RI KYNJAI:

Built into a cliff that overlooks pine-forested slopes and the enormous expanse of umiam lake's waters, RI kynjai-serenity by the lake in faraway shillong is truly a world away from the hurly-burly of life. The prize-winning design is an explicit homage to the notive ibtellgence of traditional khasi architecture-from the circular stilts that support the cottages and the thatched portico to the unusual boat roofs in metallic thatch, shaped to stand up to everything the monsoon can throw at them. With inviting red pine-paneled interiors, its own organic tea garden, a spa where you can experience a traditional khasi massage and a restaurant where you can experience an array of traditional northeastern delicacies-ri kynjai s well worth a visit.

 

AMANBAGH:

Known for what they don't oofer-grandiose architecture, opulent interiors, obsequious service, and extensive menus with glamorous cuisines-aman properties have redefined luxury with a philosophy that keeps everything austerely understated. Amanbagh in Rajasthan is on different: vast open spaces, architecture that eschews the typically ornate Rajasthan style in favors of simpler lines in soft shades of cream and pale pink, brief menus that empthasise unfussy cooking, quiet efficient service and, above all, prohibitively expensive rates to ensure exclusivity and privacy-it's no wonder that these luxury retreats are a favourite among the rich and famous.

MAHUA KOTHI:

A joint venture between the taj group and cc Africa, one of Africa's largest safari operators, mahua kothi is not just any safari camp. Spread over 40 acres in bandhavgarh, it offers 12 luxurious cottages their rustic charm in keeping with their environs. While the main attraction is the safari. It doesn't hurt that this place gives you five-star treatment. With spa therapies, a pool, air-conditioned rooms, freshly cooked meals-you certainly won't be roughing it out here.

 

UDAIVILAS:

Take a setting like the banks of the shimmering lake pichola in udaipur, the aravali as a backdrop, 30 lush acres of undulating landscape that adjoins an equally lush 20-acre park home to deer and peacocks: add to all this oberoi group and you have udaivilas their most ambitious venture so far, this luxury resort is paradise and then some more. With a stunning façade of domes, lattices, cupola s and chhatris, all inspired by Rajasthan palaces; vast lawns, fountains and courtyards; rooms with infinity pools offering soothing views of the lake and a spa-udaivilas in that rare that makes you feel like royalty.

KALARI KOVILAKOM:

In an age when ayurveda has been commercialized by spas across the globe, it's reassuring to know there are still some places that allow you to experience ayurveda in its truest form. Kalari kovilakom, the palace for ayurveda, takes you back to the philosophy's roots, where ayurveda is more than just a relaxing oil massage. Here, through a combination of a massage, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies, which draw on 300 types of medicinal plants and personalized vegetarian diets that stick to the principles of ayurveda, kalari kovilakom aims to truly heal the mind and body.

 

OBEROI VRINDA:

There could be no better way to experience the backwaters than aboard the luxurious oberoi motor vessel vrinda cruser. The 3N/4D cruise takes you along Vembanad Lake southwards to alleppey, stopping at regular intervals for sightseeing. Eight lixury cabins each with views of the vembanad lake; a bar on the upper deck; music and dance performances for entertainment; staff that works with guests at each meal to create a manu-vrinda offers a kind of luxury that's hard to resist.

KAYA KALP:

What kayak Kalp ITC mughal Agra's 'royal spa'-especially has in its favour is space, more of it than any other spa in India: 99,000 sq ft to be exact. This includes a pool and an open-air greenhouse that is used for outdoor treatments. Its leitmotif-the annar-is used everywhere: from design elements such as stained-glass panels and crimson stone to treatments such as the pomegranate scrub. Apart from offering ayurvedic rituals, the feature that kayak alp is proudest of is the hamam bath-an experience not many place offers.

 

AMAN NEW DELHI:

So, what's another aman property doing on our list? It's because the newly-opened aman Delhi, while staying true to the group's philosophy, is also a departure from the rest of its sister properties. It's aman's first city hotel, and no. it's not a business hotel-it's actually achieved the impossible by offering a tranquil resort in the heart of our frenetic capital. It's the first time an aman has opened its restaurants to the public. It's also the first time that s Delhi hotel is making an effort to sell city as a destination by organizing trips to historical sites, museums the old city and shopping sports.

JIVA SPA:

Everything about the jiva spa at the taj usha kiran palace is reminiscent of mughal royalty. Built along the lines of a royal zenana in a calming environment of greenery and water, this APA offers single, double and royal spa treatment suites, a meditation garden and gym. Surrender yourself to any of their innovative treatments like the three-hour mangal snan where the body is pampered with saffron, rose petals and milk or the more vigorous pehlwan maalish, watch accompanied by soft Hindustani classical music, and you'll know how good those kings and queens had it.

 

PRIVACY ON THE LAKE:

A little nclave of peace on the shores of kerala's vembanad lake, privacy is exactly all that its name suggests. A boutique hotel with traditional kerala wooden architecture, privacy consists of just two bungalows, each with private sit-outs that overlook the lake. And while this place offers a great location, great service and great food, what sets it apart is how it's managed to creatively use light, colour and space that give it an individuality that isn't pretentious.

 

ANANDA:

When ananda in the Himalayas opened, it gave the words luxury and wellness a whole new meaning. Occupying the space that was once home to the maharaja of tehri garhwal, ananda is regarded as India's first and only world-class spa destination. Its focus is unwaveringly on health and well-being alone, with ayurveda as it's specially. Not only does its 21,00 sq ft spa, reflexology, water therapy and even health menus with guidance on nutrition-ananda is designed to make everything beautiful.

VISALAM:

Some of the finest homes built in India during the early-to mid-20th century came from the chettiars, chettinad's most affluent business community. Visalam set in a chettinad village, gives you a glimpse into how these people lived-a grand 72-year-old chettiar hiuse, which has been restored its original state.

 

LETI:

If you to really get away from it all, look no higher than 360 leti. Perched at 2,200m in kumaon, it's one of the most improbable luxury resorts around. The aesthetic is minimalist, with no plasma TV, fancy menu or even room service. This isn't to say that the cottages are short of comfort-with fireplaces, sheepskinthrowa and elegant teak-and brass-lined bathrooms and views that are nothing short of spectacular, leti offers a very individual kind of luxury.