India
Rambagh Palace
Jaipur.
Rambagh Palace, the former home of Jaipur’s maharaja, unfolds across manicured lawns and courtyards. Rooms and suites mix heritage detail with soft comforts. Expect peacocks, afternoon tea, Jiva Spa, and candlelit dining. The mood is regal yet warm, minutes from the City Palace, bazaars, and Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal. 9.6
The Oberoi Rajvilas
Jaipur.
The Oberoi Rajvilas spreads across 32 landscaped acres outside Jaipur, with Mughal-style villas and tents around courtyards and a restored temple. Tranquil pool, spa with traditional rituals, yoga, and fine dining shape laidback days. Service is thoughtful and hushed. The Pink City’s palaces, bazaars, and Amber Fort are nearby too. 9.8
Taj Lake Palace
Udaipur.
Taj Lake Palace floats in the middle of Lake Pichola, reached by boat. Marble rooms and suites face the Aravalli hills and the City Palace. Expect butler service, Jiva Spa treatments, a pool, and rooftop dinners. The mood is romantic and cinematic, with Udaipur’s ghats and bazaars a swift ride away. 9.6
The Oberoi Udaivilas
Udaipur.
The Oberoi Udaivilas spreads across the banks of Lake Pichola, with domes, courtyards, and fountains linked by torchlit walkways. Rooms open to private terraces; some share a semi-private pool. Expect fine dining, spa rituals, boat rides, and yoga at sunrise. The mood is serene and regal, minutes from Udaipur’s palaces. 9.8
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jodhpur.
Umaid Bhawan Palace crowns a sandstone hill above Jodhpur, part royal residence, part hotel: Art Deco rooms and suites, peacock lawns, a spa, pool, and museum. Champagne breakfasts, candlelit dinners, and vintage drives add romance. The Blue City’s forts and bazaars spread below, minutes away by car. 9.9
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Hyderabad.
Taj Falaknuma Palace overlooks Hyderabad from a hilltop, reached by horse-drawn carriage to marble staircases and Venetian chandeliers. Suites blend Nizam-era grandeur with modern ease. Expect fine dining, the famed 101 Dining Room, a serene Jiva Spa, and gardens. The mood is regal yet welcoming, minutes from Charminar and bazaars. 9.8
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra.
The Oberoi Amarvilas sits in Agra, offering uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Mughal-inspired rooms and suites open to terraces. A tranquil spa, palm-lined pool, fine dining, and golf buggies to the monument set an easy rhythm. The mood is romantic, polished, steps from sunrise visits and marble glow evenings. 9.8
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Rajasthan.
Six Senses Fort Barwara occupies a restored 14th-century citadel near Ranthambore. Stone-walled suites mix heritage detail with modern calm. The spa offers Ayurveda, hammam, and yoga beside a tranquil pool. Earth Lab, stepwells, and Rajasthani dining fill days. The mood is serene and sustainable, with guided tiger safaris in Ranthambore. 9.9
The Imperial
New Delhi.
The Imperial is a grand, art deco and colonial landmark on Janpath near Connaught Place. High-ceilinged rooms, marble corridors, and museum-calibre art set the tone. Expect a palm-lined pool, award-winning spa, restaurants and bars, and afternoon tea. The mood is polished, historic, and minutes from Rajpath and Old Delhi. 9.6
The Leela Palace
New Delhi.
The Leela Palace New Delhi blends stately Indian grandeur with modern ease in the Diplomatic Enclave. Sumptuous rooms and suites, a serene spa, rooftop pool, and fine dining at Le Cirque and Megu shape refined days. Service is attentive and discreet. Embassies, museums, and leafy avenues sit minutes from the door. 9.6
Taj Mahal Palace
Mumbai.
The Taj Mahal Palace faces the Gateway of India on Colaba’s waterfront. Heritage and Tower rooms mix history with city or harbour views. Expect a palm-lined pool, Jiva Spa, and standout dining at Wasabi, Sea Lounge, and Harbour Bar. The mood is grand yet warm, steps from markets and galleries. 9.4
Raffles Udaipur
Raffles Udaipur rests on a private island in Udai Sagar Lake, reached by boat. Marble-light rooms and suites open to gardens and water. The Raffles Spa, outdoor pool, and fine dining at Sawai Kitchen set relaxed days. Service is gracious and discreet, minutes from Udaipur’s palaces, bazaars, and shorelines nearby. 9.6
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