Our roundup of India’s most splurge-worthy hotels and suites, for your festive getaway.

By PRACHI JOSHI

The festive season is upon us and there’s no time like now to celebrate with a fancy hotel stay. In keeping with the spirit of post-pandemic travel where the focus is on private spaces and secluded retreats for staycations, we have rounded up some of India’s most splurge-worthy hotel suites and villas. Whether you are looking for the familiarity of a chain hotel or the distinctiveness of a boutique property, there’s something for everyone at these uber luxe stays.

Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi

Evoking the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace is the perfect base if you want to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi. Its 2,600 sq ft. Jal Mahal Suite is designed to give you royal treatment. A private deck with a mandapa overlooks your personal pool. Inside, the spacious suite has separate living and dining areas, a massive bedroom, and a royal-sized bathroom with a bathtub, a shower and an open courtyard. Trek along the nearby Tungabhadra River or head out on one of the hotel’s curated heritage trails, and later, unwind with a healing Ayurveda treatment at the Vaidyasala Spa. evolveback.com

Amanbagh, Alwar

Once used by the Maharaja of Alwar as a base for his tiger-hunting expeditions, Amanbagh’s lush garden oasis is today dotted with rose-hued suites and pavilions. For a peaceful setting, book the 2,185 sq ft Pool Pavilion that has a spacious garden courtyard and a private nine-metre pool. The Mughal-inspired architecture features vaulted entrances, domed ceilings, scalloped windows, and intricate lattice screens. The suite is outfitted with a king-sized bed, a living area with a large daybed, walk-in wardrobes, and a bathtub carved from Udaipur green marble. aman.com

Grand Hyatt, Goa

Spread over 28 acres of tropical gardens overlooking the calm waters of Bambolim Bay, Grand Hyatt Goa is an ideal luxury resort if you’re travelling with family. Its expansive 3,229 sq ft Presidential Suite offers stunning bay views from both bedrooms. The suite comes with a grand entertainment area, a large living space, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a separate office space, a lounge area, and a gym in the balcony. Plush king beds and walk-in wardrobes make up the bedrooms, while the opulent marble bathroom comes with a walk-in shower and an outdoor jetted tub overlooking the bay. hyatt.com

ITC Grand Bharat, Gurugram

ITC Grand Bharat is India’s first all-suite hotel, a luxury destination retreat spread over a vast expanse of 300 acres. Pick from one of its four palatial Presidential Villas to experience a host of regal services. Each villa is named after one of the four great dynasties—Chola, Maratha, Maurya, and Mughal – and incorporates architectural and décor elements inspired by the same. With two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a private dip pool, sauna and steam cubicles and a Jacuzzi, each of the 5,400 sq ft villas is ideal for a family getaway. itchotels.com

Six Senses Fort Barwara, Ranthambore

Opened in October this year, Six Senses Fort Barwara in Ranthambore (130 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan) is the first resort by Six Senses in India. Over a decade of renovation and conservation efforts have transformed the 14th-century Fort Barwara into a 48-suite luxury resort. The 3,003 sq ft Raja Man Singh Suite overlooks the Barwara Lake, the Chauth ka Barwara temple, and the Aravalli Range. It features a terrace with living space, a private dining pavilion, and an enclosed garden with a circular pool. Rejuvenate yourself at the 30,000 sq ft Six Senses Spa, which is set inside the Zenana Mahal (erstwhile women’s palace), where you can find holistic healing treatments with a signature range of indigenous essential oils, muds, clays, and more. sixsenses.com

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Perched 2,000 feet above the City of Pearls, the enchanting Taj Falaknuma Palace was once the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Experience the romance and grandeur of this historical palace hotel by booking the 1,937 sq ft Nizam Suite, arguably the most regal and opulent suite in India. Personally restored by Her Highness Princess Esra, the Nizam’s Turkish wife, this stately duplex suite features ornate furnishing, centuries-old paintings, a precious Carrara marble Jacuzzi bathroom, and a private pool with a terrace and a garden. The suite comes with a personal butler and exclusive access to Jiva Spa overlooking the gardens. tajhotels.com

The LaLiT Grand Palace, Srinagar

Designed and built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1910, Gulab Bhavan, which is now The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar, overlooks the picturesque Dal Lake with stunning views of the Himalayas. The heritage palace offers 113 rooms including serene cottages and opulent suites. Get a taste of the royal life in its Maharaja Suite, a 4,000 sq ft sanctuary, complete with antique furniture, rich upholstery, and exquisite artworks. Its four king beds are made of Deodar wood, while ethnic carpets and local handicrafts add to its regal splendour. Take a dip in the temperature-controlled indoor pool and then pamper yourself at Rejuve – The Spa before heading to the Dal Bar for sundowners with a view of the sprawling lawns and lake. thelalit.com

The Leela Palace, Chennai

With a prime location along the seashore, The Leela Palace Chennai evokes the splendour of the majestic palaces of the Chettinad dynasty. Spread over 4,842 sq ft, its Presidential Suite is the largest suite in southern India. Luxuriate in the palatial suite replete with glittering silver artefacts, crystal chandeliers, and gilded furniture, as you gaze at the panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. The suite features a living room, a 12-seater dining room, master and guest bedrooms, an office space and more. Airport transfers in a BMW, a private butler, and an en suite gym and spa are just a few of the many amenities that come with this suite. theleela.com

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Located just 2,000 feet from the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas has the best views of the iconic monument. And the Kohinoor Suite on the highest floor of the hotel gives you a front-row seat to witness this timeless love story from every room. With dome ceilings, mirrored walls, and marble columns, the 2,960 sq ft suite reflects the Mughal palace aesthetic. Plan an intimate candle-lit dinner on the open-air terrace that leads out from the living room, overlooking the landscaped gardens, the pool, and of course, the Taj Mahal. oberoihotels.com

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