Flavours of India

Overview

A driveway lined with tall palm trees leads to the grand white facade of The Imperial, one of Delhi’s most iconic hotels. Harking back to the days of the Raj, The Imperial is filled with old-world charm, its fascinating history a permanent presence.

The opulence of colonial India is felt from the moment you enter; the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries giving a sense of grandeur. Rooms are beautifully styled with antique furniture, marble floors covered in Indian rugs, and photographs of iconic Indian landmarks and events on the walls.

When the hotel opened its doors in the 30s, it became a meeting point for figures including Nehru, Ghandi, Jinnah and Lord Mountbatton who came to discuss the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. Photographs of the various battalions during the British Raj adorn the walls and the 1911 Restaurant is a celebration of the year Delhi became the new capital of India.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking, with four restaurants offering south east Asian, gourmet Indian and European cuisine. There is also a pastry shop and a tea lounge with a glass domed ceiling and tinkling fountain and the hotel’s two bars are some of the city’s most popular.

An outdoor swimming pool is set within the verdant gardens of the hotel and there is a spa offering Ayurvedic therapies for when you want to simply drift away. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, head out and explore Delhi – you’re ideally located on Janpath, just moments from the renowned shopping district of Connaught Place and a short rickshaw ride from India Gate.

Overview

Enjoy watching the colours of the marble change throughout the day, from its rosy glow in the morning light to the golden tint as the sun begins to set.

The hotel is approached via a driveway, lined with trees and lit with flaming torches at night. As you enter, step inside a Mughal-style quadrant with an arched passageway decorated with gold leaf frescoes, and cascading fountains.

Hallways leading to the rooms and suites are lined with wooden blinds with hand-printed golf motifs, the walls adorned with Mughal coins and antique Indian fabrics. The rooms themselves are full of old-world charm with hand woven rugs and intricately decorated wooden furniture. Each one offers uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal with some of the suites featuring bathtubs that look out over the monument.

The Esphahan restaurant specialises in Indian food with traditional curries and fluffy breads served on burnished metal plates. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee under the gold domed ceiling of the lounge or enjoy a drink and a game of backgammon in the bar.

The spa is centred around a domed marble steam room and offers a range of treatments inspired by ancient Indian rituals. There is also a fully-equipped gym that looks out over the hotel’s pristine gardens and an outdoor pool, which is partly covered so you can take refuge in the shade.

Overview

A royal residence dating back to 1835, the splendid Rambagh Palace, within its 47 acres of grounds at the heart of the city, is one of Rajasthan’s finest heritage hotels.

Grand and intricate examples of Jaipur’s craftsmanship abound with hand-carved stone and marble latticework, fine antiques and elaborate Mughal gardens, all adding up to a thoroughly regal feel.

This carries on into the 45 spacious rooms, with their period décor and modern amenities, and is amplified by an order of magnitude in the 23 grand suites.

Enjoy an aptly royal India feast in the French-style ballroom of Suvarna Mahal, or opt for something a little more informal at the Rajput Room or with tea on the lawn. Drink among hard-won trophies at the sophisticated Polo Bar, or beside a restored locomotive at Steam.

After a day exploring Jaipur, head back to the Jiva Grande Spa for traditional and signature treatments, lounge by the pool, try your hand at croquet or perhaps learn about the Rambagh Palace’s own fascinating history with a guided tour of the grounds.

Overview

Perched 2,000 feet above the city of Hyderabad is Taj Falaknuma Palace, a jewel amongst the clouds. This enchanting palace hotel in Hyderabad exudes romance and grandeur and guests are given the option to arrive at the front door by journeying the long driveway in a horse and carriage, to complete the experience of stepping back into yesteryear. This luxury hotel sits in 32 acres of private grounds with beautiful green manicured lawns.

There are 60 rooms and suites, beautifully refurbished and lovingly restored by Her Highness Princess Esra, the Nizam’s Turkish wife. Each provides marvelous views of the palace courtyard and the 400-year-old city of Hyderabad.

