Outpost 12: Kanha's Gem
Nestled amidst 10 acres of rolling grasslands beside the Banjar River and the charming Tilari village in Madhya Pradesh, Outpost 12 offers a serene escape
near Kanha National Park. Spearheaded by seasoned naturalists Durgesh Singh and Anand Sinha, alongside chief investor Sunny Saxena, the property features nine expansive cottages. Architect Sorabh Raina ingeniously utilized granite sourced from a nearby copper mine as the primary building material. Each cottage is designed to offer either captivating river views or immersion in lush greenery. The interiors boast high-ceilinged living spaces bathed in natural light, adorned with Baiga-inspired art, and opening onto wooden decks perfect for birdwatching. A central dining area overlooks an S-shaped swimming pool that cascades towards the river. Chef Yogank Pranav's menu showcases a vibrant array of local ingredients, transformed into delightful dishes like wild mushroom and black rice risotto, gazpacho with garden-fresh heirloom tomatoes, and traditional mahua cake. Guests can choose from diverse dining settings, including the patio, riverside, or a stargazing deck. Morning safaris provide profound insights into the local fauna, including tigers and barasingha, and the surrounding flora, with guided riverbed walks and visits to Baiga villages offering cultural enrichment.
Shakti Prana: Himalayan Serenity
Shakti Prana serves as a tranquil haven following Shakti’s guided treks through Uttarakhand's Kumaon valley. This lodge, a reimagining of the acclaimed 360 Leti outpost from Jamshyd Sethna's pioneering Shakti Himalaya initiative, offers a fusion of modernist design and traditional craftsmanship across its seven suites. Local materials such as hewn rock, slate, and Himalayan cedar and pine are celebrated for their inherent beauty, with expansive windows framing the dramatic vistas of the Panchachuli peaks. Each pavilion features a private sitting room with a fireplace, creating a cozy sanctuary. A dedicated yoga platform and a sauna with a panoramic glass wall overlooking the valley enhance the retreat experience. Chef Yeshi, a former Tibetan monk, prepares comforting dishes like momos, ravioli, and unique honeycomb breakfasts with homemade jams and chutneys. The hospitality, supported by local staff, is both professional and deeply genuine. Situated at 6,300 feet, this extraordinary destination offers a unique blend of privacy and community, surrounded by nature where bears, wild boar, and lammergeiers inhabit the scenic route to Mt Kailash.
Taj Lalit Bagh: Udaipur's Elegance
Taj Lalit Bagh, located on the outskirts of Udaipur, is an architectural marvel echoing Rajasthan's rich design heritage, with approximately 155 hand-carved marble jharokas gracing its façade. The property seamlessly integrates vibrant thikri work, chhatris, and intricate jalis, anchored by a century-old stepwell that connects it to its historical roots as the Mewar royal family's hunting lodge. Set amidst the scrub forests of the Aravallis, where leopards are still spotted, the estate features a weathered oudhi on a distant hilltop. The hotel is designed as a modern palace, comprising a series of pavilions that house 155 elegantly appointed rooms. Each room features cozy window niches offering serene views of the mountains or courtyards. The wellness offerings extend beyond a traditional spa to include a unique nightly beauty ritual with homemade ubtan. Dining options range from classic Rajasthani flavors at Machan, highlighted by the spicy Mewari maas roti, to the vibrant Nonya, an Asian restaurant with a creative bar program offering eclectic cocktails. Guests can also engage with local artisans, participating in workshops with Molela terracotta artists, lac bangle makers, and block-printing artisans.
Mharo Khet: Thar's Oasis
Emerging from the desert landscape near Jodhpur, Mharo Khet is a 40-acre agricultural oasis in the Thar Desert, cultivating over 110 diverse crops. Founded by Rajnush Agarwal and Vedika Prasad during the pandemic, the farm initially focused on sustainable produce delivery and recreational visits before introducing accommodations. Inspired by ragas from Indian classical music, ten new cottages, each spanning 2,000 square feet, offer spacious living areas, bedrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and luxurious bathrooms, complete with pebble-filled courtyards for celestial gazing. The property offers a complimentary daily walk designed to deepen guests' understanding of the farm-to-plate philosophy. This educational experience highlights chemical-free farming, native and exotic plants, and interactive tasting sessions. Local artisans from surrounding villages lead classes in traditional Rajasthani miniature painting and charpoy weaving, providing guests with opportunities to engage with local culture and crafts.
