10. UMAID BHAWAN PALACE JODHPUR

Built by Maharaja Umaid Singhji as a symbol of the “new” Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of India’s largest private hotel residences. Today this 64-guestroom Indo–art deco marvel treats its guests to bespoke Taj Hospitality that mesmerizes with an array of experiences like Royal Butler Service, unique dining options and retail therapy. Guests can stroll the lush English gardens beautified by bougainvillea, play squash with the Royal Trainer, visit the on-site museum, sip fine brandy over a game of snooker, or experience India’s ancient healing wisdom at the Jiva Grande Spa, which offers holistic ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes.

• Hotel website: Umaid Bhawan Palace
• Other accolades: Umaid Bhawan Palace also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most magnificent castle hotels.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one lunch or dinner for two).

9. THE OBEROI NEW DELHI

Reopened in 2018 after an extensive refurbishment, The Oberoi New Delhi hotel reflects the spirit of India’s capital city in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. The property offers spacious, light-filled rooms and suites with cutting-edge technology and sweeping views of Delhi Golf Course and Humayun’s Tomb. Restaurants include Threesixty for all-day fine dining, a contemporary Indian specialty restaurant and a rooftop Chinese restaurant. There is also an open-air rooftop bar, a wine cellar and a new cigar lounge. Wellness facilities include The Oberoi Spa, temperature-controlled indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a 24-hour fitness center.

• Hotel website: The Oberoi New Delhi
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one complimentary lunch).
• Review: read my review of The Oberoi New Delhi here.

8. AMAN-I-KHAS, RHANTAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

A safari outpost on the threshold of Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khas opens minds, and hearts, to the prospect of living well in the midst of incredible nature. Daily Jeep safaris promise glimpses of tigers among myriad wildlife encounters, while back at camp, spa therapies, sleeping and dining take place under soaring, candlelit canopies inspired by Mughal hunting parties of old. Each tent is assigned an experienced batman, who accompanies guests into the jungle, along the River Chambal and to temples and cultural sites – all rich material for storytelling come nightfall, when the firepit glows under a magical starlit sky.

• Hotel website: Aman-i-Khas
• Other accolades: Aman-i-Khas also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most exclusive glamping sites.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a 60 min massage for two).
• Review: read my review of Aman-i-Khas here.

7. THE TAJ MAHAL PALACE MUMBAI

Established in 1903, this magnificent hotel resides in the heart of Mumbai. Art lovers can marvel at the collection of paintings and artifacts at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. A rich blend of styles enthrals the senses, from Belgian chandeliers to works of legendary Indian painters. One of India’s most famous hotels, the property is an architectural wonder, combining Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Wander the many corridors and galleys before settling in to your room to enjoy the tranquil views. No visit is complete without visiting the Jiva Spa, surrounded by a swimming pool and offering Indian rejuvenation therapies and holistic healing treatments.

• Hotel website: The Taj Mahal Palace
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit).

6. ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS

Ananda in the Himalayas is a peaceful oasis tailored for spa enthusiasts and one of India’s best hotels. The highly-acclaimed destination spa is located on the 100-acre palace estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal and offers luxurious rooms and private villas with magnificent views. The 24,000-square-foot spa features more than 80 body and beauty treatments, including traditional ayurveda, yoga, meditation and contemporary international spa experiences. Ananda is best known for its signature wellness programs, like Ayurvedic rejuvenation, detox and weight management. The active can enjoy golf, rafting, trekking, wildlife safaris, temple tours and more.

• Hotel website: Ananda in the Himalayas
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade at the time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a transfer to the banks of Ganges River for an evening Arti ceremony; for stays of 3 nights or more: A complimentary 50-minute spa treatment for up to two people, once during the stay).

5. TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE, HYDERABAD

Taj Falaknuma Palace was the royal residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, and today’s guests live like royalty in this thoughtfully restored palace. Guestrooms are rich in color and such details as Hyderabadi embellishments and English frescoes. Guest can unwind by strolling the palace’s breathtaking Rajasthani Garden or basking in the heavenly Jiva Spa. There are dining choices abound, from fine Italian cuisine, to pit-grilled feasts in the gardens, to an Indian-Hyderabadi-inspired fine dining restaurant Adaa, voted 85th best restaurant in the world by Elite Traveler in 2017, where six-course dinners are served.

• Hotel website: Taj Falaknuma Palace
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, welcome amenity, Royal arrival experience, Champagne heritage walk of the Palace, and one lunch or dinner for two).

4. THE OBEROI AMARVILAS

Situated less than 2000 feet (600 meters) from the Taj Mahal – the world’s most exquisite testimony to undying love – it is easy to rekindle romance at The Oberoi Amarvilas. The hotel – one of the finest in India – stands amidst nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, minarets, pavilions, fountains, reflection pools and terraced lawns inspired by traditional Mughal designs. The resort has 102 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites, each with uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal and complemented by Oberoi’s warm, personalized hospitality. Many rooms of this elegant five-story building have private terraces. The fine dining restaurants serve pan-international and authentic Mughlai cuisine.

• Hotel website: The Oberoi Amarvilas
• Other accolades: Oberoi Amarvilas also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most phenomenal honeymoon hotels.
• Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one complimentary lunch for two).
• Review: read my review of The Oberoi Amarvilas here.

3. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR

Rising like a mirage from Lake Pichola, the white-marble-and-mosaic Taj Lake Palace beckons to travelers. The palace itself dates back to 1746, when it was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. Today, guests are treated like royalty by an entourage of palace butlers who ensure that every creature comfort is provided. The Jiva Spa draws rich idioms from millennia-old Indian wellness and healing therapies, resulting in a menu of aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and wraps that are sure to rejuvenate even the weariest body. From mid-October to mid-April, the hotel’s rooftop Bhairo restaurant is open and serves contemporary European cuisine with spectacular palace lake and views.

• Hotel website: Taj Lake Palace
• Other accolades: Taj Lake Palace also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s best historic hotels, the world’s most magnificent castle hotels, and luxury hotels made famous by movies.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one lunch or dinner for two).
• Review: read my review of Taj Lake Palace here.

2. AMANBAGH, RAJASTHAN

Once used by the Maharajah of Alwar as his base for tiger-hunting expeditions, today Amanbagh’s lush compound shelters guests in a modern-day Mughal palace, carved out of local pink marble and sandstone, with scalloped arches and cupolas paying homage to India’s golden age. A sanctuary in the arid Aravalli hills, 90 minutes from frenetic Jaipur, the property is surrounded by mature palm, fruit and eucalyptus trees, which shade the emerald-green pool. Beyond the palatial Suites, spa and gardens, guests will discover welcoming villages, majestic forts and ruins, and the jungle of Sariska National Park, where tigers still roam free.

• Hotel website: Amanbagh
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one a la carte lunch for two persons).
• Review: read my review of Amanbagh here.

1. THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR

The phenomenal Oberoi Udaivilas is spread over 50 acres on the banks of Lake Pichola, on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. The resort offers unique experiences that include private lakeside dining, traditional boat rides, private cooking sessions and fun activities for children. The indoor and alfresco restaurants have lake and garden views, and serve fine international and Indian cuisine, while the spa offers signature Oberoi treatments. I recommend to opt for a suite with a private pool, or for a premier room with comes with direct access to a unique 240 ft (73 m) long semi-private pool and a bath tub with uninterrupted lake views.

• Hotel website: The Oberoi Udaivilas
• Other accolades: The Oberoi Udaivilas features in my top 10 list of hotels with the world’s most stunning swimming pools.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary lunch or dinner for two)
• Review: read my review of The Oberoi Udaivilas here.

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