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Beautiful Boutique Hotels in India

Travel in near future is going to be valued much more than ever. The destination will pay the most important role but what will attract the travellers – luxury or adventure alike is the tranquillity and privacy, off the grid approach and personalised attention and the concept of boutique hotels promise just that. From villas to tree houses, palaces to camps, cottages to forts, and the type of boutique hotels in India are numerous. Their attentive hospitality, lack of crowds and high-end amenities promise a worthy experience. - By Satpreet Kaur

LA VILLA With just six bedrooms, the stylish La Villa in Pondicherry is one of the most intimate boutique hotels in India. Renovated by architects Tina Trigala and Yves Lesprit and opened in 2014, the hotel occupies a 19th-century colonial home that has been restored with loving attention. Now, guests can admire the mingled heritage and contemporary design flourishes, paddle in the outdoor pool, dine in the open-air restaurant, and otherwise take advantage of coastal Pondicherry’s old-world charms. Where – Pondicherry

BRIJRAMA PALACE A 32-bedroom royal abode that is almost 200-year-old, perched on the Ghats of Varanasi. The story of BrijRama Palace dates back to 1812, in its current avatar, BrijRama Palace continues to celebrate the glory of being the oldest heritage building on the banks of the river Ganga while speaking a language that also resonates with the modern world traveler. Spread across three floors the place features a local touch with the use of Benarasi furnishings as well as pure silver and gold paint on the ceilings. Soak in a truly royal experience in the superior rooms that also boast a classic slipper Clawfoot bathtub with the view of the Ganges. Meals are akin to royal feasts here, dig into Indian street food with a sumptuous twist at the Maharaja-style dining destination, Chota Angan or head to Kamalya Café on the terrace for a lazy evening snack with a view. Curated cultural evenings encouraging traditional musical and dance performances to preserve their rich history will be an important aspect of your stay here. Where - Varanasi

HOTEL CHAMBA CAMP A camp which puts the glam in glamping. This is a camp for the luxury adventurists. Jaw-dropping views of snow-capped mountains, Wi-Fi at 12,000 feet, luxury suite-like tents, tailor-made food for each meal and once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as rafting, all make for this to be undoubtedly the most luxurious it can get under canvas. This property lies on Thiksey Monastery, which might just well be its most luxurious aspect. Where - Leh, Thikse

THE BANGALA Immerse yourself in the magic of historic Chettinad during a stay at The Bangala. One of the finest guesthouses in India, the heritage retreat has been owned and maintained by the same family for more than a century. In its architecture and its amenities, you’ll discover evidence of a bygone Tamil Nadu, from its verdant gardens and sweeping verandas to its lovely swimming pool—and especially its family-run kitchen, which is a fantastic culinary destination for its authentic Chettiar cuisine. Where - Chettinad

SHAKTI 360° Situated 8,000 feet above the ground, this solar-powered eco-luxury property takes a serious effort to reach. It’s a one hour walk from the remote village of Leti. But the hideaway is well worth the effort it takes to reach this inner sanctum. The mountaintop commands stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas while the altitude gives you access to views which only hardcore trekkers deserve. Apart from the marvelous geography; the gourmet cooking, fine wines and exceedingly cozy cabins complimented by the 5-star service expose you to an experience like no other. Where -Kumaon, Uttarakkand

RAAS Few other boutique hotels in India promise the style and spectacle of Raas Jodhpur. Located within an 18th-century haveli within the walled city, the hotel is near neighbours to the Mehrangarh Fort, and its views are nothing short of breathtaking. Frolic in the rooftop pool, seek relaxation in the world-class Ila Spa, enjoy two fabulous onsite restaurants, and save plenty of time for fort adventuring. Where- Jodhpur

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AHILIYA BY THE SEA Far from the bustle and chaos of the busiest seafront stretches, Ahilya by the Sea evokes a tranquil, bygone Goa. Directly overlooking Dolphin Bay, the hotel hosts just nine bedrooms across three different villas, which means peace and privacy are a guaranteed part of any stay. Some of the very best views can be admired from within the Sunrise infinity pool, which overlooks the coastal scenery; the venue’s tranquil Banyan Spa and its lush gardens are also designed with soul-soothing in mind. Where - Goa

NARENDRA BHAWAN The former Maharajah of Bikaner once rested his head here—and now you can too. A royal haveli that’s recently been reimagined as a luxury boutique stay, Narendra Bhawan is now one of Rajasthan’s most desirable hotels. Designed with an eye to its regal past, the hotel’s evocative interiors cultivate a dreamy, nostalgic sense of luxury. Linger in the gorgeous Diwali Chowk courtyard by day, and head outdoors for a starlit dinner in the evening. Where - Bikaner