Amidst the captivating wilderness of Rajasthan’s desert, where royal splendour meets untamed natural beauty, Ranthambore beckons with a unique opportunity to indulge in the grandeur of the jungle while enjoying the luxurious comfort of some of the best resorts.

From regal tented suites inspired by royalty to dining experiences that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of local family recipes, these resorts promise an unforgettable retreat into the wild. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a seeker of serenity, or simply in search of a royal escape, these best resorts in Ranthambore have something extraordinary to offer inside India’s most celebrated tiger reserve.

So, join us as we explore these havens of luxury, comfort and tranquillity, where the call of the wild blends harmoniously with the elegance of royalty.

Ranthambore is an easily accessible destination, situated approximately 175 km from Jaipur International Airport and only 11 km from Sawai Madhopur Railway Station.

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Experience luxury amidst wildlife: The best jungle resorts in Ranthambore

Kashmir is synonymous with kahwa, tulip gardens, Gondola rides, and shikara boats. And while all that deserves to be on your itinerary, we recommend staying in a houseboat to elevate your getaway to newer heights. Anchored in the pristine waters of the Dal and Nigeen Lakes, Kashmir houseboats promise an endearing tryst with culture, opulence, and hospitality.

Moored along the lakes, these luxury vessels offer sweeping views of the valley, floating markets, and sweet-scented flowers. Read on to learn more about these special accommodations.

What are houseboats?

Essentially a boat where people can stay, houseboats usually have a decadent roof held together using wooden hulls. Unlike the ones in Alleppey (Kerala), the Kashmir houseboats don’t sail. They stand still, offering an idyllic mid-water stay to anyone seeking the ultimate local experience.

Kashmiri houseboats are completely made of cedar wood — which stays healthy despite being in water. Inside, the furniture is sculpted using walnut wood; intricate carvings on the furniture and ceiling are a unique feature of the houseboats. Typically furnished with 1 to 5 bedrooms with attached washrooms, the houseboats also feature lush living rooms, a common dining area, and spacious balconies — all laced together with authentic Kashmiri decor.

Types of houseboats in Kashmir

Determined to stay in a houseboat? Allow us to introduce you to the various options that will help you make an informed choice. For starters, there’s Firdaus — teeming with grandeur, this huge houseboat has 3 bedrooms and an indulgent living area, decorated tastefully with Kashmiri handicrafts.

We recommend the cosy 1-bedroom houseboats — Nishat and Kushdil — for honeymooners. With modern facilities, scenic views of the lake, and uncompromised privacy, they make for the perfect pick. For family getaways, look no further than Gulshan and Clermont — they come with 2 hospitable bedrooms, verandahs, and porches treating you to the views of snow-clad mountains. Lastly, there’s Kushal — 2-bedroom houseboats that bear all the hallmarks of luxury. Plush furniture, authentic decor, and sumptuous meals — you name it and they have it.

Best houseboats to book in Kashmir

Experience unmatched luxury onboard these houseboat stays in Kashmir:

Naaz Kashmir

Perched along the Nigeen Lake, Naaz Kashmir weaves a leisurely sojourn with Kashmiri interiors and modern amenities like WiFi, and centrally heated/air-conditioned rooms.

Whether it is an assortment of Bollywood movies in the lounge area, a dedicated library, or delectable meals spanning Kashmiri, Chinese, and Continental cuisines, Naaz Kashmir offers it all. In addition to the luxe interiors, guests can go water-skiing, rent bicycles, take a shikara ride, or plan a hearty barbecue dinner.

Sukoon

Anchored along the Dal Lake, Sukoon features 5 elegant bedrooms, an open sundeck and terrace, and breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal range. This eco-friendly houseboat delights with hot tubs and rain showers and comes stocked with organic bath products.

Guests can relish candle-lit dinners and sunset soirées at Fizza, the houseboat’s exotic sundeck. To cultivate shared experiences, pre-book a cooking lesson onboard the boat. The locals will help you catch freshwater fish, buy vegetables and fruits from the floating markets, and ultimately rustle up a lake-to-table meal together. Go the extra mile and book a water safari on Sukoon’s luxe shikara boats.

