Best Resorts in India that are Destinations in Themselves
When planning a holiday most of us choose a destination first and then chalk out the rest of the details – where to stay, how to get there, what to do in that destination, and so on. But what if all this effort could be reduced to half, if not more? What if you could go for a vacation to a resort that is a destination in itself?
Yes, you heard that right. From luxury, romantic or spa retreat to a houseboat and even a treehouse stay, these 10 resorts guarantee a stress-free vacation!
Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Offering unparalleled luxury in traditional Rajasthani splendor, Oberoi Udaivilas supersedes expectations. Domed lakefront palaces, sprawling courtyards, nine swimming pools, and a 20-acre wildlife sanctuary – get ready to be wowed by one of India’s finest resorts.
USP: Ranked as the Number One ‘Favourite Luxury Hotel in India’ - The Outlook Traveller, 2015
Top Experiences: A romantic shikara ride with wine and canapés, Oberoi signature spa therapies, Rajasthani folk dance, private city tour by boat, tribal village visit
Dining: Suryamahal and Chandni (multi-cuisine restaurant with City Palace and Lake Pichola views), Udaimahal (Indian cuisine with live music), The Bar
Ideal For: History lovers and those looking for a luxurious stay
Nearest Airport: Dabok, Udaipur (1-hour drive from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 21,750 per night. Book now.
The Tamara, Coorg
A unique property in the lap of nature, The Tamara features among the top romantic resorts in India. And rightfully so. With landscapes a far cry from the city’s steel grey buildings and nature walks through cardamom plantations where time slows down, The Tamara is ideal to spend some alone time with your loved one.
USP: Featured in Conde Nast’s list of ‘Top 20 Romantic Resorts in India’ (in which year).
Top Experiences: Customized coffee packs, handpicked holy Rudraksh berries, picnic in the sprawling Kabbinakad Estate, candlelit dinner by the waterfall
Dining: The Falls (multi-cuisine restaurant with ingredients sourced from the organic garden), The Deck (chic lounge bar)
Ideal For: Couples
Nearest Airport: Mysore (3-hour drive from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 14,000 per night. Book now.
Tree House Hideaway, Bandhavgarh
Take your fascination of tree houses to the next level with a stay at the Tree House Hideaway, Bandhavgarh. The stilted tree houses are nestled in 21 acres of private jungle area and overlook the tiger reserve. There’s even a watering hole (read: bar), which overlooks a water body frequented by animals including the tiger!
USP: Staying in a luxurious tree house at the heart of wilderness
Top Experiences: Tree top dining, tiger spotting in a jeep safari, workshops with bamboo weavers, picnic at Bandhavgarh Fort
Dining: Dining Hall (built on a 100-year old Mahua Tree, offers Indian and Continental fare), The Watering Hole (bar-cum-lounge)
Ideal For: Animal lovers, adventure enthusiasts
Nearest Airport: Jabalpur (3-hour drive from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 18,000 per night. Book now.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Gulmarg
A luxurious hideaway in the Himalayas, The Khyber Resort is the newest addition to the top spa resorts in India. The interiors are styled in traditional Kashmiri-style décor while the outdoors mirror the resort’s beauty. The resort is a treat to the eyes with acres of greenery and the snow-covered Pir Panjal Mountains.
USP: The Khyber Spa by L’Occitane offers a private steam chamber and signature treatments made from seasonal flora.
Top Experiences: Stargazing, trekking to Khilanmarg Valley, Gulmarg Gondola ride to Kongdoori Mountain (the highest ski point in the Himalayas)
Dining: Cloves (multi-cuisine restaurant that offers Wazwan, a traditional Kashmiri meal), Nouf (terrace restuarant), Chaikash (from Kashmiri kahwah to herbal teas), Calabsh (cigar and sheesha lounge)
Ideal For: Spa, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts
Nearest Airport: Srinagar (2-hour drive from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 13,750 per night. Book now.
Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad
A unique eco-friendly property in the verdant hills of Wayanad, Banasura Hill Resort is made entirely of mud, bamboo furnishings and coconut palm leaf roofs. With tea and cashew plantations, birdwatching spots and rippling streams in a 35-acre land, the resort brings nature to your doorstep.
USP: India’s only ‘Earth’ resort in the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Experiences: A night of songs and games by the campfire, trekking to Wayanad’s highest Chambra Peak, souvenirs and artefacts made by tribal artisans
Dining: GuaDua, the bamboo restaurant (healthy Indian dishes, traditional Kerala fare)
Ideal For: Nature lovers, couples
Nearest Airport: Calicut (3-hour drive from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 8,900 per night. Book now.
Vivanta by Taj - Fisherman's Cove, Covelong
A beachfront property built on the ramparts of a Dutch fort, Vivanta by Taj - Fisherman's Cove is designed to bring the outdoors inside. Long walks on the beach, live music in the lobby, reading a book on the hammock –sounds like sheer bliss, won’t you agree? Vivanta by Taj is a perfect mélange of sun, sand and the cool sea breeze.
USP: The signature Jiva Spa and three specialty restaurants
Top Experiences: Cruising the Bay of Bengal in a Catamaran, a customized four-course meal with bay views at the Watch Tower, seeing newly hatched Olive Ridley Turtles, deep sea fishing
Dining: Bay View (seafood restaurant), Upper Deck (Mediterranean restaurant overlooking the Bay of Bengal), Seagull (all-day dining, multi-cuisine), Anchor Bar (fresh fruit cocktails and continental fare), Sun Burst (sunken pool bar)
Ideal For: Beach lovers and those looking for some ‘me’ time
Nearest Airport: Chennai (1-hour drive from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 9,450 per night. Book now.
Neemrana Fort, Delhi-Jaipur Highway
Step back in time and feel like Rajasthani royalty at the 15th century Neemrana Fort that lies midway between Delhi and Jaipur. A preferred location for shooting Bollywood movies, the 11-tiered fort palace is filled with hidden nooks, labyrinths, and even an 18thcentury stepwell.
USP: Neemrana offers India’s first zip lining tour
Top Experiences: Vintage car rides, camel cart ride to a nearby village, an audio-visual tour of the fort
Dining: Maha Burj restaurant (gala dinner with cultural performances available)
Ideal For: History lovers, those on the lookout for a weekend getaway
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (2-hour drive from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 7,500 per night. Book now.
Park Hyatt Resort and Spa, Goa
If your kids are turning the house upside down with their vacation demands, take them to Park Hyatt in Goa. They will have a whale of a time at the unique Camp Hyatt. It offers pottery classes, a movie room, library, water slides at the pool and more for kids aged 5 to 12 years.
USP: Ranked as the Number One ‘Favourite Leisure Hotel in India’ - Conde Nast Traveller India Readers’ Travel Awards 2014; Award-winning Sereno Spa
Top Experiences: Cooking classes, visit to an old Goan village, scuba diving in Bogmalo Beach, sunset cruise along the Mandovi
Dining: Casa Sarita (signature fine-dining Goan restaurant)
Ideal For: Families, Beach lovers
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (15 minutes from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 7,700 per night. Book now.
Thengal Manor, Jorhat
A 70-year old bungalow in a tea plantation, WelcomHeritage Thengal Manor offers a palatial stay in the Assamese village of Jalukonibari. With immaculate lawns, a classical portico and period furniture, the stately mansion is reminiscent of the colonial era.
USP: A unique stay in a village, which has remained unchanged over the past few decades
Top Experiences: Fishing tour, watching artisans at work, games like Chinese checkers and scrabble
Dining: In-house restaurant (international cuisines including traditional North-Eastern fare)
Ideal For: Tea lovers, those on the lookout for some alone time
Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport, Assam (15-minute drive from the resort)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 12,900 per night. Book now.
St Crispin Heritage Houseboat Kottayam
The perfect way to explore the idyllic backwaters of Kerala, a houseboat is on the bucket list for many. Staying in a traditional Kerala houseboat in God’s Own Country makes for a romantic, soothing, and one-of-a-kind experience.
USP: From shimmering waterways to tropical greenery, staying in St Crispin Heritage Houseboat is the perfect way to discover the hidden beauties of nature.
Top Experiences: Enjoy local food, explore the backwaters
Dining: From a refreshing welcome drink to delectable seafood, you will have the chance to savour freshly cooked dishes of Kerala
Ideal For: Couples
Nearest Airport: Kochi (2 hours 30 minutes away from Kottayam)
Approximate Cost: Starting from Rs. 21,250 per night. Book now.
Here’s a super saver deal for you! Book the following resorts now and get 35% off.
Tamara Coorg, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa Gulmarg, Banasura Hill Resort Wayanad, Thengal Manor Jorhat, St. Crispin Heritage Houseboat Kottayam
*Please note that all tariffs are subject to change.
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