Storii by ITC Hotels: Jaipur's Castle
Storii by ITC Hotels, Castle Kanota in Jaipur, offers an immersive Rajputana experience within a historic fortification that dates back over 150 years. Originally the jagir headquarters and family home of Thakur Zorawar Singh, the property harmoniously blends the aristocratic lifestyle with ITC Hotels' renowned hospitality. The sprawling hotel is adorned with open pavilions and vibrant frescoes in soft pastel greens and lively yellows. Accommodations are divided between the heritage castle block, featuring 52 rooms and suites furnished with vintage pieces, and the newer Zorawar Mahal, which offers a more contemporary ambiance. Saddle Bred, an equestrian-themed bar and restaurant, serves a diverse menu of Rajasthani, Indian, and international cuisines amidst richly colored decor. While Jaipur's attractions are easily accessible, the hotel provides numerous activities, including horseback riding lessons, vintage jeep tours, spa treatments at K By Kaya Kalp Spa, and private candlelit dinners. A significant cultural highlight is the General Amar Singh Kanota Library and Museum, showcasing the personal artifacts, diaries, and memorabilia of a First World War veteran.
Hotel Irada: Pune's Winery Retreat
Located on a 66-acre vineyard near Baramati, Hotel Irada stands out with its distinctive 35-meter-high viewing tower and red-tiled roof. Originally built by Vijay Mallya as part of the Four Seasons winery, the property has been transformed by entrepreneur Yash Malhotra into the inaugural outpost of Irada, a boutique hospitality brand and a member of Marriott's Design Hotels. The hotel comprises 32 rooms spread across two levels, offering views of the plant-filled inner courtyard or the vineyards from the front deck. Striking contemporary artworks are displayed throughout the property. Recreational facilities include pickleball and padel courts, adjacent to a stylish pool deck. Dining experiences are spread across two restaurants and a central courtyard: Rosso offers sophisticated Italian cuisine, the Irada Pool Club provides all-day dining with continental options, and Subko manages the coffee program. Wine remains central to the experience, with a curated wine list featuring international labels and Nashik vintages. Guests can partake in wine tours led by estate manager Craig Wedge, followed by cellar visits and tastings in the barrel room.
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace: Khajuraho's Majesty
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, situated amidst the Maniyagarh Hills, evokes a Post-Impressionist painting with its beige crown set against a verdant backdrop. Originally a fort dating back to the late 17th century, it served as the seat of Chandela royalty amidst a region renowned for its art and natural riches. After a series of transformations, it has become The Oberoi's first heritage property. The 65 keys are spread across 76 acres, featuring garden rooms nestled under sal and palash trees, ideal for families and guests with mobility needs. Higher up, the Palace wing houses 17 redesigned rooms and suites in the former Chandela rulers' chambers, offering breathtaking views. Dining at Maanya draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of India's royal kitchens, complemented by live sitar music. The hotel is conveniently located near the artistic temples of Khajuraho and the Panna Tiger Reserve, though guests may prefer to relax by the private lake or at the spa.
Fairmont Mumbai: Art Deco Grandeur
Fairmont Mumbai, a striking stark-white art deco structure, is situated in the Sahar area of Mumbai, a short distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, offering a glamorous 1920s ambiance. While not in the main tourist hub, it provides excellent connectivity to areas like Juhu and Bandra. The hotel features 446 luxurious rooms and suites, elegantly designed with monochrome interiors and art deco-inspired furnishings. With four distinct restaurants, each offering a unique culinary and visual theme, and an impressive bar, Fairmont Mumbai encourages guests to indulge in its amenities. Beyond a state-of-the-art gym and a spa with seven treatment rooms, the hotel pioneers advanced wellness services including cryotherapy, red light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Uniquely, the spa also offers a 'Little Luxuries' menu for children, featuring gentle massages, ensuring pampering for all ages.