Mascot Houseboats

Berthed on the Nigeen Lake, Mascot Houseboats feature ornate wooden carvings, Persian rugs, and grand chandeliers. The traditional architecture is complemented by luxurious amenities like jacuzzis, hot tubs, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and dedicated fireplaces.

Pick from the 6 rooms offering surreal views of the lake or the Zabarwan range. Onboard, treat yourself to Kashmiri delicacies, a cosy barbecue, board games, or a day of fishing. You can even ask the staff to arrange a day of watersports for you.

Harmukh Houseboat

Another splendid houseboat on the Nigeen Lake is Harmukh — a 2-bedroom paradise with an upper deck and balconies that frame the scenic lake and mountains. The intricate wood-panelled interiors, handwoven rugs, and ornate ceilings take you back in time.

Onboard the houseboat, indulge in a complimentary buffet and à la carte breakfast, endless refills of piping-hot kahwa, or purchase fresh produce from the shikaras floating alongside. Additionally, the work desks, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators ensure that convenience and luxury are not compromised.

Welcomheritage Gurkha Houseboats

Nestled in the mirror-calm waters of Nigeen Lake, the Welcomheritage Gurkha Houseboats offer 18 rooms with dedicated gardens or verandahs.

Bask in regality as you sink into the 4-poster beds. Jacuzzis, minibars, TVs, and scintillating views of the Pir Panjal range are all a part of the package. Additionally, savour the sumptuous dishes, a popular favourite being the 36-dish Kashmiri wazwan.

How to book Kashmir houseboats?

While houseboats can be booked online, one must consider necessary factors like location, accessibility, and logistics before making a decision. For a bustling neighbourhood with lively activities, book a houseboat on Dal Lake. If you fancy serenity and calm, opt for a houseboat on Nigeen Lake. Additionally, some houseboats can only be reached via a shikara boat, while others are accessible by car. So, phone the property before arrival to get clarity on the logistics.

Prices of houseboats in Kashmir

Based on the hospitality and amenities, one can book a mid-range houseboat between INR 4,000 (USD 48) to INR 7,000 (USD 84) per night. The luxury houseboats start at INR 9,000 (USD 108) and go higher.

Best time to stay on Kashmir houseboat

While the warmer months promise tulips in full bloom, clear skies, and stunning views, winter in Kashmir also poses a unique experience. Most houseboats are centrally heated, offer hot tubs, and are equipped with generators. So, regardless of the season, you can witness different shades of Kashmir through the seasons, from the luxury of your houseboat.

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

Main and Feature Image Credit: Divya Agrawal/Unsplash

Related: In Pictures: Enjoy The Enchanting Beauty Of Snow-Covered Kashmir

FAQs 

What are the amenities available on a houseboat in Kashmir?
Kashmiri houseboats offer a wide range of amenities like high-speed WiFi, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, sumptuous meals, TVs, sundecks, and much more.

Do houseboats in Kashmir have a view of the Himalayan mountains?
Yes, most houseboats in Kashmir offer surreal views of the Himalayan mountain ranges like Pir Panjal, as well as the Zabarwan range. Additionally, the houseboats also offer views of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, depending on where your houseboat is.

Is staying on a houseboat a unique experience compared to traditional hotels in Kashmir?
Yes, staying on a houseboat is a unique experience. You can witness the floating markets, take shikara rides, or just enjoy views of the mountains and lakes from your mid-water lodging.

Can I enjoy traditional Kashmiri cuisine on a houseboat?
Yes, most houseboats prepare traditional Kashmiri cuisine, in addition to other cuisines like Continental, Indian, Asian, etc.

Are houseboats pet-friendly?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on all houseboats. It’s best to confirm with the staff in advance.

In an era where ethical tourism is shaping the future of travel, we invite you to discover a world where luxury meets sustainability, where every step you take contributes to a better tomorrow. Here’s a list of 11 sustainable hotels in India that will empower you to travel responsibly and make a positive impact on the planet.

