Amanbagh – Looking for a respite from the scorching heat of Rajasthan? Amanbagh, located in the Aravalli mountain range, provides a haven of pavilions and suites with Mughal design aesthetics, vaulted ceilings, and private patios and verandas – all surrounded by swaying palm and fruit trees. Before a walk through the garden, which was once a favourite hangout of the local Maharaja, treat your body to Ayurvedic spa wraps, cleanses, and yoga.
The Lodhi – This sleek and modern city resort provides sunny regular rooms as well as garden terrace rooms with views of the Lutyens’ Delhi area (named after architect Sir Edwin Lutyens who was a key player in the design of New Delhi). A veranda pool suite with a private plunge pool or a huge two-level Sultan Suite are other options. There are cafes, bakeries, and pubs, as well as a range of restaurants providing continental and Indian cuisine, so you won’t go hungry. To work off those heavy meals, hit the squash or tennis courts, or visit the spa for a hot stone or deep tissue massage.
RAAS Chhatrasagar – The “tents” in Rajasthan’s RAAS Chhatrasagar are more comfortable than most contemporary houses. These elegant lodgings are the pinnacle of luxury camping, with Jodhpur stone, teak furniture, hand-painted local décor on sound-proofed canvas walls, and heating and air conditioning. The adjacent reservoir, though, is the main draw here, as it is home to an abundance of birds — bring your camera to snap the beautiful blue kingfishers or the prehistoric-looking pelicans.
The Imperial New Delhi – Art enthusiasts, rejoice. This four-story history hotel in New Delhi’s Connaught Place neighbourhood is home to a venerable collection of great painters’ works, as well as three in-house galleries. Take an art tour and learn about the hotel’s colonial architectural inspirations. There’s also a bakery store, tavern, brasserie, and Tuscan bistro if you become hungry.