There are two restaurants, a hookah bar, a terrace to enjoy afternoon tea and the Gol bungalow for exclusive dining options. Feel holistically rejuvenated at the Jiva Spa, rooted in the traditional Indian approach to wellness.

Overview

Located on the western shores of Lake Vembanad, Purity is a beautiful boutique hotel with sublime views and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

All rooms and suites come with a terrace or balcony that looks out over the water where boats glide up and down and palm trees sway in the breeze. Whitewashed walls keep rooms bright and cool, perfectly complimented by colourful textiles, antiques and intricate wooden carving.

Sculptures and paintings by local artists are displayed throughout the hotel adding to its homely feel. Dinner is enjoyed at at peaceful spot overlooking the lake and there is a courtyard for when you want to relax with a book and a cup of chai. There is also an outdoor pool, a spa offering a range of Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes every morning.

Overview

Over a century ago, Geo Brunton and Sons was one of the most respected shipbuilding companies in Cochin. Sat on the harbour and a proud reminder of this prestigious past, is Bruntons Boatyard, a beautiful boutique hotel full of character.

The hotel has been lovingly restored using the same brick, lime and terracotta building materials to ensure it keeps its Victorian charm. On arrival you will immediately be transported back to colonial India thanks to the arched wooden ceilings, tiled floors and traditional punkah fans gently whirring overhead. The walls are adorned with photos and prints of the old boatyard and Dutch maritime maps.

All of the hotel’s 22 rooms look out over the sea where every kind of vessel from small fishing boats to trade boats and cruise ships trace their way across the water. Keep you eyes peeled for the pods of dolphins that weave their way in and out of the waterway. Four poster beds and antique wooden furniture give the rooms plenty of character and some come with balconies from which you can sit and watch the world go by.

Fort Cochin is a melting pot of cultures and this is reflected in its cuisine, every dish on the menu representing one of the many communities that have called this beautiful town home. A rich mix of Indian, Portuguese, British, Dutch, Arabian and Jewish cuisine makes dining here a real treat and with the Chinese fishing nets just around the corner, seafood is a specialty. For afternoon refreshment enjoy a cup of tea in the tea lounge and come evening the Armoury Bar is the perfect place to sip on a expertly mixed cocktail or beer and enjoy a game of billiards.

The hotel’s garden is a calm, green refuge and the outdoor pool provides a refreshing break from the Kerelan sun. There is also an Ayurvedic massage centre for those moments when you simply want to drift away.

Overview

Since its opening in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace has been one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks. An architectural gem, the hotel blends plenty of old-world charm with all the comforts of a modern luxury hotel.

Its location is hard to beat, perched on the water and overlooking the majestic Gateway of India monument, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The hotel’s 560 rooms are spread across the Palace and the Tower wing and come with spectacular views of the city, the Arabian Sea or the Gateway itself. Italian marble bathrooms add another element of luxury.

The hotel itself has plenty of character with vaulted ceilings, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers and an impressive art collection. There are four restaurants specialising in Japanese, Chinese, contemporary Indian and eastern Mediterranean cuisine. There is also a patisserie that serves a selection of mouthwatering cakes.

The Sea Lounge is full of colonial charm and is famous for its afternoon tea which can be enjoyed while enjoying live piano music. There is also the Harbour Bar with a fantastic selection of cocktails and light tapas, and a poolside restaurant set under a lush green canopy.

The hotel is a real oasis of calm in the heart of bustling Mumbai, and for the ultimate in relaxation be sure to make use of the large outdoor pool, the fitness centre and the spa with its range of soothing treatments based on ancient Indian healing methods.

One experience not to be missed while staying here is the Heritage Walk, where you’ll get an insight into the hotel’s 113-year history and be regaled with many entertaining tales from yesteryear’s guests.