Archive for the ‘Luxury’ Category
As India continues to be ranked one of the most favorable travel destinations worldwide, hotel chains are busy developing newer and more creative accommodations. Looking ahead, 2011 is going to be one of the most exciting years for unique properties, catering to both budget and luxury travelers. Here are a few of my most anticipated additions to the Indian market:
Artist Rendering of Rasa in Jaipur
Rasa, Jaipur: Opening in March, the Rasa seamlessly blends modernity, luxury, and ecotourism. There will be forty tents with glass-wall facades and a private outdoor pavilion. Located adjacent to the 16th century Amer Fort, the futuristic Rasa also serves organic produce grown on site. The nearby nature sanctuary offers hiking and bird watching, all within close proximity to Rajasthan’s capital and Pink City, Jaipur.
Radisson Hotel, Haridwar: As much as I love Haridwar, a holy city on the Ganges River, there are very limited first-class accommodations that cater to the more discerning traveler. The Radisson will have 16 suites and 113 rooms with a variety of upscale facilities, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant, bar, club lounge and tea lounge.
Park Plaza and Park Inn, Delhi: It is hard to believe that Delhi, India’s capital and one of the three cities on the Golden Triangle tourism circuit, has a limited number of reasonably priced moderate hotels in favorable parts of the city. But for this reason, I am very pleased to see three new properties opening in Delhi: Park Plaza New Delhi Dwarka, Park Plaza New Delhi Nari Nagar, and Park Inn Delhi CBD Shahdara. Park Plaza is an upper mid-scale brand that offers modern design in a comfortable atmosphere, while Park Inn is the slightly less upgraded counterpart. Both are highly recommended by travelers, and one of my clients calls their breakfast buffets “the best in India.”
Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad: Though Banasura is already operational, I encourage travelers to experience this ecoresort before the popularity detracts from its charm. Banasura is located in the misty hills of Wayanad in the Malabar region of Kerala. It is also Asia’s largest “Earth Resort” and awarded the Greenest Destination in the Nilgiris Biosphere. The main resort is built entirely from mud, and the villas are constructed from rough hewn stone. Very impressive, considering the luxurious finishes and spacious rooms – not to mention a mud structure in an area known for heavy rainfall.
India was once reserved as a destination for backpackers, voluntourism, and group tours. Though the market remains strong for budget-friendly travel – India remains one of the top ten most affordable destinations in the world – luxury travelers have finally discovered the Indian decadence. The 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report recognized India as the #1 Emerging Destination for Luxury Travelers. Spacious villas, private tours, and the incomparable Indian hospitality are just a few of the elements that have won over the hearts of tourists worldwide. Furthermore, in today’s market, even luxury travelers are looking for a good deal – another benefit to experiencing what India has to offer. As one traveler recently told me, “I am a 6-star traveler, but I don’t need bragging rights. Even I like to find a good deal. And India was the perfect combination of opulence and affordability.”
So where can luxury travelers expect to stay during their Indian experience? Here are a few of my favorite properties:
Taj Lake Palace
1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur: This white marble luxury hotel shimmers in the middle of Lake Pichola, surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains. The palace was built in 1746 and the Royal Butlers are descendants of the original staffers, ensuring each guest is treated like royalty. For the ultimate experience, reserve one of the ten Grand Royal Suites, offering a glimpse of the Rajasthani princely lifestyles of the past.
2. Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra: Each room and suite offers a stunning view of the famed and majestic Taj Mahal. The resort was built to reflect Mughal architecture and has terraced lawns, fountains, and pavilions. The Kohinoor Suite includes a private butler and the white marble bathroom offers one of the best views of the monument. The Oberoi Spa experience is also not to be missed.
Oberoi Vrinda
3. Oberoi Vrinda, Kerala: I have often said that all travelers must experience a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala, and Oberoi took this experience to the next level with their luxury cruising vessel, the Vrinda. The eight cabins have a simple elegance with large windows overlooking the lakes and canals. The vessel also boasts of its internationally-rated cuisine that incorporates local ingredients, including coconuts, bananas, and prawns.
This is just a sample of India’s finest properties, and I invite you to savor the country to its fullest. You may complete a Custom Trip Proposal and one of our representatives will customize your luxury Indian experience.