From a hide-out in the woods to a regal palace hotel, these boutique hotels in India are perfect for your next leisurely staycation.
Boutique hotels have a certain charm to themselves, thanks to off-the-grid approach, bespoke luxuries, and endless experiences unique to the local surroundings. Add to that, the personalised, intimate attention that you receive, making your stay at one of these small, luxury properties all the more special. People around the world are ditching the soul-less, brick-and-mortar hotels and turning to boutique resorts for memorable travel experiences. We bring you a run-down of the most beautiful boutique hotels in India and why must visit them.
The best boutique hotels in India
The Johri, Jaipur
Tucked like a gem in the very heart of Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar, The Johri is an intimate, luxury boutique resort restored from a 19th-century merchant family’s haveli. Lots of local Rajasthani crafts along with a careful curation of antique art, furniture, and decor spread out across the hotel. Pick from five spacious and uniquely designed suites, each showcasing a distinctive blend of heritage, craftsmanship and comfort. A leafy courtyard done in pastel yellow takes centerstage and doubles as an outdoor dining space. The 70-seater Restaurant at The Johri is a watering hole for local hipsters as well as well-heeled families.
Karan Mahal, Srinagar
The erstwhile rulers of Kashmir once called Karan Mahal home. Today, it sits between two hills as a seven-key boutique hotel surrounded by 60 acres of orchards and woods. Each room is furnished with antiques imported from Europe by Maharaja Hari Singh. Expect to be swept off by its chic, welcoming interiors speaking of its illustrious past: photographs of Nehru exploring the property, porcelain figurines, unique crystal ware, khatambandi wooden ceilings, Lalique lamps, and hand-knotted carpets. Home-cooked, age-old royal recipes from Jammu and Himachal will offer you a heavenly slice of Kashmir, including dishes like lamb yakhni, gucchi pulao, khatta meat, and more.
The Postcard Hideaway Netravali, Goa
Nestled in the quietude of an untouched forest in South Goa, The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali comes with 20 discreet, ultra modern rooms spread across 20 acres. Focussed on holistic wellness, your journey here will let you take a much-needed break from city’s clamour. The hotel offers solitude and relaxation in the purest sense, with unending views of the surrounding Western Ghats. Each tastefully appointed room comes with a patio to spend the day observing nature, and designed to blend unobtrusively with the surroundings. The spa here offers a wealth of wellness therapies along with an open-air jacuzzi and yoga sessions at the pavilion.
Tree of Life Vanvilas River Edge, Corbett National Park
Open fields surrounded by dense forests with a river stream running through — the Tree of Life property at Corbett is straight out of a rustic dream, located at the foothills of the Himalayas. Experience luxurious living at one of the six hideaway and river-view rooms here. Go on adventurous safari expeditions at the national park for the sightings of wild elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and even the elusive leopards and tigers. A number of dining options, including The Wild Grass Cafe, Forest Deck, and The Grill Room make sure you are served delicious meals and drinks prepared fresh from local produce. Let conversations spill over a cup of tea at Chai & More, enjoy some indoor games as you sip on cocktails at the Wild Grass Lounge, or curl up with a book on a hammock by the pool.
The Rohet House, Jodhpur
The Rohet House makes you forget that you are the bustling city of Jodhpur. Certainly one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in India, it features six suites and two rooms, chandelier-lit marble bathrooms, a spectacular swimming pool, a beautifully appointed plush dining room, inviting lounges and verandas, and a lush garden. A family residence built in 1969, The Rohet House retains its original sandstone and red ochre structure, and is done up with hand-painted frescoes and beautiful Rajasthani furnishings. Take a dawn tour to watch Jodhpur slowly wake up, enjoy Rajasthani, Indian, and Continental fares at the in-house restaurant, and wind down with your favourite drink by the plunge pool or at the terrace lounge.
Neemrana’s Glasshouse on the Ganges, Rishikesh
A sophisticated Neemrana property, the 20-key Glasshouse on the Ganges offers a bird’s-eye view of the rolling valley and the holy river from every vantage point. Once the private orchard of the Maharajas of Tehri Garhwal, the property greets you with surrounding verdurous estates and an impressive glass gazebo overlooking the Ganges. Expect to come across mindful features like biodegradable toiletries and biodiesel fireplaces. The outdoor walkway here is lined with lychee and mango groves and takes you past a temperature-controlled infinity pool, an open-air yoga pavilion, and the 117-foot-long river deck. Pamper yourself with signature Ayurvedic massages or nourishing body treatments at the flagship Spa by Forest Essentials.
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