11 Sustainable Hotels in India

Atmantan Wellness Centre, Maharashtra

Synonymous with wellness, Atmantan Wellness Centre near Pune offers a transformative and educational experience. The wellness programmes here are thus custom-made with prescribed nutrition, healing therapies, and functional fitness programmes. Their commitment to sustainability includes green buildings and nature preservation through the use of passive architectural techniques, renewable energy, and solar insulation.

The property has also earned the recognition of a Gold LEED Certified Project (LEED is a green building certification programme that recognises best[1]in-class building strategies and practices). Atmantan also follows the practice of vermiculture, where all the wet kitchen garbage is being used to create vermicompost; plants soil and climate-appropriate flora; and has one of the largest solar hot water installations for a resort in the country; as well as a Solid Immobilized Bio-Filter (SIBF) system that uses treated chemical free water for all landscaping requirements.

Lchang Nang Retreat, Ladakh

Lchang Nang Retreat translates to ‘the house of trees’. Located in Ladakh’s beautiful Nubra Valley, this eco-conscious luxury hotel offers 17 individual cottages built in the local architectural style using mud, stone, and poplar wood. Being the first traditionally built hotel in the region, it revived old techniques of housing and gave immense confidence and pride to the locals in that a luxury project can be undertaken using completely local techniques and skills. Villagers are routinely given a tour of the property to showcase the environment-friendly initiatives undertaken and even encouraged to adopt sustainable practices.

The resort channelises melting glacier water to irrigate their lands, supports local artisans by promoting their paintings and organising exhibitions, and provides local culinary experiences through its menu. Since Lchang Nang Retreat is operational for only six months a year—this means that all the staff also had only seasonal employment—the management of this sustainable space has tied up with hotels in other parts of India to share resources.

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Raffles Udaipur, Rajasthan

Raffles Udaipur is a serene sanctuary on the banks of Udai Sagar Lake, whose sustainable practices are a part of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For starters, the boats that ferry guests to and from Raffles Lakeshore use zero carbon emission batteries. The hotel’s food and beverage programme also incorporates responsible and sustainable practices, like having a closed loop that generates as little waste as possible, using a large quantity of local and seasonal produce, and abstaining from offering buffets to avoid food wastage.

Additionally, the hotel’s organic waste converter supports responsible consumption and production by converting recyclable waste to manure that is then used in the hotel’s lawns. The in-house water bottling plant further reduces the use of plastic bottles and produces sustainable, high-quality bottled water on-site.

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The Malabar House, Kerala

The Malabar House, a Relais & Chateaux property in Kerala’s Fort Kochi, offers a luxurious stay, a holistic Ayurvedic centre for mind-body wellness, and an opportunity to explore Kerala’s backwaters on the hotel’s own eco-friendly houseboat. Following their ethos to incorporate local architectural and design elements, the 16 rooms are done in a traditional style with stone floors and no rugs, and some of the rooms have double-poster beds made from reclaimed pillars. It also boasts a carefully curated collection of art. Art and heritage preservation is the main focus here as well as the effort to preserve and promote regional culinary culture. To this effect, The Malabar House supports farms to grow pokkali, a hyperlocal variety of rice.

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The Oberoi Udaivilas, Rajasthan

Designed as a traditional Indian palace by the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas recreates the romance of the past with its reflecting pools, verdant gardens, and sprawling courtyards. And at the heart of all this lies a genuine commitment to sustainability. All the boats that are used to ferry guests across Lake Pichola are solar operated, the one-megawatt solar plant covers 60 percent of the load of the property on average, motion sensors are installed in areas to save energy, wastewater is treated by STP and further used for irrigation of landscaped area, and an OWC machine is used for recycling wet waste. Additionally, incandescent and CFL lighting has been converted to LED, flow restrictor has been fixed in guest rooms for water saving, and there is a bottling plant on site as well, making this hotel a perfect choice for exploring the city while ensuring sustainability.

