Best Luxury Hotels in India

Previously named India’s ‘Best Luxury Historical Hotel’ at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, this 235 bedroom establishment dates back to the 1930s. Indeed, the design is reflective of the colonial era; ceiling fans, rattan furniture, dark polished wood, black and white prints and staff dressed in red livery are all found within. So too is a spa with a menu of Ayurvedic treatments, a pool, a yoga studio and four restaurants. The Imperial is found in Janpath, just over half a mile from New Delhi’s centre, ideal for business travellers.

If opulent finery is what you’re after, check into The Leela Palace. The clue is in the name – it has a very regal atmosphere, with a breathtaking lobby, huge chandelier-lit public spaces with bespoke, specially commissioned artworks and rooms decorated with oil paintings, heavy drapes, silk textiles, polished dark wood floors, gilt-edged furnishings and large handwoven Persian rugs. Unashamedly five-star in atmosphere, service and facilities, The Leela Palace also features an ESPA spa, a rooftop pool and multiple restaurants serving the likes everything from sushi to pasta and exquisite Indian dishes.

This has often been the hotel of choice for US presidents, having hosted George W Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Excellent security and an indulgent atmosphere make it popular with the world’s glitterati (Chris Martin, Mark Zukerberg, Naomi Campbell, the Duke of Edinburgh and Justin Trudeau have all taken up residence in its suites). ITC Maurya was inspired by Buddhist stupas – its lobby is especially majestic. The artworks in the 438 bedroom property are stunning, the Kaya Kalp Spa is dreamy. The five-star hotel is also home to one of India’s top restaurants: Bukharao where guests eat with their fingers.

Offering some of the largest bedrooms in the city – 461 in total – this suits those staying for a longer period, families, or who enjoy a little more room. It also suits those who enjoy some late-night partying – LaLiT has its own club (with live DJs playing at the weekends) Kitty Su. There are also four excellent restaurants, a spa, an in-house art gallery and an outdoor pool, with luxe loungers. A stay here places guests in the heart of the busy city, as such, it was built upwards to fit, rather than spreading outwards – its height, therefore, affords plenty of excellent views.

The ITC Mughal won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture and is a 2021 Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Hotel. The 233 bedroom hotel is a modern take on an ancient culture – with strong environmental credentials – allowing visitors to steep in local heritage while surrounded by 21st-century mod cons. It has two restaurants: Peshawri and Taj Bano, an outdoor pool, hot tub, the Kaya Kalp Royal Spa and a fitness centre. Bedrooms are traditionally styled, with garden views. Suites have Club Lounge access, while the Grand Presidential Suite comes with its own plunge pool.

Not only can you easily visit the Taj Mahal from this hotel, but you can also see it. The Oberoi Amarvilas affords unobstructed views of the iconic structure, as they lie within the area of protected land around the world wonder (golf carts taxi those staying at the resort to the Taj Mahal’s gate). All rooms get a view of the marble mausoleum and all guests receive attentive butler service. Interiors are decorated with opulent silks, hand-knotted rugs and polished teak furnishings, while outside there’s a huge pool. Those staying here can dine in two restaurants and make use of the spa.

Set beside Arossim Beach in an unspoilt area, this resort stretches across 45 acres of land. Pretty terracotta tiled roofs, wooden balconies and palm trees evoke an east meets west feel. The buildings are joined by lagoons and waterways with mini waterfalls and lush flora. Each of the 252 rooms has their own outdoor space, some with secret gardens and outdoor showers. Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa includes a yoga and meditation space along with treatment rooms. And there are six dining options, including a seaside charcoal grill and an alfresco open kitchen. Children have their own play zone and there’s a host of activities, as well as one of the largest freeform pools (with waterslides) in the country.

On the coast of Vagator, close to Chapora Fort, two beaches and a railway station, is Goa’s JW Marriott, fronted by a lush living wall exterior. The hotel provides extensive facilities for those of all ages; hang out in the JW Family entertainment centre with its virtual reality games, bowling alley and a children’s play area. Or get some adult time at Spa by JW, with a sauna, steam bath and treatments. There are three places to eat on the premises; JW Kitchen, Heliconia and the rooftop Agua Italian restaurant, beside the outdoor infinity pool. Choose to stay in a bedroom, or a suite with a balcony, or a terrace with a private plunge pool.

This resort is found in the south of Goa (Raj Baga, Canacona, to be exact). Boasting its own casino, golf course, helipad and even a yacht, this is one of the largest hotels – certainly in terms of land – within Goa. It has 255 rooms, six dining venues, a kids’ corner, tennis courts, two pools, a holistic spa and a five-star rating. The two-storey LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort is less than two decades old but was remodelled in 2008.

The W brand chose Goa as the location for their first property in India (it’s also the adult-centred brand’s first hotel to have a children’s club). This venue is found on a peaceful hillside above Vagator beach, yet while the setting is deeply relaxing, guests can party it up at the funky chain. Boxy, angular and modern, the building looks like an architectural art installation, or something from a Bond film, while the interior decor takes its cue from the area’s natural beauty and fishing heritage. A Rock Pool (so named as it’s carved out of the hillside) is the place to chill out, so to is its Clarins spa. But you can party at the Woo Bar, dine in its two restaurants and play tennis at the onsite courts.

This lush five-star resort extends to the water’s edge at Bambolim Bay. It has 313 rooms, all with furnished balconies (suites have their own whirlpool too). Dark wood, tiled floors and crisp white bedding create a sophisticated and contemporary Goan aesthetic, along with marble bathrooms. Learn to make the hotel’s signature Italian dishes at The Verandah restaurant’s cookery classes, or eat in one of the other dining concepts: The Dining Room (with five live kitchens), Chulha Indian eatery, the Confeitaria Coffee Bar or a pool grill. Drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at Bay View Lounge, with cocktails and late-night music at Capiz Bar.

Facing onto the expanse of sands that make up Benaulim Beach, the Taj Exotica is surrounded by manicured gardens, tropical flowers and coconut trees. It provides opportunities to get active, with facilities enabling yoga, tennis, swimming, golf, or some relaxation with Ayurvedic therapies at the Jiva Spa. Book a room, garden villa, or pool villa, all of which display a Colonial meets palatial style of decor. There are three restaurants serving Goan seafood, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, two bars and ample facilities to keep children entertained during your stay.