Savour the magic of monsoons in India with these hotels.
Like an indigo dream, there is a temporary brilliance brought with monsoon season. Monsoons in India are a rhapsody of bliss, beauty and relief from the scorching summer sun and they are meant to be savoured. And while many choose to escape the Indian monsoon in favour of the European summer, there’s a lot this season has to offer. From Ladakh, a region that does not experience rains like anywhere else in India, to Udaipur, often called the ‘Venice of the East’ which comes alive during the monsoon season. Located in hills, tea estates, beaches and lakes, these hotels across India offer amazing monsoon views and experiences. Harness this visual feast at any of these world class stays.
The Raas Rajmahal Palace
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The RAAS Rajmahal Palace hotel embodies the meaning of sweet escape, this is a place where time truly stops. Located in Jaipur, come for fresh air and stay to enjoy the opulent palace architecture, while sitting on the sprawling lawns, watching the multi-coloured sky shape shift before your eyes. At the Rajmahal, every detail has been etched with perfection, from the palatial spa to the 13 specialised rooms that are magnificently styled. Considered a heritage property, the Royals are on the extensive and exclusive list of people who have called the palace home for a few luxurious nights. Adorn yourself in swaths of velvet and satin, as you experience India’s glamour like you have never seen before. If the lush relaxation ever becomes a bore, the hotel offers expeditions to some of the most celebrated sites in the world, like the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
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Become swept away in old-world grandeur at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. The Palace was built in the 1930’s, adorned with some of the most traditional, yet art deco inspired architecture, using the same marble as the Taj Mahal. Literally fit for an Indian king, as the sprawling property is the chief residence of the Jodhpur royal family even today. The unbeatable ambience of the expansive, curated grounds will have you brimming with the panache and finesse of kings from a bygone era; you may even cast your gaze on a peacock or two. Recharge at the Trophy Bar, where guests can puff on a collection of cigars and sip on liquor in frosted glasses, or take a dip in the spa pool.
The Kumaon
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Nothing can match the resplendence of the Himalayan ranges during the monsoons. And the gentle slopes of The Kumaon region makes this even more accessible. Lush greens interspersed with gurgling waterfalls and glorious vistas of picture perfect dawn and dusk wipe away all the pressures of urban living. A resort one-with-nature that rests in the beating heart of the Himalayas, The Kumaon is designed with angular sleekness and modernity. Ten suites make up the entire hotel, clustered together and strategically woven into the hillside. Besides the understated luxury of the grounds, it’s hard to tell the rooms from the natural elements that surround them. Experience native agricultural practices and trails to age-old shrines dotted throughout the forests. The Kumoan fuses history and modernity, to leave each guest with the feeling of uninterrupted serenity.
Taj Bekal Resort and Spa
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Constructed like Ketuvallam house boats, the Taj Bekal Resort and Spa has blended inspirations of Kerala’s mythology with Indonesian influence. Dip your toes in your private aquamarine swimming pool, or amble to the ocean shoreline, outlined by emerald canopies, echoed by the sounds of exotic birdcalls. The Jiva Spa is not to be missed, specialising in Ayurvedic treatments for the mind, body and soul. Nestle into the splendour of the jungle, and feel the stress leave your body the minute you sink into the property’s many wonders.
The Grand Dragon
Touch the sky at The Grand Dragon, as a shining 5-star hotel in Leh Ladakh, placed between sprawling mountains and violet sunsets. As a family-run hotel, the nuances of hospitality are engrained in every system of the The Grand Dragon. With natural wonders everywhere you turn, relax by gem-coloured lakes or try your hand at hiking one of the imperial Himalayas. Navigate your way through stone trails to ancient monasteries, and raft down the indomitable Indus or Zanskar rivers. Come bask in the glory of this once-in-a-lifetime retreat.
The Oberoi Udaivilas
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The Oberoi Udaivilas sits as the crown jewel, a five-star hotel located on Lake Pichola. The property covers thousands of metres of the most spectacular and distinguished natural land. Feel at one with your surroundings as the resort imbues itself into the natural world. While you’re here, practise various yoga classes with a series of experts, while you watch the golden sun hang above the periwinkle pools of water. Ranked the top resort in India, your stay will be nothing nothing short of breathtaking.