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The Leela Palace Bengaluru, Karnataka

While the Leela Hotels have always laid great emphasis on being sustainable, their efforts towards the same have accelerated post the pandemic. The Leela Palace Bengaluru, drawing inspiration from the Vijayanagara Empire, is a new-age palace that operates on 86 per cent of renewable energy. The brand also offers assurance of safety with ‘Suraksha by The Leela’ and has launched a signature fragrance, Tishya by The Leela. Inspired by the national flower of India, kumud or lotus, and the wonder flower, neelakurinji that blossoms only once in 12 years, the fragrance can be found in the complete range of bath amenities exclusively crafted for the brand.

These amenities are 100 per cent vegan, paraben, and SLS-free, developed with natural formulations using pure essential oils and natural, floral fragrances. To top it all, there is also planet-conscious and completely recyclable packaging. Since the launch of Aujasya, the in-house water bottling plant, the property has also done away with plastic water bottles.

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Alila Diwa Goa

Alila Diwa Goa takes great pride in minimising its environmental impact and supporting the local community. Notable efforts have been made to preserve indigenous ecosystems—the team has tried to maintain the natural landscape and spaces have been created to highlight centuries-old trees within the property. High-pitched roofs, wide verandahs, and tranquil courtyards are inspired by the local architecture of the region and created with local materials including red laterite stone and teak. Alila Diwa Goa was the first hotel in Goa that installed a water bottling plant, thus eliminating a whopping 3,50,000 single-use plastic bottles annually.

In order to reduce food waste, the property launched a Zero Food Waste programme wherein all dry and wet food waste is collected and recycled to create fruit candy, poultry, and fish feed, or organic fertiliser that is used in the Sky Garden. The Alila Solo initiative also respects and preserves indigenous people’s way of life and traditions and aims to support the local community.

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The Tamara Kodai, Tamil Nadu

The Tamara Kodai has a rich history that dates back to the 1840s. One of the first few houses to be built in the region, it was originally called Baynes Bungalow. Later, it was used as a rest house for the priests of Nagapattinam. All through the hotel’s renovation to its current luxurious avatar, existing materials such as wooden window frames and staircases were restored, reinforced, and reused to further enforce its commitment to remain sustainable. Based on the tenets of responsible hospitality, the brand’s mission is to harmonise people and the planet while earning a profit.

The Tamara Kodai’s sustainability goals are aligned with the 17 UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Of the eight acres of property land, one and a half acres are reserved for flora. Some of the eco-conscious and people-focused initiatives include 51 per cent local recruitment, gender equality via pay parity, and extensive water conservation.

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ITC Mughal, Uttar Pradesh

Being sustainable lies at the core of all operations at ITC Hotels, as the luxury hotel chain delivers its promise of providing ‘Responsible Luxury’. ITC Mughal, located at a stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal in Agra, recently became the first hotel globally to be awarded the LEED Zero Water Certification by USGBC meaning that a balance is maintained between total potable water consumption and total alternative or recycled water use.

As part of its efforts to be self-sufficient, ITC Mughal has been following a sustainable process that ensures water requirements for its buildings and processes are met by capturing rainwater and treating it for appropriate consumption. The property also puts the planet first, and sustainable practices such as harnessing renewable energy, recycling and reusing water, recycling solid waste, and locally sourcing a sizeable proportion of ingredients are embedded in its daily operations.

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Rann Riders by Kaafila, Gujarat

Located in the great salt desert in western India, Rann Riders by Kaafila offers unique safaris to explore the salt flats, vast landscape, and culture of the region through customised wilderness trips. Going beyond the scope of regular safaris, Rann Riders includes talks by trained experts on understanding the biodiversity, geology, and dining experiences amid the flats of the Rann. While water management and a recycling system to minimise water wastage are important to Rann Riders, working with the community holds equal significance. The team is involved in initiatives that benefit the local communities with high artisanal skills like weavers, embroiderers, and potters. These initiatives have helped in encouraging craftsmen to continue their ancestral skills profitably.

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Evolve Back, Karnataka

Based on the tenets of responsible tourism, Evolve Back Resorts was established in 1994 with a dedicated mission of providing experiential holidays while preserving and showcasing nature and the culture of the land. Coorg, in Karnataka, is naturally blessed with year-long pleasant weather, forested hills, and spice and coffee plantations. Opening up the heart of Coorg for their guests, Evolve Back offers luxury villas built in plantation style as well as traditional Kodava style.

