In recent years, India has experienced a growing interest in luxury villas, chalets, and exclusive boutique retreats. This trend reflects a growing desire for privacy, bespoke experiences, and an intimate connection with nature.
From the arid deserts of Rajasthan to the lush forests of Kerala, the tranquil hills of the Western Ghats to the serene beaches of the Andaman Islands, a new breed of luxurious and exclusive retreats are emerging, each carving out its niche in the world of high-end travel.
These properties offer a perfect blend of opulence, wellness, seclusion, sustainability and unique cultural experiences, making them the ideal choice for discerning travellers.
Desert Retreats: Opulence in the Sands
Rajasthan, known for its majestic forts and palaces, has always been synonymous with luxury. The state has now extended this regal charm to its deserts, where new luxury villas and boutique resorts are offering an unparalleled experience of opulence amidst the sands.
The Serai, Jaisalmer: Part of the Suján luxury camps, The Serai is an exquisite desert camp that offers a luxurious escape in the Thar Desert. The camp features spacious tents with lavish interiors, private plunge pools, and expansive decks. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, private dining under the stars, and desert safaris, making it a perfect blend of adventure and luxury.
Manvar Desert Camp & Resort: Located between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Manvar offers an authentic desert experience with a touch of luxury. The resort features opulent tents and cottages, all equipped with modern amenities. Activities include camel safaris, jeep tours, and cultural performances, providing guests with an immersive experience of Rajasthan’s desert life.
Forest Escapes: Luxury in the Wilderness
India’s rich biodiversity and expansive forests provide the perfect backdrop for luxury retreats that promise seclusion and a deep connection with nature. These forest escapes offer a unique blend of adventure, wildlife, and high-end comfort.
RAAS Chhatrasagar, Rajasthan: Located on the banks of a tranquil reservoir, RAAS Chhatrasagar offers luxury tents that overlook the water and the surrounding wilderness. The property provides an intimate experience with just a few tents, each featuring elegant decor and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy birdwatching, guided nature walks, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
Saj in the Forest, Pench: A 32-acre rustic retreat in Pench, Saj in the Forest shares a boundary with the tiger reserve’s buffer zone. The independent rooms and suites are designed to blend with the natural surroundings, offering wildlife spotting, jungle safaris, and campfires under the stars. This retreat provides a unique blend of adventure and luxury, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Pashan Garh, Panna National Park: Pashan Garh is a Taj Safari, that offers breathtaking views of the Vindhya Range. Nestled on a rocky outcrop within 200 acres of private forest, the safari resort has a stone masonry exterior that leads to elegant interiors and a spacious courtyard. Enjoy bird watching from the lookout tower by day and stargazing by night, or take a refreshing dip in the rectangular pool after a safari. Overlooking Panna National Park and a wildlife watering hole, the twelve luxury stone cottages line a picturesque stream. Guests can embark on wildlife safaris, and guided nature walks, and enjoy bush dinners under the stars.
Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh: Located near Bandhavgarh National Park, the 35 acres of Samode Safari Lodge offers luxurious villas inspired by traditional Indian architecture. Each villa features a private garden, a sun deck, and an outdoor shower. The lodge offers bespoke safari experiences, spa treatments, and gourmet dining, ensuring a lavish retreat in the heart of the wilderness. Overlooking the Reserve’s buffer zone, the lodge’s design is inspired by the neighbouring Mardari village to seamlessly blend into the region’s landscape.
Hill and Mountain Retreats: Elevating Luxury
The serene hills and majestic mountains of India provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Luxury chalets and boutique resorts in these regions offer tranquillity, breathtaking views, and world-class amenities.
Shakti 360° Leti, Uttarakhand: Located in the remote Kumaon region, Shakti 360° Leti is an exclusive mountain retreat that offers a unique combination of luxury and isolation. The property features contemporary cottages with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Himalayas. Guests can indulge in guided walks, cultural experiences with local communities, and gourmet meals prepared by a personal chef.
Relais & Châteaux Sitara Himalaya: This luxurious retreat, perched at 8,200 feet above the Kullu Valley, opposite Mount Meru, offers an experience focused on reconnecting with nature and the cosmos. Activities like stargazing, hiking, yoga, meditation, and massages guide you towards a higher state of being.
With only ten rooms, each featuring expansive windows that frame snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the interior décor combines delicate local craftsmanship with English influences: Tibetan rugs, handwoven brocade panels, and hand-painted murals are tastefully placed alongside cosy sofas in floral chintz or tartan patterns. The Vedic-inspired treatments offered at the Paro Svasthi spa include Yoga, Fire Ritual, Reiki, and Marma therapy, as well as a steam room, sauna, and a small plunge pool with panoramic views.
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling: Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kanchenjunga mountain range, Glenburn Tea Estate offers a luxurious experience amidst sprawling tea plantations. The estate features colonial-style bungalows with elegant interiors, private balconies, and garden terraces. Guests can explore the tea gardens, enjoy picnic lunches by the river, and take guided tours of the nearby Darjeeling town.
Baragarh Resort & Spa, Manali: An IHCL SeleQtions property, Baragarh Resort & Spa offers breathtaking mountain vistas and top-notch amenities. The resort provides a luxurious escape in the scenic landscape of Manali. Similarly, MPT Champak Bungalow in Himachal Pradesh features lush gardens and private pools, offering a serene and exclusive stay.
Palchan Hotel & Spa, Manali: Combining traditional design with modern amenities, Palchan Hotel & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals offers cedar wood rooms, hand-carved stone pillars, hand-painted murals, and intricate woodwork. Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor pool, spa therapies, igloo dining cabins, and a rooftop restaurant with views of the Beas River and Himalayan peaks, making it a perfect luxury retreat.