The Rainforest Athirapally
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Find a perfectly worn in wooden rocking chair, and be lulled to sleep by the pitter patter of rain as you find serenity at The Rainforest. The most optimal place to escape and simultaneously relish in the seasonal storms, The Rainforest Athirapally is a perfect 10-suite hideaway retreat catering to only most exclusive, luxury clientele. Lush greens, rich wildlife, bubbly rivers and therapeutic sounds. Escape the city smog and swap honks for the soft sounds of uninhibited nature, accompanied by a bubbling hot mint tea. This is where watching the rain from indoors provides an entirely new meaning.
Ahilya by the Sea
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Pack up your calico suitcases, and take a hop, skip, and a jump over to Goa. Settle in for a stay at Ahilya by the Sea, a woven wooden wonderland inspired by the best of the tropics. Sheltered and secluded in Dolphin Bay, the nine private rooms offer guests a feeling of home while maintaining a sense of easy glamour. Take a swim in one of the resorts two sparkling infinity edge pools, as tranquility becomes a way of life. The resort offers a myriad of options for Al Fresco dining, celebrating an integrated the best of the natural surroundings.
Amrapali
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Sink your teeth into the beauty of traditionality at Amrapali, a resort centred around hospitality and generosity in the heart of Goa. With service situated to accommodate every guests needs, Amrapali has spent the time to make sure every element of a guest’s stay is as divine as its surroundings. Enjoy dinners in beautifully designed banquet halls and find time to reflect by the ponds. Beauty is just around every corner here with tropical gardens and river views.
Coco Shambhala
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Become the epitome of balance and grace with a stay Coco Shambhala, an emerald pearl secluding you from everyday stresses. With four luxury specialised suites, Coco Shambhala was constructed around the organic curvature of the land. It is integrated with the elements of tranquility, and complemented by a meticulous attention to detail. From specialty coconut furniture, to a selection of fine wines, luxury is part of the Coco Shambhala ethos. A celebration of Goa’s colourful and lush natural architecture, a stay at Coco Shambhala will have you breathing deeper and worrying less.
Ging Tea Estate
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India is synonymous with being the world’s best tea producer, curating some, if not the best teas in the world. Take a break from modern life and to one of India’s oldest tea plantations, Ging Tea Estate, in the mountainous hills of Darjeeling, East India. On 600 hectares of uninterrupted land, take scenic winding walks through trails lined with multi-coloured wildflowers, accompanied by the sweet sounds of birdsong. Indulge in glorious sunrises and sleepy sunsets on Tiger Hill, surveying Kanchenjunga (India’s tallest peak) in the distance. Decompress from the new world, in the fabric of the old.
Ri Kynjai
Established overlooking a royal blue lake, Ri Kynjai is a harmonious resort perfect for a monsoon escape. Cozy up in a cottage outlooking the low hanging clouds and flowing rivers, accepting stillness as a new way of life. This resort is also for the golf lovers, with the Shillong Golf Course attracting visitors every year to play on its sloping hills.
The Raffles Udaipur
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The Raffles Udaipur hotel is nothing short of awe-inspiring, with grounds fit for royals of past and present. With intricately ornate suites, designed meticulously to reflect the grandeur of the resort as a whole, your sleep will never be as soundless. The hotel is situated near many incredible destinations, like The City Palace, a modern marvel who’s amber lights shine brilliantly at night. For a lavish and luxurious retreat, there simply is no other option.
The Windflower
The Windflower vibrantly blends the upscale with natural delight. In a resort with villas, studios, and suites all facing views of dense jungle and opulent forestry, you will leave the city life far behind you upon your arrival. Stay in the cottages and experience the rains or go on a sight-seeing tours of the nearby falls or the lakes. Swim under canopies of gorgeous leaves and dabble in Ayurvedic spa practices, leaving you glowing inside and out.
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