CAMEL CAMP, OSIAN
RAJASTHAN
Just north of Jodhpur lie the
superbly carved 8th century Sun temples of Osian. In a dune behind these temples is The Camel Camp. Created by the ebullient Reggie Singh, the camp emerges dramat-ically out of the desert and
surrounding tribal settle-ments. Facilities are excellent, with fixed bath-rooms, running
water and a recently added swimming pool.
COCONUT LAGOON,
KUMARKOM, KERALA.
An excellent ‘backwater’ property comprising cottages, mansions and superb villas with private pools, scattered around a small spit of lakeside land criss-crossed by small canals. The accommodation is designed to echo traditional Malayali houses and they have been comfortably furnished.
ALSISAR HAVELI
JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN
A charming small, family
run haveli. Beautifully restored and ingeniously added by the owners, it has inner courtyards, pillared porticoes, terraces and a pretty garden. The cosy bedrooms are decorated in colourful block printed fabrics and there is a small swimming pool.
DEOGARH MAHAL,
DEOGARH RAJASTHAN
This large, rambling fort is
positioned in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, between Jodhpur and Udaipur. It is owned and run by one of the most affable families around. The pretty swimming pool, endless comfortable roof terraces, and the beautiful, traditionally decorated bedrooms are the result of immense love and care, and superb taste. |
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CHHATRA SAGAR, NIMAJ, RAJASTHAN
Situated east of Jodhpur, this new hotel has recently been voted in the Top 10 tented camps in the world by Tatler. This is a truly magical place with just 11 beautifully decorated tents pitched on a damn overlooking a huge lake, teeming with birds. Owned and run by the delightful Nimaj family, whilst here you will enjoy Rajput hospitality at its best and you will feast on some of the finest home cooking to be had in the state.
DEVI GARH, DELWARA,
RAJASTHAN
Situated just outside Udaipur, Devi Garh is one of India’s few ‘boutique’ hotels. The concept of entirely modern interior design within the framework of a traditional palace works incredibly well. Divine suites are spread around the palace and in the gardens and are decorated predominantly in marble with individual colour themes. The vast, state of the art bathrooms are also a sight to see. Rooftop yoga sessions with panoramic views of the hills are offered. Facilities include a large swimming pool, a small spa, superb cuisine and caring staff.
UDAI BILAS PALACE,
DUNGARPUR, RAJASTHAN
This 19th Century Royal Residence lies on the banks of the Gaibsagar Lake in the south-western reaches of Rajasthan. The palace has some exquisite architectural designs and edifices inside. It has an air of faded grandeur replete with trophies which cover the walls. The lakeside position makes it a bird watcher’s paradise and it has a magnificent, huge new Swimming pool which seems to disappear into the lake.
HOTEL DE L'ORIENT
PONDICHERRY TAMIL NADU
Just 3 hours south of Madras, Pondicherry boasts stunning buildings, reflecting its French colonial past, and Hotel de l’Orient offers 14 suites in one of the old mansion houses. All beautifully decorated with fascinating artefacts and traditional tiles and woodwork, the rooms surround a pretty courtyard and take you straight back to the days of the French. |
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SAMODE HAVELI, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN
This is the townhouse of the Samode family lying in the heart of Jaipur. Some of the interior walls boast fabulous frescoes and mirror-work. The large gardens provide peace-ful sanctuary from one of the city’s busiest streets. The huge new swimming pool is magnificent and one of Jaipur’s finest and is a draw in itself.
ROHET GARH, RAJASTHAN
Located 40 minutes south of Jodhpur, this lovely, family run fort is a great favourite for those who prefer to be out of the city and in a rural environment. The family are lovers of the great outdoors and will take you out to visit the local tribal villages and farming communities. There is an excellent swimming pool and the Rajasthani cuisine served here is truly delicious.
KHIMSAR ROYAL CASTLE
KHIMSAR RAJASTHAN
Situated 2 hours east of Jodhpur, on the edge of the Great Thar Desert, this fabulous fort remains the home of the ebullient Royal family who are very much involved in the running of the hotel. It is a large, rambling place with battle scarred walls, wide ramparts, many inner courtyards and a garden surrounding the swimming pool. This desert retreat is ideal for exploring the wilderness either by camel or by jeep, or for visiting the exquisite Nagaur Fort.
SAMODE PALACE, RAJASTHAN
Lying in the Aravalli Hills, 1 hour north of Jaipur, Samode Palace is a magnificent example of Rajput-Mughal architecture and boasts some of the finest frescoes and mirror-work in the state. The swimming pool is fabulous and the surrounding village is lovely to stroll around.
SHIV NIVAS PLACE, UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN
A former Royal guest residence of the Maharana of Udaipur now elegantly restored. This lavish hotel offers 17 exquisite suites with wonderful views across Lake Pichola. An opportunity to relish the lifestyle of the maharajas.
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JAWAHAR NIVAS PALACE,
JAISALMER, RAJASTHAN
This is one of the closest hotels to the fort and was formerly the Maharaja’s residence. It has recently been converted into a small hotel surrounded by landscaped gardens and a swimming pool. The bedrooms are large and well furnished and the thick palace walls ensure that the desert heat does not penetrate. The views up to the fort are superb, especially from the rooftop terrace at dawn and dusk.
MALABAR HOUSE FORT
COCHIN, KERALA
One of Kerala’s only ‘boutique’ hotels, the Malabar House is a fascinating and sophisticated hotel. An inspired mixture of local furniture and antiques, combined with contemporary designs and stunning, vibrant colour schemes, is all housed within a pretty, old Dutch colonial mansion which has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The cuisine and choice of wines is superb, whilst the staff are friendly yet discreet.
NEEMRANA FORT-PALACE RAJASTHAN
Situated on a plateau, just 2 hours from Delhi and en route to Jaipur or Shekhavati, this glorious building is part fort, part palace and sprawls over 10 levels, clinging to the hillside. The suites comprise a mixture of traditional Indian and colonial furniture, together with numerous antiques.The recently added area comprises a stunning rooftop swimming pool, an amphitheatre where music and dance performances are held and a small Ayurvedic spa with 2 treatment rooms.
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