India’s top 30 best resorts and hotels are not just places to stay—they are destinations that tell stories through their architecture. These destinations are masterpieces that merge contemporary design with traditional influences, creating spaces that inspire and awe. These spaces captivate travellers with their unique charm, offering not only luxury but also an immersive experience of India’s architectural diversity. From eco-conscious constructions that respect the environment to opulent havens that echo history, each property invites you to step into a world where design, culture, and comfort come together beautifully. Ready to discover your next escape?
Nestled on a tranquil hillside, Maayaa unfolds as a charming Balinese-inspired haven, seamlessly blending architectural beauty with the embrace of nature. Additionally, this tropical retreat offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiris, with the serene meeting point of the Bhavani and Siruvani rivers adding to its magic. It’s a space where design and nature coexist, creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa stands as a unique retreat, offering a luxurious experience paired with warm, thoughtful hospitality. As Gulmarg’s first luxury resort, it redefines what a getaway can be. With India’s only premium ski holiday, it combines adventure with elegance, setting a new standard for indulgence in the Himalayas.
The goal of this Wellness Retreat project was to create spaces that blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Nestled between the towering Sahyadri mountains and the calm Gautami Godavari dam, the site feels vibrant. Moreover, the patchwork of farmlands, dotted with trees and grazing animals, adds to its rustic charm.
Rzekka Resort is a tranquil retreat, nestled between two canals and surrounded by the lush farms of Punjab. Its design captures a unique blend of simplicity and elegance, with subtle details that speak to refined taste. Unlike typical resort settings, the concept focuses on creating an open, expansive space that evokes the feel of a beachside retreat, offering a true oasis of luxury and tranquility.
Raffles Jaipur effortlessly blends the past with the present. It transports you to another era, yet a vibrant, contemporary energy—distinctly Jaipur—flows throughout the space. This perfect balance makes it an ideal destination for today’s traveler.
Set amidst a serene coconut farm, our 25-room luxury villa resort offers a perfect blend of modern minimalism and tropical charm. The design focuses on maximizing natural light and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable environment. This retreat provides a peaceful escape that effortlessly connects with nature.
Located in Panchalimedu, Idukki, near the historic pond where Panchali bathed, the resort’s design overcame challenges like steep terrain, budget constraints, and harsh weather. The result is a blend of serene, sensory spaces with a chic, ethnic style, featuring raised paths for easy movement through the landscape.
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. At Evolve Back, Hampi, we’ve drawn inspiration from the rich design traditions of that era to recreate its majestic beauty. Our space reflects the timeless elegance that once defined this glorious kingdom.
In the heart of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Lotus and Praxis Inc. collaborated to create ‘Raas Jodhpur,’ a 39-room boutique hotel at the base of Mehrangarh Fort. This 1.5-acre property, which won the 2011 World Architecture Festival’s ‘Holiday Building of the Year,’ features three restored 18th-century buildings. Using lime mortar, Jodhpur sandstone, and the craftsmanship of 100 artisans, the restoration preserves the city’s rich history while offering a unique tactile experience.
Kondan Resort goes beyond offering modern amenities by considering its social, regional, and environmental context. Half of its 30-acre property is developed, with just 16% for resort facilities. Ten percent is for rainwater harvesting and power generation, while 23% is reserved for reforestation. Inspired by traditional architecture, the design features walls that separate private and public spaces, creating areas for socio-economic activities, much like historic citadels.
The hotel sits on a gentle 9-meter slope, with its entrance on the north. In India’s wine region, the northern side offers views of a river, dam, and hills, while the south rises into nearby hills.
When Six Senses revealed plans for its first luxury resort in India, expectations were high. Set in a historic 14th-century fort, the resort blends heritage with modern luxury, featuring 48 suites, 3 restaurants, and a massive 30,000 sq ft spa. At a time when heritage hospitality is thriving, this opening felt perfectly timed. Our visit to Six Senses Fort Barwara gave us a deeper understanding of how global luxury hospitality can harmonize with India’s rich architectural heritage.
Nestled on the edge of the renowned Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, Jagira “The Jungle Resort” is a luxurious retreat designed by MAATRA Architects. Surrounded by lush greenery and inspired by the natural beauty of the forest, the resort offers a peaceful escape from city life. Its contemporary architecture, timeless interiors, and modern furnishings make it a standout destination for a relaxing getaway.
Nestled in the heart of Jaipur, Sawai Man Mahal is a new hospitality gem set on a sprawling 47-acre estate, home to the renowned Rambagh Palace. Originally built in 1835, the palace has transformed over time, from a simple house to a hunting lodge, and eventually became the residence of Jaipur’s royal family. Prince Sawai Man Singh II envisioned this space as the first palace hotel in India, blending Rajputana hospitality with modern luxury. Today, Rambagh Palace stands as a symbol of Rajasthan’s royal heritage, offering an exceptional experience with world-class services.
