Bandhavgarh's Forest Retreat
Nestled on the fringe of Bandhavgarh National Park, Brij Sone Bagh offers a serene escape with five timber and stone villas spread across 32 acres of woodland.
Each villa is inspired by native wildlife and showcases Madhya Pradesh's rich folk art, featuring private plunge pools and uninterrupted views of the sal forest. This retreat is ideally located for wildlife enthusiasts, with the park's Tala gate just five minutes away. Beyond safaris, guests can immerse themselves in local culture through nature walks, village tours led by local guides to areas like Bijhariya and Rancha, and regional cooking classes. The proximity to the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort also appeals to history buffs. Culinary experiences draw inspiration from local Bandhavgarhi cuisine, offering dishes like bamboo-steamed fish and fruits cooked over open fires. Dining can be enjoyed in unique settings like the Elephant Bar or under a centuries-old Jamun tree, emphasizing the property's commitment to preserving the natural environment and its minimal ecological footprint.
Pune's Urban Oasis
Located in Pune's vibrant Camp neighbourhood, Wellesley Hotel offers a stylish urban retreat amidst heritage establishments. Its airy, light-filled common area, featuring a relaxed waiting lounge and the bistro Anaaj with indoor and alfresco seating, makes the most of Pune's pleasant weather. The hotel boasts 24 keys, comprising 16 simply designed Classic Rooms and 8 individually themed Signature Suites. Guests can indulge in in-house wellness at KOSA Wellbeing or participate in various workshops. Outside the hotel, Wellesley organises guided excursions to local landmarks like Parvati Hill and Sinhagad Fort, as well as curated neighbourhood walks highlighting colonial architecture and historic sites. The hotel provides a comfortable and engaging base for exploring Pune's urban charm and historical richness, with rates starting from Rs6,000.
Riverside Luxury in West Bengal
Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa in Raichak, West Bengal, is a revitalized riverside sanctuary a short drive from Kolkata. Originally conceptualised as a leisure oasis, the property has been extensively revamped and reopened, boasting 155 rooms and suites spread across more than 100 acres. Designed to evoke a ruined fort, the architecture incorporates bricks from Kolkata's old Imperial Bank. The resort features townhouses, duplexes, and villas clustered around lagoons and private plunge pools, along with four large outdoor pools. Accommodations offer river or garden views, with some units featuring rooftop jacuzzis or private plunge pools. Dining options include Taj's signature restaurants like Machan and House of Ming, alongside traditional Bengali thalis. The resort is enveloped by nature, attracting diverse butterfly species and migratory birds, and is set to expand with the upcoming Ffort West Wing. Prices for doubles start at Rs11,000.
Jaipur's Aravalli Escape
The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort & Spa offers a spacious retreat near Jaipur, strategically located within the RIICO industrial area and offering dramatic views of the Aravalli Range. This newly opened resort features 135 rooms, suites, and villas, all designed with a focus on light, space, and privacy, with many villas opening onto private gardens or patios, some with plunge pools. Its four dining venues blend Westin's wellness philosophy with Rajasthani flavours, utilizing local ingredients. On-site amenities include a large swimming pool, sports courts, a jogging track, and bicycle rentals, complemented by the Heavenly Spa by Westin. Cultural immersion is a key feature, with afternoon high teas accompanied by live folk performances and artisan demonstrations, including lac bangle makers and pottery workshops, offering guests a rooted Rajasthani experience. Doubles start at Rs15,300.
Hyderabad's Green Sanctuary
Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa is situated in Hyderabad's biotech hub, offering a secluded, resort-style experience across 20 acres of landscaped gardens. This 115-key property features a natural creek flowing through its grounds, lined with walking paths. Accommodations include 96 rooms and 6 suites in double-storey units overlooking the creek, and 13 private pool villas. While the Old City is a two-hour drive, the resort brings Hyderabadi culinary experiences to guests, offering evening teas with local classics like Osmania biscuits and Irani-style mutton samosas. It also provides a platform for local artisans, such as bidri artist Waheed Ahmed, to showcase and sell their traditional crafts. Prices for doubles begin at Rs18,000, offering a tranquil escape with a touch of local culture.
Assam's Wildlife Haven
The Rhino and River Wildlife Retreat & Spa in Assam offers an immersive experience near the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its high density of Greater One-Horned rhinoceroses, and adjacent to the Brahmaputra River. Spread over 5 acres, this revitalized property features 16 log hut cottages with traditional Assamese architectural elements, designed by Aku Zeliang. Elevated on stilts to accommodate monsoon flooding, the cottages offer a unique connection to the natural surroundings. The resort boasts a spa with regional and international treatments, a recreation room, and a dining area overlooking the pool and the river. The restaurant, Baan Kaahi, serves Indian, Pan-Asian, Western, and authentic Assamese cuisine, with a special focus on rice, fish, and citrus-based dishes. Experiences include village walks, bird spotting, river cruises, and the highlight – rhino safaris (jeep and elephant) within the sanctuary, alongside opportunities to spot Gangetic dolphins and migratory birds. Doubles start from Rs18,000.
Dehradun's Riverside Resort
Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa, situated along the Nun River in the Doon Valley, brings the brand's signature mid-century modern design to Uttarakhand. This 103-room resort is conveniently located for travellers accessing Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, approximately 45 minutes from Jolly Grant Airport. Accommodations offer views of the river or hills, with interiors reflecting the natural tones and textures of the local landscape. Dining options include Riviera Café for all-day meals, Longitude for coffee and evening drinks, and Aqua Current by the pool for casual bites. The Le Scoop program offers rotating gelato flavours. The Explore Spa utilizes Himalayan botanicals for treatments, and the resort features a fitness centre and outdoor pool. Families can enjoy hands-on activities at the Le Méridien Family Club, including pottery and painting, while the Unlock Art program offers access to local museums and botanical collections.
Jaipur's Historic Heart
Abode Jaipur, located within the bustling walled city in Kishanpole, offers a unique stay in a building over 300 years old, formerly a private family home. This boutique property is minutes away from major attractions like Hawa Mahal and City Palace. It features four room categories, each adorned with traditional Rajasthani textiles and motifs. Select rooms include deep-set brass bathtubs, and all are equipped with rain showers. The property prioritizes sustainability with passive cooling, plastic-free operations, and locally sourced materials, utilizing clay water bottles in all areas. Guests are encouraged to explore the city's culinary scene, with a vegetarian breakfast provided in-house. Abode Jaipur collaborates with 'Rich Walk' for guided experiences, including food walks featuring local delicacies and heritage walks exploring the city's crafts like block printing and blue pottery. Sunrise cycling tours are also available. Doubles start from Rs9,000.
Baramati's Vineyard Estate
Hotel Irada, set on a 66-acre working winery near Baramati, is a distinctive country manor featuring a 35-meter viewing tower. Originally built for Vijay Mallya, this 32-room property now serves as the first outpost of the boutique hospitality brand Irada. Its rooms offer views of a plant-filled courtyard or the vineyards. Recreational facilities include pickleball and padel courts alongside a helipad, and a striking pool deck. Dining is available across two restaurants and a central courtyard. Hotel Irada also introduces Nyasa Wellbeing, a spa concept by Ananda in the Himalayas, offering five treatment rooms. Italian restaurant Rosso and the all-day spot Irada Pool Club cater to diverse tastes, with a strong emphasis on wine, featuring an extensive list curated by French consultant Irène Hebrard. Guests can embark on guided wine tours of the estate, from vineyard walks to cellar visits and barrel room tastings. Doubles start from Rs27,000.