For an immersive experience, guests can explore the quaint villages adjacent to the resort on an eco-friendly electric cycle accompanied by an in-house naturalist. A few of the responsible practices adopted by the resort include waste, water, and energy conservation initiatives, and educating guests while informing them of the measures that can be taken to reduce the human impact on the endangered environment. Additionally, local communities are also taken care of through direct employment at the resort.

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Related: The Rise Of Vegan-Friendly Hotels

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

– What eco-friendly amenities can I expect at sustainable hotels in India?
At sustainable hotels in India, you can expect a range of eco-friendly amenities like the use of renewable energy sources, solar insulation, and water management systems. You’ll find responsible and sustainable food and beverage practices, elimination of single-use plastic items, and recycling initiatives. Additionally, there are efforts to support local communities, preserve indigenous ecosystems, and promote local culture.

– Do sustainable hotels in India support local communities?
Yes, sustainable hotels in India strongly support local communities. They do so by prioritising local employment, promoting local artisans and culinary experiences by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers and showcasing regional culture.

– How do sustainable hotels in India conserve water and energy?
Sustainable hotels in India employ various measures to conserve water and energy. For eg. they implement water management systems that capture rainwater and treat it for appropriate use. They also incorporate energy efficiency through the use of renewable energy sources, motion sensors, and LED lighting. Moreover, they promote responsible practices such as waste recycling and composting.

These are the best beachfront family resorts in Asia, where the waters are right at your front door and there’s fun aplenty for the kids.

HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU FOUND, when booking a “beachside” hotel, that it may not be right on the beach? Maybe you’ve had to cross a busy road, intersection or skybridge — and with the kids and all that gear in tow, it can be a frustrating and stressful situation. So, whether you’re looking for jungle scenery, underwater wonders, or vibrant food, culture and history, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to locate six great resorts across Asia that are family-friendly and actually beachfront.

Club Paradise Palawan
PHILIPPINES

How about a tropical, white-sand beach on an exclusive 19-hectare private-island resort? At Club Paradise you get plenty of lounging options with a myriad of activities including kayaking, parasailing, diving, hiking, and even a kids junior hotelier program. There’s also a reef out the front for snorkeling that’s home to around 550 underwater species. Oh, and there’s a kids’ treehouse on the island, too.

The Deluxe villas are the go-to, as they sport a king-size or two single beds, with the provision for extra beds. These villas will fit your whole family and, yep, are right on the jungle-fringed beachfront of the resort.

clubparadisepalawan.com; two adults and two kids (age seven or under) from P19,000 per night including breakfast and Busuanga airport roundtrip land and boat transfers.

Ayana Komodo Resort
FLORES ISLAND, INDONESIA

If you’re keen for a dash of luxury with your family holiday, along with a myriad of activity options, the beachfront Ayana Komodo of the Ayana Resorts family (you may have heard of the sprawling and iconic Ayana Resort Jimbaran in Bali, the location of Rock Bar), is what you’re after.

There’s a lengthy private beach whose waters are good for paddleboarding, a kids’ club, along with marine life classes and coral planting, snorkeling in calm, clear waters in the cove across the way, and even a glass-bottom boat ride—so you can check if the kids really did help regenerate the ecosystem.

ayana.com/labuan-bajo/komodo; for two adults and two kids (under 9 years) staying in a Deluxe Full Ocean View Room, rates start from Rp3,396,000 per night (three-night minimum) including breakfasts and shared return airport transfers. 

Ahilya by the Sea
GOA, INDIA

Goa is our go-to for a culture trip encompassing art, history, sun-kissed beaches, and fantastic food.

Suitable for families due to its privacy, serenity and spaciousness, Ahilya by the Sea features independent villas, two swimming pools, and a palm-fringed beach. Each of these villas is individually decorated with art handpicked by the owner, and the gardens are home to a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers.

