1743 and named Jag Niwas after Maharana Jagat Singh II.
Wake up in the morning, and step out into the balcony to take in the serene waters and panoramic views of the lake and the Aravalli Mountains. As with all Taj hotels, the service is impeccable, leaving nothing for you to worry about other than having a restful and relaxing vacation at one of the best luxury hotels in India.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
“I wish I could live at the L’Occitane spa at Khyber,” says Mrunalini Ghosh. This breathtaking retreat is nestled amidst the pristine beauty of Gulmarg. A haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers and those looking for an escape in the lap of nature.
Snow-capped peaks and lush valleys surround you to hike through and go snowboarding or skiing. If you prefer to stay indoors, then there’s a spa, gym and temperature-controlled pool to lounge around by, with floor-to-ceiling windows for you to take in the view.
Welcomehotel By ITC Hotels, The Savoy, Mussoorie
Walking into The Savoy feels like stepping into a Ruskin Bond novel.
Sprawling lawns, an opulent dining hall and a bar perfect for writers to scribble down quick observations of the people they see around them. It’s the kind of space that gets your creative juices flowing while pampering you. Located bang on Mall Road, you’re near all the main attractions of the city, though we doubt you’ll want to step out of this beautiful colonial-era property.
If seeing the Taj Mahal is on your bucket list, then you’ll want to add Amarvilas as the place to stay, located just 600 metres away. Aarti Bhatia hails a stay here as”luxury at its best.”
We say this is the perfect pick for a couple’s getaway – leave the children with their grandparents and duck out. Scrumptious cuisine, magnificent architecture and one of the greatest testaments to love around your doorstep? The bill would be heavy but, can you really put a price on love, luxury and peace of mind?
