Best Wellness Hotels in India

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.

When you want to stay in a top class hotel that feels like a throwback to the ancient dynasties of India, the ITC Maratha is the most obvious choice. From all the options listed here, this is likely the building with most historical significance and the grandest scale. Everything about this place screams “high class luxury”, and you cannot help but to feel like a prestigious ruler when you are spending time here. If you want to be pampered and enjoy the finest available Indian hospitality, this is the right place to stay.

Found in the Alipore district, this landmark building was designed by lauded architect Bob Fox. Rooms here are grand yet understated, created to be peaceful cocoons, with soundproofing, classic wood furnishings and the highest-quality cream and gold fabrics. There are eight venues in which to eat and drink, serving Chinese, Lebanese, Middle-Eastern, European and Italian food, as well as patisserie and grilled seafood. Recline beside the pool to the sounds of live music, peruse the priceless artworks on show, marvel at the five-storey stone and marble atrium, shop Indian handicrafts and unwind in the spa – all within the Taj Bengal.

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.

A majestic colonial-style landmark on the city’s coastline, The Leela Palace occupies 4.8 acres of shoreline. Inside are award-winning Chinese and Indian restaurants, an international buffet, elegant high-teas served in a seaview lounge, an old-world cigar bar offering cocktails and caviar and a French-inspired patisserie/chocolatier shop. A carefully curated art collection can be viewed throughout the property and the hotel has its own ensemble of musicians taking guests on a voyage of Carnatic music. 326 rooms and suites spread across 11 floors are suitably grand, as are the spa and the pool areas.

The epitome of luxury, the Leela Palace is a magnificent and enormous pink sandstone castle set within nine acres of continuously maintained gardens (you’ll spot a tribe of landscapers constantly at work among its coconut-producing palms). Everything here delivers on a grand scale; from the 50-foot pool to the cathedral-like candles and floral displays, extravagant lobster-abundant seafood nights and a club lounge with separate cigar, champagne and billiard rooms. Service is exemplary (among the best you’ll find anywhere). And there are four restaurants, a spa and a kids’ pool onsite.

If you’re spending time in Mumbai as a relaxed tourist and you just want to immerse in the local experience, then you will appreciate the St. Regis. Located right in the heart of the touristic area of Mumbai, this modern building offers convenient proximity to all the relevant attractions. When you stay here, you’ll be strategically located in an area full of nightclubs, entertainment centres, shopping avenues and wellness areas.

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 18th-century property used to be called home by prime ministers, before being carefully restored by the Taj Group. The main building has 102 bedrooms and is surrounded by 18 acres of beautiful Mughal gardens; within the manicured grounds is a large outdoor solar-heated swimming pool. Romantic private dining can be arranged, or guests can eat Royal Indian cuisine at Cinnamon, Italian food at Giardino and international dishes at Marble Arch. After dinner, the Marigold Bar is a sophisticated spot to enjoy a single malt and a cigar. The Jai Mahal Palace is in Civil Lines, close to the city’s shops and restaurants.

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.

Are you looking for a conveniently located and spacious hotel that is nested in a vast area of gardens and natural landscapes? Then you want to consider the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, which is located right between the Mumbai airport and the business district – making it a typical choice for business people on the move. Despite its central location, this hotel boasts of an impressive 12 acres of surrounding greenery which provides a wonderful respite from the bustling cityscape around it.

Designed by internationally renowned Khun Lek Bunnag, this unusual building was inspired by the five elements of Hindu philosophy (air, water, fire, earth and sky). Full of high tech gadgetry, everything in the bedrooms – like lighting and curtains – is controlled from an iPad. It has the longest swimming pool in town (108 metres long) and is surrounded by gardens, creating a cocoon of serenity. These include an area for growing the produce that’s served in the restaurants – the hotel also has cows and a mini fruit orchard. Guests can dine on Chinese food at Chi Ni or international cuisine at Kiyan.