Dolphin Bay is straight out the front, and trips can easily be organized to the neighboring fishing village of Nerul, where you can jump on a private boat to fish in the bay or sail up the Sinquerim River to try crab catching—the local kids will show you how, and all gear is provided.

ahilyabythesea.com; two adults and two kids (up to 14 years old) can be accommodated in the a queen-sized double bed and separate living area of the Music Suite, where two-night stays (the minimum booking) start at INR33,950, with extra beds for children from eight to 14 years at INR3,500 per night.

Batu Batu
PULAU TENGAH, MALAYSIA

Think schools of colorful fish, easily accessible jungle hiking trails suitable for even the youngest and most energetic explorers, a turtle hatchery, and even environmental educators on hand—have your kids packed their bags yet?

Batu Batu is a family-friendly island retreat with an ecological ethos set among coconut groves, rocky outcrops, and fine sand beaches. You can snorkel the coral reef from the shore, and kids as young as five can have a first taste of scuba with the Supplied Air Snorkeling program. Families with older children can get scuba-certified together at the island’s dive center.

The well-planned accommodations make this one of our favorite beachfront family resorts, and one-bedroom villas here host a king-sized bed, a day bed (which can be made up for sleeping), and twin bunk beds in an annex for children, with cots available on request. You also get a private balcony and direct access to the beach. 

batubatu.com.my; one-bedroom villas described above for two adults and three children (0 to 12 years old) from RM1,643 per night.

Chateau Beach Resort
KENTING, TAIWAN

Near Taiwan’s southern tip you’ll find The Chateau (as it’s referred to locally), the only one of the resorts in this part of the country that’s truly beachfront—plus geared towards families. For examples: there are several shallow-water pools and play areas on-site. Your kids will love running around the vibrant food-focused night market just up the road, a two-minute walk away. And a national park with paved trails in the hills behind the resort makes adventure easy. 

Beachside family rooms have a double bed and two singles, as well as a balcony facing the ocean, with access to a walkway connecting pools and buildings.

ktchateau.com.tw; rooms from NT$12,900 per night.

Cape Weligama
SRI LANKA

OK, so being straight up with you from the get-go, Cape Weligama isn’t strictly beachside. It’s perched 40 meters above the waves, atop a promontory, with views of the ocean and surrounds so clear that a wordy description would do no justice. But! There is an easily accessible stairway down to the sand—and with all the kids-focused activities, we’re putting this on our list of beachfront resorts where your family can feel safe and satisfied. 

A morning bike ride through the scenic back roads of Weligama will see you peddling alongside lush rice paddies, and cinnamon estates. Cool off in one of the 13 pools then in the afternoon the kids can enjoy junior chef classes or craft lessons to create masks, introducing them to the island’s culture. These make for a great souvenir of your cultural immersion at one of Sri Lanka’s grandes dames.

www.relaischateaux.com/us/sri-lanka/weligama-southern-province-weligama; from US$552 per night for two adults and two kids in a Junior Suite, with twin queen beds, a stone bathtub and steam room, and an outdoor verandah overlooking a pool, and breakfast included.

If the moniker, “maximum city”, truly fits any Indian destination, it’s Mumbai. A place full of contrasts, the city houses everything from towering skyscrapers to sprawling slums. The epicentre of fashion, finance, and food, the city has Asia’s most prolific film industry, world’s most expensive home, as well as the largest tropical forest in an urban zone. We have compiled a list of 20 best hotels in Mumbai for your next trip to the city of dreams.

The north-south stretch of the town is peppered with old Gothic-style colonial bungalows, swanky glass and chrome structures, municipal markets, chic cafes, and India’s premier nightclubs and restaurants. If Mumbai happens to be your introduction to India, then be prepared to embark on a journey of a lifetime. Much like the city itself, hotels in Mumbai come in all sizes and price points. From India’s first luxury establishment to newly opened boutique hotels, hotels in Mumbai will tick all your boxes when it comes to luxury, hospitality, and superlative service.

How to find the best hotels in Mumbai?

No matter whether you are a leisure traveller or on a short business trip, your visit will remain incomplete if you miss the landmarks. From the imposing Gateway of India to the Renaissance-style Taj Mahal Palace, from the iconic Sivaji Terminal to the sacred Haji Ali Dargah, there’s a lot to take in. Don’t miss the quaint Irani and Parsi cafes and the vibrant street food stalls of Chowpatty and Crawford Market.