Beach and Island Escapes: Tropical Paradise
India’s extensive coastline and pristine islands offer some of the most idyllic settings for luxury retreats. These beach and island properties provide a perfect blend of sun, sand, and seclusion.
Athirappilly Green Trees, Kerala: An eco-resort near waterfalls and forests, Athirappilly Green Trees offers a serene escape in the lap of nature. Marari Dreamz, a beachfront villa, provides direct access to the Arabian Sea, blending luxury with nature. These properties emphasize sustainable tourism, offering guests an eco-friendly yet luxurious experience.
Maison 9: Maison 9 is an elegant villa in Goa with a private pool, daily breakfast, and free WiFi. The Glasshouse on the Bay offers stunning ocean views, while Villa Nimaya provides a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature. These properties offer a blend of luxury and comfort, ensuring a memorable stay for guests.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans: Located on Havelock Island, this resort is a tropical paradise surrounded by lush rainforests and turquoise waters. The property features luxurious villas with private pools, outdoor showers, and direct access to the beach. Guests can indulge in water sports, explore the rich marine life through snorkelling and diving, and enjoy sunset cruises.
Ahilya by the Sea, Goa: Ahilya by the Sea in Nerul, Goa, offers a more intimate and personalized luxury experience. The boutique resort features a handful of rooms and two infinity pools overlooking the Arabian Sea. The serene setting, adorned with art and antiques, feels like a personal Goan home, providing guests with a unique and luxurious stay.
Heritage Boutique Resorts: Unique Experiences
Heritage Boutique resorts in India offer a unique blend of luxury, personalization, and cultural immersion. These properties are often located in off-the-beaten-path destinations, providing a truly exclusive experience.
Pilibhit House, Haridwar by IHCL SeleQtions: Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, Pilibhit House offers a serene and luxurious retreat in the spiritual town of Haridwar. The property features elegant rooms with river views, a spa, and fine dining options. Guests can participate in yoga sessions, and meditation, and explore the spiritual heritage of Haridwar, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation.
Brijrama Palace, Varanasi: Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, Brijrama Palace is a boutique heritage hotel that offers a luxurious experience in the spiritual heart of India. The palace features opulent rooms with traditional decor, private balconies, and river views. Guests can witness the Ganga Aarti, take boat rides on the river, and explore the ancient city of Varanasi. Its design mirrors the legends and tales of Benaras, offering a luxurious and cultural experience.
Chavni, Pune: Inspired by 16th-century transit camps, Chavni is a boutique resort located at the foothills of Lohagad and Visapur Forts. It features lavish tents, royal carts, and an expansive Wada, highlighting Maratha and Peshwa-era art and architecture. This unique setting offers guests a historical and luxurious experience.
Discovering Bespoke Luxury Retreats
In addition to the well-known luxury retreats, equally exclusive properties have found a niche positioning as private luxury retreats. These bespoke properties offer unique experiences and cater to the growing demand for personalized and secluded getaways, providing a perfect blend of comfort, culture, and exclusivity.
Storii by ITC Hotels: Storii by ITC Hotels offers a collection of bespoke luxury villas and retreats that provide an intimate and personalized experience. Each property is carefully curated to reflect the local culture and heritage, offering guests a unique blend of luxury and authenticity. Properties like Storii Moira Riviera in Goa and Storii Amoha Retreat in Himachal Pradesh showcase the diverse charm of India’s luxury landscape. With private pools and butler services, these retreats promise an immersive and exclusive stay.
Ama Stays & Trails: A part of the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Ama Stays & Trails offers charming heritage bungalows and villas located in picturesque settings. These properties provide a homely yet luxurious experience, with personalized services and a focus on sustainability and local culture. Ama Stays & Trails Cardozo House in Goa and Ama Stays & Trails Braganza House in Maharashtra are perfect examples of this charming concept, combining heritage with modern comforts.
The Postcard Hotels: Redefining luxury with an emphasis on intimacy and authenticity, these boutique properties offer unique and personalized experiences in some of the most stunning locations. From the tranquil settings of The Postcard Gir near Gir National Park to the coastal charm of The Postcard Cuelim in Goa and the historical elegance of The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka, each property promises a distinctive and immersive stay. Guests can enjoy spacious villas with private gardens, personalized services, and gourmet dining, all designed to create memorable and enriching experiences.
Rare India Retreats: Retreats like RAAS Devigarh in Rajasthan and Pepper Trail in Kerala offer a truly unique and intimate luxury experience. These properties combine historic charm with modern amenities, providing guests with a perfect blend of tradition and luxury. The immersive experiences at these retreats highlight the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of their respective locations.
These boutique resorts offer unique experiences by blending local heritage, art, architecture, and natural settings with modern comforts and personalized service. They provide a distinctive alternative to large chain hotels for discerning travellers, making them an essential part of India’s luxury travel market.
Evolving demands of luxury travellers
India’s new fancy for luxury villas, chalets, and exclusive boutique resorts reflects a broader trend towards personalized and immersive travel experiences. These properties offer a unique blend of opulence, privacy, and cultural richness, making them ideal for discerning travellers seeking more than just a place to stay.
From the deserts of Rajasthan to the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the hills of Uttarakhand to the beaches of Kerala and the islands of the Andamans, India’s luxury retreats promise a bespoke experience that caters to the diverse tastes and preferences of global travellers.
The rise of these exclusive retreats also highlights India’s ability to innovate and adapt to the evolving demands of luxury travellers. By offering unique experiences that emphasize sustainability, cultural immersion, and personalized service, these properties are setting new standards in the world of high-end travel.
As more travellers seek out these niche destinations, India’s luxury villas, chalets, and boutique resorts are poised to continue their ascent as some of the most coveted retreats in the world.
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