Cities that never sleep and tranquil village retreats;

mountainous reaches and deserted expanse; jungle

secrets and crystal coastlines. In all its diversity and

sense-assaulting glory, there are few better places to

spend a hard earned break than India. For centuries, the vibrant

nation has drawn visitors from all corners of the globe in search

not only of an authentic culture fix, but of themselves.

Still, in a land of 1.2 billion people with a geographical area

that places it as the world’s second largest country, navigating the

pitfalls in this melting pot of diversity can be a daunting task.

Helping visitors sleep easy—and in style—this luxurious line-up

of hotels and resorts shows India at its hospitable best.

Whether executive jet-setter or luxury leisure-seeker, India’s five-star hospitable

arms are open to all by Hannah Stewart

An Indian

Indulgence

1 The Oberoi, UdaivilasUdaipur

The Oberoi, Udaivilas combines modern luxury with rich and enduring history. The hotel is located in

the heart of Rajasthan and is built in the style of a traditional Indian palace, mirroring the architecture of

its host city, Udaipur. Visitors to this palatial abode are in for a warm welcome; a gentle boat ride across

Lake Pichola ensures a magical arrival. Grand edifices and ornate interiors transport guests back to a

time of majestic indulgence, while guestrooms that open out onto terraces with shared or private pools

offer the best of 21st century rest and relaxation. Fine dining and a luxurious spa offering private yoga

round out The Oberoi, Udaivilas experience.

FORBES MIDDLE EAST

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* Top 25 list adapted from Trip Advisor 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

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2 The Oberoi, MumbaiMumbai

For business travellers and city slickers, The Oberoi, Mumbai

offers an oasis of contemporary tranquillity amidst the chaos

of one of India’s most vibrant cities. The hotel is in the center

of the prime business district, but located on Mumbai’s Marine

Drive, hotel views extend out across the ocean. The Oberoi,

Mumbai is a favourite amongst the corporate elite given its

business and conference facilities, but its spa, swimming pool

and tantalising culinary offerings make for a relaxing break for

tourists too. Of particular note, the hotel offers women-only

services including female chauffeurs and butlers.

5 Orange County, KabiniNagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is home to some of the most en-

dangered species of wildlife and the Orange County, Kabini.

With a philosophy underpinned by the premise that the

most luxurious things in the world are peace, tranquillity

and harmony, Orange County, Kabini comprises of pool

and jacuzzi huts that blend luxury with traditional crafts-

manship including ethnic furniture and tribal designs. The

644 square-kilometer national park combines flowing wa-

terways and grasslands reminiscent of the African savan-

nah.

3 The Oberoi, VanyavilasSawai Madhopur

For nature lovers, there are few better places to retreat

than The Oberoi, Vanyavilas. Tucked away on the edge

of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, this jungle resort

serves as the gateway into wildcat world. But while The

Oberoi,Vanyavilas brings guests close to nature, there is

no shortage of creature comforts; luxury tents open out

onto walled gardens, intricate waterways and private

decks. Due to conservation restrictions, the number of

visitors to the reserve is limited each day, making for a

unique experience with a sustainable edge.

6 Taj Lake PalaceUdaipur

Located in the center of a tranquil lake, the Taj Lake

Palace Udaipur appears almost dream-like. As guests

make their arrival by boat, the hotel’s majestic exterior

comes into view, and on entering, its 66 rooms and 17

suites ooze romantic charm. The Maharaja once held

court at the palace in the 1930s and a regal air still fills

the arches and chambers of this hotel. A relaxing sail

aboard a 150-year old Gangaur or an escorted heritage

walk count as just two of the special activities the Taj

Lake Palace Udaipur has to offer.

4 The Oberoi, GurgaonNew Delhi Capital Region

The city of Gurgaon is rapidly gaining a reputation as the

country’s financial and industrial hub, and The Oberoi,

Gurgaon is more than happy to accommodate the city’s

discerning guests. The hotel is located in Gurgaon’s busi-

ness and shopping district in the New Delhi National

Capital Region, with easy access to New Delhi International

Airport. With 202 guest rooms and suites—some with pri-

vate pools—the choice of accommodation is wide, as are the

gourmet experiences on offer, topped off with a sophisti-

cated cigar lounge. For those who like to take the plunge,

The Oberoi Gurgaon also boasts a larger-than-Olympic-

size swimming pool.

7 Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas

Himachal Pradesh

Situated in 22 acres of woodland in the magnificent

Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a luxury resort at one

with nature and offers an extensive line-up of spa

and holistic treatments that draw on both local and

international traditions. Alfresco dining and outdoor

swimming can be enjoyed against a backdrop of spec-

tacular mountains, while for the more adventurous

the resort offers a range of activities from white water

rafting to archery. The hotel was once the residence

of British colonel, Lord Kitchener, and though now

renovated, it has retained a colonial feel.

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8 The Leela PalaceUdaipur

Surrounded by the waters of Lake

Pichola, traditional, decorated boats

are the only means of transport to

this luxurious 80-room hotel. The

Aravalli Mountains that stand tall in

the background and a calm aquatic

location have inspired the design

of The Leela Palace Udaipur. While

boasting the grandeur and opulence

characteristic of a palatial residence,

the hotel is at home in its natural en-

vironment.

9 The Leela PalaceNew Delhi

With ambitions to position itself as

one of the great hotels of the world,

The Leela Palace New Delhi is built

on a vision of grandeur. The 260-

room hotel prides itself on its gen-

erous space and offers a range of

accommodation including six suite

types from executive to maharaja to

presidential. Located in New Delhi’s

diplomatic quarter, the hotel wel-

comes both the well-heeled and the

well-read traveller.

10 Taj Rambagh Palace

Jaipur

The rich colors and equally rich his-

tory of Rajasthan find themselves at

home at the Taj Rambagh Palace. The

hotel’s Peacock suite is a strong favou-

rite among guests, and overlooks the

Mughal Terrace and garden where the

Maharaja used to celebrate Holi, the

vibrant festival of colour. Rambagh

Palace’s 79 rooms have been sympa-

thetically restored, in-keeping with

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