We have rounded up some of the best hotels in Mumbai for your next visit. From the historic Taj Palace to the uber-chic Trident, here are the top 20 hotels in Mumbai that ought to be on your bucket list.

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Check out the 20 best hotels in Mumbai

A glorious example of India’s royal heritage, Jaipur preserves the vestiges of the regal past. Renowned for its architectural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, the “Pink City” is thronged by travellers from within the country and abroad. And to accommodate a large number of tourists, there is no shortage of hotels in Jaipur.

How to find the best hotels in Jaipur?

If you ever want to live like royalty even for a day, the Pink City is the place to be. In the land of palaces, havelis, and forts, you will find numerous heritage properties and unique hotels in Jaipur to make you feel like a queen or king. A leading international travel destination, Jaipur is popular among all kinds of visitors. An ideal choice for a dreamlike wedding, family holiday, a fashionable getaway with friends, an attractive option for corporate retreats, or just to go on a soul-finding solo trip – Jaipur answers everyone’s call.

From luxurious resorts, and cosy homestays, to well-equipped workcation options, there are plenty of choices among the hotels in Jaipur to suit your budget. But no matter where you choose to stay, a night at one of the magnificent palaces is a highly-recommended experience, exclusive to Jaipur.

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Transport yourself to the royal era at Jai Mahal Palace. Enjoy a pleasant vacation with the entire family at the lavish Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar. Get a taste of Rajasthan’s old-world charm at Diggi Palace. Or discover your self on a captivating solo trip at Amanbagh.

Check out these 22 best hotels in Jaipur for a splendid trip:

Goa is a favourite among many, including Indian and international travellers. It is a place that has something for everyone. From serene beaches and landmark tourist spots to casinos and bustling cafes, you can never be bored in Goa. It also has abundant stay options depending on what you’re looking for. You will find the best budget BnBs to luxury villas and hotels in Goa.

If your plan is to spend some time away from the chaos of the city and make it a staycation, a villa with amenities like a private pool, lush gardens, a patio and other luxe offerings would be the best choice. An evening or evenings of watching the sunset, sitting on the patio with a fruity cocktail in hand doesn’t sound bad for some RnR.

To help you find the best villa in Goa for your requirements, we have curated this list of some of the most luxurious options. Many of these places also come with the personal housekeeping staff and concierge service who will help make your stay the best ever. Many properties also assist in planning your time for sightseeing and enjoying the city. After all, you can’t miss visiting the Dil Chahta Hai fort or grabbing a chilled beer at one of the beach-side shacks.

Here are the best villas in Goa that promise a fantastic staycation

Related: Rejuvenate Your Senses At These Five Hot Springs In India

The new platform, IHG One Rewards app lets you keep points, rewards, and adventure with you — wherever you go!

As part of their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, IHG Hotels & Resorts has revamped its long-running loyalty program, IHG Rewards Club, in favor of a model based on customer responses. The new platform, IHG One Rewards, lets loyalty members control how and where they spend points and allows them to customize the benefits they receive.

IHG One Rewards is tech-forward, powered by the company’s brand-new mobile app.

Describing the transition to the new system, Claire Bennett, Global Chief Customer Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This is one of the largest and most comprehensive investments that IHG Hotels & Resorts has made in recent years. It’s also the biggest development we’ve made in the loyalty space since introducing the industry’s first loyalty program. We’re truly transforming guest experiences by giving our members more of what they want — more value and exciting benefits individually delivered via new technology.”

The IHG app is the key that unlocks the power of IHG One Rewards, creating a new, more customer-friendly, and personal UX. The app enables users to check in and interact with their destination hotel before, during, and after their stay, increasing flexibility and allowing them to keep updated on any changes. Members can access the new platform simply by updating the existing version via Apple’s App Store or the Google Play store.

Jolie Fleming, Senior Vice President, Guest Products and Platforms, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: We have designed an entirely new experience for the next generation of our award-winning app, simplifying the user experience and allowing for continuous innovation moving forward.” 

