Brunton Boatyard, Fort Cochin, Kerala
Housed in a Victorian-style building on the remains of a colonial-era shipbuilding yard in historic Fort Cochin, The Brunton Boatyard is a hotel you need to experience. With traditional Keralan decor, antique wooden furnishings, and breathtaking views of the Arabian sea, the rooms are every bit the luxury you were hoping for. The on-site spa offers a range of Ayurvedic treatments, while the hotel bar is cozy, tastefully designed and well-stocked.
1/498, Fort Cochin, Jawahar road, Kochi, Kerala, +04 843 990 500
Alsisar Heritage Hotel, Rajasthan
Dating to the 17th century, this refurbished palace is as much an architectural marvel as it is a historical landmark. Featuring striking architecture, beautifully intricate décor, and 51 rooms steeped in the luxuries of Rajasthan’s former royalty, the Alsisar Mahal offers much more than just a hotel stay. With a quality massage center in addition to a variety of bars and restaurants, this boutique institution is one you should experience.
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
Making the magical Darjeeling all the more dream-like, this plantation retreat lies on a hillock above the banks of the river Rangeet, offering a spectacular view of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain. Each of the suites at the estate are uniquely and tastefully decorated to offer personalized experiences to patrons. The resort also prepares menus according to the tastes and preferences of each guest, with offerings ranging from South-east Asian to European cuisines. You can also take a guided tour to see how tea leaves are brought in from the fields, and then taken through the process of withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and sorting.
Near Singritan, Darjeeling, West Bengal, +03 322 885 630
Siolim House Heritage Boutique Hotel, Goa
This 350-year-old Heritage Hotel in Goa was built in 1675, dating to the earliest times of the Portuguese occupation of Goa. Offering just seven rooms, Siolim guarantees to take care of its guests as if they were staying at a local home – exposing them to the ancient unbroken traditions and fine hospitality and cuisine of Goa.
Opposite Waddy Chapel, Siolim, Goa, +09 822 584 560
The Machan, Lonavala
This eco-resort lets you stay in one of their tree houses, rising 30-45 feet above the dense forests of Lonavala. Claiming to be 100% off the grid and running entirely on sustainable resources, The Machan offers an escape into nature unlike any other. The Machan also provides free electricity to homes in a village half a kilometer away, in addition to employing about 50% of its staff from the local community as well as buying local fresh produce, making it the ideal getaway for the ecologically and socially conscious!
Private Road, Atvan, Maharashtra, +07 666 622 426
Gomang Boutique Hotel, Leh
The first luxury boutique hotel in Ladakh, Gomang is located in the peaceful Changspa area of Leh town. With a smoke and alcohol-free environment, a nourishing vegetarian menu, and carefully decorated rooms, this beautiful hotel is definitely one of the most luxurious destinations in this part of the country. Gomang also offers an oxygen library lounge area equipped with a good selection of books and Wi-FI to help patrons acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Upper Changspa Road, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, +07 051 026 713
Anavilasam, Thekkady, Kerala
Located on 7 acres of private estate surrounded by a Cardamom and Pepper plantation, this boutique hotel offers you the opportunity to see how spices are grown, harvested, and processed, in addition to a spectacular stay amidst pristine nature. The resort offers a choice of suites all of which are individually styled to echo a country-house feel and are open to mesmerizing views of the estate. Anavilasam is also just fifteen minutes away from the Periyar (Thekkady) Tiger Reserve, where you can join a Elephant-riding trail or go bamboo rafting, among other several eco-tourism programs.
Pathumury – Aanavilasam Road, Thekkady, SH41, Kerala, +09 447 043 259