Here are 5 boutique hotels in India recommended by Tripzuki.com for LifeSpice’s readers to check-in to in this beautiful monsoon season. Tripzuki.com is a hotel booking site that offers local expertise, advice and inspiration to discerning travellers in India.
Seetalvan Orchard
This gorgeous property is 80 kms north of Shimla, and is the cream of the crop when it comes to the small, family run hotels that dot the Himachali landscape. Stay here for the views, the comfort and the food. It’s particularly pleasant from May to September, when most Delhiites head north to escape the heat.
Samode Palace
Royal Rajasthan doesn’t get much grander than this. Set in the countryside – an hour from Jaipur – amongst deep green hills overlooking the village by the same name, Samode has everything to die for: magnificent swimming pools, a 5-star menu, dining rooms and luxurious bathtubs.
The Bison Resort
Bison’s luxury tents are set in the middle of two national parks (Bandipur and Nagarhole), making this a super gateway to wildlife and adventure or simple, serene luxury. Yes, the monsoons do lead to lesser animal sightings, but they also create spectacular views of the lakes and grasslands. The accommodation with its wooden floors, deep armchairs and old cabin trunks will transport you to a bygone era of shikaris and hunting lodges.
Aashyana
Not everyone knows that monsoon is actually a fantastic time to visit Goa, when the countryside is drenched, green and bursting with life. Aashyana was a pioneer in Goan ‘boutique luxury’ and does what only the best boutique properties can: superb personal service, accommodation with character and privacy plus, in this case, incredible private access to one of the state’s most popular beaches.
Ahilya Fort
This 18th century fort on the banks of the river Narmada is now a palatial hotel run by the royal family of Indore. There are 13 rooms spread over the six buildings, with the Maharaja Tent located right on the river bank (with its own plunge pool), which is definitely our top pick. Madhya Pradesh may not be on everyone’s destination list but the monsoons here are magical.