This means that IHG One Rewards delivers more personalized, targeted offers to guests, rolls out new functionality faster, enhances the booking experience, and allows guests to manage their experience at every step of their journey. These impactful changes create better experiences for members.

Customization is Key

So, how does the new setup work for IHG One Rewards participants? Put simply, IHG One Rewards is designed to reward customers with more loyalty points accumulated at a much faster rate coupled with the expanded opportunities to spend them. 

Member benefits include enhanced choices, including free breakfasts for Elite members and access to Reward Night Discount Promotions for Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members. And the extended scope for Elite members means they can enjoy early check-in and late checkout (if available), as well as room upgrades. 

After conducting comprehensive research and consulting thousands of customers, IHG understood that loyalty customers all have different wants and needs. These are reflected in the introduction of Milestone Rewards, which allow members to pick reward options that best fulfill their requirements. 

Milestone Rewards kick in after just 20 nights spent in IHG hotels, with participants in the program receiving a range of gratuities to pick from every tenth night, including $20 F&B Rewards, Annual Lounge Membership, and Confirmable Suite Upgrades.

All member benefits – including the launch of Milestone Rewards – are available now.

To learn more, please visit ihg.com/one.

Article sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
All Images Credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Did someone say free nights?! From everyday spending to airline point integration, IHG One Rewards listened to what members wanted.

With the worst of the pandemic slowly disappearing in the rearview mirror, international travel is once again thriving. This is one reason IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced its innovative new loyalty program, IHG One Rewards.

Taking the opportunity to give back to its customers and help them return to travel swiftly and efficiently, IHG One Rewards puts hotel guests in the driver’s seat regarding perks. The experience is built around IHG One Rewards members’ individual wants and needs, providing increased benefits, additional ways to pick up points, and enhanced options. 

Claire Bennett, Global Chief Customer Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “IHG One Rewards has a fresh look and feel and puts guests in control of their journey. It recognizes that no two members are the same and celebrates it — allowing guests to travel and mark milestones in their own way. Every day, we welcome more guests to our hotels, and while a love of travel is universal, the reasons and ways people travel. With IHG One Rewards, our members can create the rewards that are right for them.” 

Best of all, the whole platform is ultra-easy to access and operate through IHG’s powerful new all-in-one app. The new, modern integration is more personalised, offers streamlined booking, and lets all members control their rewards, check their status, stay informed, check-in quicker, and stay connected to their favourite hotels and destinations.

After reaching out to a cross-section of its customers and taking their comments to heart, the powerful hotel group also surveyed hospitality writers and travel influencers. Compiling the data from these groups and countless global consumer studies, IHG One Rewards now offers the best and most guest-centric benefits in the industry, or as Claire Bennett puts it, “With IHG One Rewards, our members can create the rewards that are right for them.”

Check out some of the best IHG One Rewards benefits:

Did Someone Say Free Rooms?!

IHG One Rewards members will, depending on where they stay, earn ten points for every US dollar spent, and standard award nights start at 10,000 points. This means guests can swiftly build enough points to grab a free stay. In addition, exclusive to guests who book using IHG branded credit cards is the chance to snatch up a fourth awards night absolutely free.

The simplicity of earning rewards assures that guests can add value to their stay with more opportunities for perks like complimentary breakfasts, early check-in, late checkout (if available), and room upgrades, according to the level of membership and personal preferences for sleeping in or fluffy omelets.

Up in the Air

IHG has established links with more than 40 airlines, including American, Qantas and BA. This enables IHG One Rewards members to build up points and convert them into air miles, letting them participate further in these carriers’ frequent flyer programs if that suits them best. 

Online Choices

For guests that don’t want to be pinned-down to when they are traveling, IHG One Rewards enables them to spend what they have accrued on day-to-day expenses. For those in the US using the IHG Chase credit card, that means shopping at places such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and on Uber trips — plus a dizzying selection of digital entertainment, including downloading movies, music and video games to keep the synapses sparking.

To learn more, please visit ihg.com/one.

Article sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
All Images Credit: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts.