If there’s one destination that may have had more billionaires pass through this year than St. Tropez, it may be India. Something about a $500-million-dollar wedding of one of the wealthiest families in the world was the draw. Notwithstanding those lavish festivities, India is a bucket-list destination itself, with some of the most lavish hotels in the world. And the best part is you don’t need to be a maharaja to stay – just darn close.
Hotel: Ananda In The Himalayas
Location: Himalayas
When Oprah is quoted saying, “Going to Ananda is more like a pilgrimage than a visit,” you know you’re in for something special; It’s Oprah we’re talking about. When you hear of all the spiritual healing retreats in India, let this be your choice, because the other retreats are taking notes from Ananda. First off, the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal once owned the palace estate.
In the center of the Himalayan foothills (the origin of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation), there is no shortage of ancient practices, despite being in the 21st century. You’ll be surrounded by Ayurveda, from the rooms and villas to the 24,000-square-foot spa. A consultation starts your experience with a tailor-made daily ritual from over 80 body and beauty treatments, five yoga options, seven forms of meditation (hypnotherapy included), and a nutrition plan. If you’re looking for an intensive wellness regime, this is it.
Hotel: Amanbagh
Location: Rajasthan
Amanbagh is what fairy tales are made of. In the Aravalli Hills, Amanbagh rests in a garden oasis. Royal tiger hunts for the Maharaja of Alwar once served as the primary purpose of the land, and now, towering Mughal-inspired buildings stand tall. Think vaulted ceilings, ornamentation, and dramatic archways surrounded by palms, eucalyptus, and fruit trees. You can choose between a pavilion or suite for your stay; all offer a king-sized bed, a writing desk where you can keep a record of your safari sightings, and a bathtub carved from Udaipur green marble.
The hotel includes a daily breakfast, guided morning walks, tours of the gardens, yoga sessions, and afternoon tea. It wouldn’t be Aman if they didn’t embed cultural activities in the making — eating included. You can dine in numerous curated spaces like the Pool Pavilion or Rooftop Chatri—make it a dinner surrounded by hundreds of diya lamps. When you’re full and ready to explore, bangle making, Jaipur jewel hunting, tiger sanctuary visits, and camel polo (yes, that’s a real thing) combine wilderness and luxury.
Hotel: The Oberoi Rajvilas
Location: Jaipur
At this point, you have your pick of royal grounds — it’s more about which fits your vibe best. The Oberoi Rajvilas is a palace on a lake, and even the tent accommodations have private pools for the sea nymphs. While all Oberoi properties are grand in their own right, The Oberoi Rajvilas is the best. The rooms have the same bone structure, elegant four-poster beds, sunken tubs, and warm, inviting colors.
Let’s circle back to the tents — because how can a royal glamping experience not pique your interest? Emphasis on the “glam” in glamping— the luxury tents are air-conditioned, with teak wood floors, a king-sized bed, a terrace, and private gardens. The roof canopy is triple-layered and weather-resistant (selling points to make if you’re convincing your not-so-outdoorsy companion to join). The hotel has a warmth that invites you to relax in the space, without being intimidated to sit on the furniture, including the dining areas. You can try their authentic Indian cuisine, inspired by the most remote parts of India, or stick to your diet and focus on the wellness menu. In your free time, you can meet with an astrologer, go on a leopard safari expedition, or take a hot air balloon and admire the speedy felines from afar.
Hotel: The Oberoi Udaivilas
Location: Udaipur
The Oberoi Udaivilas has the setting down. The City of Lakes is full of rolling hilltops, temples, and gardens. The hotel sits alongside Lake Pichola and is over a million square feet, including the gardens. The property covers an enormous area. The city’s interlaced lake canals inspire the connecting corridors. The rooms also have a sense of connectivity, with matching 24-hour butler service and Indian-inspired touches in vibrant colors and a marble bathroom. Depending on your room choice, some terraces give you direct access to semi-private pools in the iconic, Oberoi-blue checkered tile.
For food, Suryamahal and Chandni offer indoor and outdoor seating under a monumental sky-blue dome, with views of the City Palace. For fine dining, Udaimahal offers traditional Indian live music. Or, suppose you want to get an even more complete cultural experience. In that case, the hotel offers pottery classes, a lakeside pavilion dinner for two, and a Thekri Workshop, where you can take home a glass inlay souvenir. Skip lugging a side table back to the States and opt for a vase.
Hotel: Six Senses Fort Barwara
Location: Rajasthan
Six Senses Fort Barwara is all about wellness; this is a place that makes you a better person. In typical Six Senses fashion, preserving the integrity of the land’s historical significance is their top priority. The Rajasthani Royal Family owned the 14th-century fort facing Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple that is now Six Senses Fort Barwara. Six Senses preserved two temples and palaces within the fort’s walls and are re-wilding the surrounding forest. The 48 suites have handmade mattresses, are spacious with high ceilings, have canopy beds, and a complimentary yoga mat. The hotel emphasizes the importance of wellness by making the yoga mat a universal amenity. Your Guest Experience Maker works with you to curate a regime and activities for the day, whether visiting a meditation temple for a Puja ceremony, dinner on the fort’s highest terrace, or mixing your products at the spa’s Alchemy Bar.
Hotel: The Lodhi
Location: New Delhi
Though once an Aman, The Lodhi’s (now independent) sleek minimalist bones remain intact. The location is another highlight, placing you in the heart of an urban landscape.
Unlike other choices on the list, the Lodhi is mostly modern. We say “mostly,” because aside from the many room features like a TOTO toilet, floating daybeds, plunge pools, and glass walls, there are traditional Indian touches throughout. The few royal suites also take you back in time. The Sultan Suite is inspired by the Sultans who once ruled, decked in gold bedding, walls, and frames, while the Belle Époque Suite is outfitted with impressionist paintings and antiques. Of course, there are still flatscreens and built-in saunas, too. The Lodhi also has a notable chef worthy of a shout-out. Chef Manish Mehrotra helms Indian Accent, a world-leading restaurant, where he curated a menu fusing seasonal ingredients with unusual ones. Multiple prestigious awards recognize his innovation, including a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for nine years.
FAQs
Q: Are children allowed at Ananda?
A: There is an age minimum requirement at Ananda. Children must be at least 14 years old.
Q: Is The Oberoi Rajvilas’ Raj Mahal open all-year-round?
A: No, the Raj Mahal is open for dinner from late October to March.
Q: What are The Lodhi’s Indian Accent Restaurant hours?
A: Indian Accent is open all week. Lunch starts at noon and ends at 2:45 pm, and dinner has a seating that begins at 6:45pm and a second one at 9:45pm. However, the kitchen closes at 10:30pm.
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