Three new resorts on the Indian luxury hospitality scene, to soak in an authentic experience while basking in opulent indulgence. Take your pick here
India’s got a trio of new resorts perfectly designed for the uber-luxe vacationer. From princely suites to authentic local and international cuisine, from pure Ayurvedic spas to culture trails and relaxing shorelines, experience the vibrance of the Indian landscape in true Maharaja and Maharani style.
Orange County Resort, Hampi
Four kilometres away from the medieval city of Hampi, famous for its temples and courtyards declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO, stands the Orange County Resort. The hotel is luxury personified, with a breathtaking combination of Indo-Islamic architecture and the most luxurious of modern indulgences. The suites on offer are positively enchanting, taking you back to the times of the kings—or the Rayas as they were known in Hampi. The most luxurious of them all is the Zenana suite, inspired by the Queen’s quarters; Nilaya the terrace suite and Nivasa, the deluxe suite. Each of these suites feature separate living, dining and sleeping areas—and a private Jacuzzi to bask it all in.
The Ayurvedic Spa Vaidyasala uses “India’s ancient system of wellness and healing to refresh, revive and rejuvenate you in body, mind and spirit.” The experts at the spa offer a customized regimen suited to the guests’ specific needs and constitution. A reading room, an infinity pool and two special restaurants are some of the little luxuries provided by the resort in this quaint historic city that was the 14th-century home of the Vijayanagar Empire. And the hotel helps you explore all that history and architecture with heritage trails: the Raya Trail and the Virupakasha Trail. There’s also the Vitthalapura Walk and the Tungabhadra Trek, which promise picturesque vistas and captivating sunsets. This one promises to be royally opulent.
Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
While still on the trail of Royalty, let’s head to Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner, the erstwhile home of the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner, His Highness Narendra Singhji. MRS Group’s third offering, this is an unconventionally curated hotel, that tells the story of the ruler’s memories from his travels to destinations near and far, enchantingly using the best moments of the Maharaja’s life to create an array of curious options – some interestingly epicurean, others fantastically novel. Elaborate ceilings, Bikaner terrazzo floors and traditional crafts sit in harmony with Portuguese tiles and a distinctly vivid colour palette.
From sundowners at the pastures and a visit to a representation of the Royal Ascot in Bikaner, your stay at Narendra Bhawan is sure to be an eventful one. You could also sign up for Legacy Of The Kings, a tour through Bikaner’s lavish forts and palaces including the Laxmi Niwas Palace and the Junagarh Fort. Another experience to cherish for a lifetime.
W Goa, Goa
Yes, we know, Goa is possibly the most overdone vacation in India, but there’s always a different way of doing the same old. So here’s the W Goa, W Hotels’ first property in India where you can wallow in sea-side luxury. The hotel offers 160 rooms, chalets and villas overlooking the beach, with the lobby — Living Room —transforming into a lounge after dark, where you can savour delectable cocktails to the accompaniment of great music. At W Goa you can also try out the Spa by Clarins, the first at an Indian resort.
For the taste buds there is Spice Traders, a dining venue that offers scrumptious Peruvian, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. What’s more, the hotel’s Whenever Wherever service keeps you up with all the important events and the most gorgeous, exclusive sights that Goa can offer. You can opt for a hike up Chapora Fort with a guide, or set out on a dolphin-spotting cruise. Now if that isn’t Goa with a difference, we don’t know what is.