Nestled in the heart of Bandipur’s wilderness, our log huts offer a serene escape. The deep umber of the wood contrasts beautifully with soft, natural fabrics. A gentle, glowing light wraps you in the comforting embrace of nature’s warmth.
The Indian Himalayas, with their towering peaks and the sacred Ganges flowing through, offer a landscape that dwarfs any human creation. For the Taj Rishikesh hotel, we embraced the humility of the surroundings, allowing the grandeur of the place to shape our design approach.
Gir Vihar, located on the edge of the Gir Lion Sanctuary, is home to 20 cottages designed by Himanshu Patel of the “d6thD” design studio. The design is deeply rooted in vernacular architecture, reflecting the local context and natural surroundings.
Bodhgaya is where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. His impact on the region sparked the creation of remarkable Buddhist monuments and institutions. The local skill in brickmaking gave rise to a unique architectural style, featuring corbeled arches and brick vaults.
Waghoba Ecolodge is a resort located near the forest buffer of Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, India. It caters to wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. The project involved creating a 16-cottage resort with responsible tourism at its core. The developers aimed to restore the land, once cultivated, to its original state as a deciduous forest. This effort required landscaping interventions to boost biodiversity. By conducting a biodiversity survey, local plants and animals were identified, guiding the restoration process.
The cascading waterfalls, ancient Buddhist temples, and steep mountain trails of Karjat always captivated urban explorers. With her sharp business sense, fresh outlook, and deep understanding of staycation trends, Aaliya Ahuja dreamed of creating a serene retreat on her family’s estate, Oleander Farms.
The site of the lodge, once a completely barren tract of land, void of trees, shrubs, wildlife and buildings, was formerly a working farm. The architectural narrative for the lodge had to be crafted by looking beyond the site’s borders rather than within them, to the neighbouring villages.
Nestled in the serene embrace of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is often called the spiritual heart of India. Just a stone’s throw from the yoga capital of the world lies The Westin Resort and Spa, spanning 12 acres of untouched beauty. This newly opened haven, part of Marriott Bonvoy, blends luxury with nature. It offers a perfect retreat for wellness, renewal, and tranquil escapes from the chaos of daily life.
Treehouse hotels are becoming a popular escape from the chaos of city life. They offer a fresh way to connect with nature while promoting a slower, more mindful pace. These unique retreats aren’t just admired for their charm and creativity—they’re also a greener alternative to traditional hotels. Perfect for those seeking solitude and a touch of adventure, they blend sustainability with a one-of-a-kind experience.
Escape the chaos of daily life and step into the serene embrace of nature with a stay at one of India’s luxurious jungle retreats. Nestled deep within lush forests, these stays blend comfort with the untamed beauty of the wild, offering a truly immersive experience. From the tiger trails of Ranthambore to the tranquil landscapes of Uttarakhand, India boasts a treasure trove of opulent getaways. Perfect for unwinding or embarking on thrilling safaris, these retreats promise a soothing escape into nature’s heart.
Sunyata Eco Hotel showcases how an urban building on a compact site can embrace sustainability without compromise. Its eco-friendly approach goes beyond materials and techniques, touching every aspect of construction and daily operations. Designed as a boutique hotel, it balances aesthetics, comfort, and luxury with environmental responsibility. The goal was clear: create an exceptional guest experience with the smallest possible carbon footprint.
Nestled by the serene Pawana Lake in Tungi, the Club Mahindra resort stretches across 42 acres of lush greenery. The space is thoughtfully divided into distinct zones, each serving a purpose—Lounge, Restaurant, Spa, Holiday Activity, and cozy hotel and cottage blocks.
Collaborating with the Institute of Village Sciences in Wardha, just 80 km away, the architects explored sustainable construction methods. Rather than bringing in outside labor, they trained local villagers in rammed earth techniques and stone masonry. For the vaulted roofs, they used terracotta tiles crafted by nearby potters, fostering community involvement and low-impact building.
This project blends a spa and wellness center into the hotel while respecting forest bylaws. Existing barns became a spa, and a rock-carved pool was added. Natural, biodegradable materials ensured zero waste and a low carbon footprint.
These India’s top 30 best resorts and hotels redefine the essence of architecture, hospitality, and luxury. Each property is a harmonious blend of form and function, offering a unique experience that goes beyond aesthetics. The seamless integration of local craftsmanship, innovative design, and sustainable practices makes these hotels and resorts more than just places to stay—they are living works of art. Let this guide inspire your next journey to explore spaces where architecture and travel meet in perfect harmony.
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Mr. Rajesh Vadgama reached out to Ar. Jay Thakkar through a mutual acquaintance after purchasing a residential plot. Following an initial meeting and several site visits, a concept for a compact yet luxurious Luxury House was developed. The final design featured an expansive, well-planned layout with a spacious living room, a double-height dining area that […]
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This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]